General Overview

The Director of Automation (DA) will oversee the automation engineering needs across CTDI Europe. This includes leading a world class group of talented engineers, the design and development of innovative automation solutions for cost reduction, quality, and delivery improvements. The DA will take the lead on understanding the branch by branch automation solutions in place and working with the divisions to identify suitable targeted areas of the business performing technology assessments, strategic planning, and budgeting as part of a transformational organisation that will drive initiatives from inception to implementation. The DA partners closely with functions such as manufacturing suppliers, operations, division engineering, new product introduction, quality control, etc. to provide continuous and reliable automation support for troubleshooting and process optimization. The DA supports and oversees complex projects, involving the planning, design, reconfiguration, optimization, or implementation of process automation, building automation, instruments, and controls systems. The role owner manages plans/designs/review processes including automation systems or component evaluation, tests, and approvals. The DA helps to determine vendor and contractor evaluation criteria and has a say in the selection process and accountability for results and outcome. The DA develops and manages multiple projects and hires and directs technical staff to perform required services. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities

  •         Work with the Divisions to set priority focus areas for project consideration
  •         Work with the global automation team on standards and solutions ensuring the global approach to process automation is represented within CTDI Europe and European ideas and solutions are taken back to the global teams
  •         Plan and direct project activities with significant business impact with the accountability for successful completion of all project deliverables to the business and develop project plans and schedule, scope, and quality objectives
  •         Work with CTDI Europe leadership in developing automation concepts to help in key operational areas of a branch, and to assist in the design and development of concepts to help secure future business
  •         Lead in identifying risk, developing mitigation strategies, alternative solutions, resolving issues, etc. in collaboration with cross functional groups 
  •         Provide senior-level advanced technical oversight to the Automation team
  •      Apply advanced technical knowledge to advise project teams and senior management with respect to planning, design, and technical implementation
  •         Develop and support a high performing Automation engineering organization with accountability for Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Engagement, Training, Safety, and Career Development 
  •         Manage the function's responsibilities
  •      Coach, mentor, lead and manage departmental employees

 

Required Qualifications and Skills

  •         Experience in the material handling industry with a focus on the latest automation technologies in the industry
  •      Able to lead data analysis efforts to drive to the correct equipment/automation solution
  •      Understanding of Distribution Centre operations and how to apply material handling automation
  •         Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, etc.), Computer Science, Robotics or a comparable technical degree (advanced degree preferred)
  •         Min 7-10 years of related experience in the consulting, engineering and automation field
  •         Experience in Process Automation, Building Automation, Automation Systems Architecture, Cost estimating and controls, Project Management
  •         Demonstrated track record in management of technical and/or engineering disciplines 
  •         Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal   
  •         Able to produce designs using CAD (AutoCAD) or other means in a way to communicate the design ideas
  •         Ability to use Microsoft office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Projects) 
  •         Understanding of simulation tools
  •         Operations analysis ability and understanding of how to interpolate data to produce a design
Christina Becht HR Business Partner