Global Automation Manager

The Global Automation Manager is responsible for defining, deploying, and scaling manufacturing automation solutions across all global Power Solutions manufacturing sites, with a strong focus on cable assembly operations.

This role leads global and site-based automation teams, owns the automation deployment strategy, and ensures consistent execution, replication, and sustained results across regions. The position is a key enabler of productivity, quality, cost reduction, and labor flexibility across the global footprint.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and execute the global automation roadmap aligned with volume ramps, labor strategy, quality, and cost objectives.
• Establish a global automation governance model, including project intake, prioritization, and funding aligned to ROI.
• Define and enforce global standards for automation platforms, controls architecture, vision systems, and safety.
• Lead and develop global automation resources, including:
• Site‑based automation and manufacturing engineering teams (direct and dotted‑line)
• Define roles, responsibilities, and skill requirements for site automation teams.
• Drive capability building through training, mentoring, and best‑practice sharing across sites.
• Ensure strong execution discipline and accountability across regions.

Automation Deployment & Execution

• Lead multi‑site automation programs from concept and business case through design, industrialization, FAT/SAT, validation, and production ramp.
• Ensure on‑time, on‑cost, and on‑performance deployment of automation projects globally.
• Drive structured hand‑off to site teams for ownership, sustainment, and continuous improvement.

Cable Assembly Automation Focus

• Automation of cutting, stripping, crimping, ultrasonic/resistance welding, cable handling, and assembly.
• Deployment of vision‑based inspection, automated testing, traceability, and packing solutions.
• Partner with Quality and Operations to reduce defect rates, labor dependency, and process variation.
• Drive copy‑exact replication of proven automation solutions across multiple sites and regions.
• Establish global documentation standards (URS, FAT protocols, validation, training materials).
• Build a global library of approved automation solutions and machine suppliers.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, EHS, Finance, and IT.
• Support new product introductions (NPI) with automation‑ready process designs.
• Present automation progress, risks, and ROI impact to senior leadership.

Key Success Metrics

• Automation ROI and capital efficiency
• Labor productivity and headcount avoidance
• First‑pass yield and quality improvements
• Speed and consistency of global deployments
• Sustainability and site ownership of deployed solutions

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, or similar)
• 10+ years' experience in manufacturing automation, preferably in cable assembly or electromechanical manufacturing
• Proven experience leading global or multi‑site technical teams
• Strong hands‑on understanding of automation equipment, controls, vision systems, and validation
• Demonstrated ability to scale solutions across multiple factories
• Comfortable operating in a global, matrixed organization