Sr Manager, Automation

Job Overview :

The Sr. Manager of Distribution Automation will be directly responsible for delivering operational sustainability and full life cycle management of automation solutions across the network. This role provides end-to-end ownership of automation systems, offering strategic direction in continuous improvement, planning, analysis, solution sizing, and design phases. The Sr. Manager will lead and oversee both process and project management initiatives, ensuring successful implementation, delivery, and long-term performance of automation investments. This position will manage automation projects valued at up to $75M+ in capital investment, often overseeing multiple initiatives concurrently.

The Sr. Manager will coordinate and direct work across national, regional, and local operational teams, while also providing strategic leadership to third-party partners. Success in this role requires the ability to influence across diverse stakeholder groups, lead large cross-functional teams, and build strong collaborative relationships to deliver a world-class automation experience that meets or exceeds all established objectives and KPIs.

Job Responsibilities :

Core Responsibilities

• Responsible for total life ownership for all automation and mechanization solutions, including planned life-cycle management, run-state performance and continuous improvement, and system optimization
• Ensure all project goals and measured KPI's are met, including safety and quality
• Create sustainable and repeatable automation solutions through the development of installation and quality standards, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documentation, user training and maintenance manuals, vendor KPIs and requirements, and other documents as needed
• Provide project oversight and vendor management to automation vendors during project execution. This will include managing timelines and milestones, overseeing installation, functional and technical integration, commissioning and testing, and operational training and launch support, and run-state guidance to drive performance
• Effectively lead and organize other cross-functional teams in support of automation team needs, including IT, finance, solutions design, local site and regional operations, transportation and others as needed

Additional Responsibilities

Job Requirements :

Education / Certifications :

Experience :

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Work Environment : Remote Role :

This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel (major) :

Travel is required up to 75% for this position.

Physical Environment / Demands :

Office Roles :

Warehouse Roles :

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and / or location.