Senior Director – Warehouse Automation

Location: Germany

* Leads and manages the team including performance management, coaching, and escalation of heightened systems issues
* Assists and supports company with support of new and existing warehouse automation systems (including but not limited to conveyor, sortation, automated picking, automated packing, etc.)
* Leads corporate and/or division MHE enhancement projects with evaluations, cost saving initiatives, estimates, budget tracking, purchase order management, designs, implementations plans, coding, messaging, MHE Vendor Support, testing, training, documentation, delivery / deployment for project software/systems/hardware/equipment and project close out
* Supports local distribution operations and maintenance leadership teams with superior internal customer service by driving automation projects and support objectives including timely execution, high-quality standards, on-budget implementation and effective performance management by collaborating with all project contributors and stakeholders
* Identifies, evaluates, recommends and implements new software or tools to enable higher utilization and efficiency of the automated material handling systems
* Acts as enterprise leader in the search, identification, justification, design, implementation and execution of new warehouse automation solutions that will provide tangible operational benefit
* Monitors and manages end of life for MHE network, software and controls equipment and systems
* Establishes, documents, communicates and deploys MHE solution providers technical configuration standards for project software, systems and hardware
* Has key MHE system contact responsibilities with IT, warehouse systems team, maintenance leadership, division personnel, project teams and vendor accounts
* Leads and promotes change management processes
* Assists in developing and/or managing vendor contracts and negotiations associated with MHE software/system/hardware/equipment.
* Assumes primary system project lead role for division enhancements, MHE software/system/hardware/equipment implementations, upgrades, including developing cut-over plans, conversion utilities and test plans
* Keeps all project and management personnel updated in a timely manner with accurate project and task information
* Assumes a lead role in maintenance and management of various MHE vendor systems and training environments for the project software/systems/hardware
* Architects and leads other systems solutions projects for new and existing systems as business needs arise
* Develops maintenance and operator training as needed to supplement vendor supplied training
* Develops tools to improve the management of MHE project software/systems/hardware production, test, troubleshooting and training systems
* Develops highly effective internal automation support systems (audits, hotline, etc) including tracking of issues and resolutions as well as knowledge database in collaboration with corporate maintenance leadership
* Assists the project teams and managers with implementations, design, functional specifications, leading support teams, training, trouble-shooting production issues/questions
* Coordinates and leads efforts with corporate, IT, WSOs, division personnel and project teams when software/system/hardware/equipment projects require upgrades and/or replacement
* Interacts with all levels of personnel, from new associates to executive management and support personnel and identifies and evaluates opportunities to expand scope and responsibilities of the team
* Participates with senior management in long and short-term strategic planning
* Manages vendor, division and other stakeholder questions, complaints, and expectations
* Training in fields such as project management, business administration, accounting, computer sciences, engineering or similar vocations obtained through completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree program (Master’s degree preferred)
* A minimum of ten (10) years directly related and progressively responsible experience leading projects and teams, trouble-shooting, designing, building, testing and deploying software/system/hardware/equipment solutions.
* Previous experience with…