PURPOSE:
The Director of Automation and Facility Integration will have primary responsibility for delivering all exclusion work such as construction and site improvements in support of automation installations. This will include facilitation and execution of permits, sourcing and negotiation for site improvement contractors including electrical, fire suppression, concrete and other construction related trades, and management of the execution of this work. The Director will provide budgetary inputs during the intake and planning for new automation projects, assisting in the build out of project justification. The role with work closely with the automation team, automation solution providers and their sub-contractors, as well as internal cross-functional partners such as the construction team, facility maintenance, network operations, regional and local operations leadership to coordinate necessary work, minimizing disruption to existing operations while achieving milestones and timelines supporting automation installations. The Director will ensure that all safety and quality protocols are upheld to world-class standards, and audit work during and after completion. This role will provide oversight on multiple projects concurrently, managing capital expenditures and operational expenses for one of UNFI’s largest transformational investments and work streams. The Director will create requirements and specifications for work, organize and solicit proposals from multiple trade suppliers, assess bids, and award and negotiate contracts. The ability to influence across groups and leading large teams while building strong relationships will be key to delivering a world class automation experience.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Job Responsibilities
- Provide input during intake of new projects, contributing as the key stakeholder regarding the contractual and budgetary inputs for exclusion or construction work owned by UNFI. These inputs will feed into the vendor contracts and project justification, including cost analysis and savings identification.
- Manage all aspects of automation focused construction activity necessary for project implementation to deliver on-time and on-budget results. This will include establishing specifications and requirements for site improvements, working with multiple third-party providers to solicit quotes, assess vendors, and award contracts to vendors.
- Provide project oversight and vendor management to selected construction trade vendors during site improvement work. This will include managing timelines and milestones, overseeing installation and work to spec, managing payment milestones, and all aspects of permitting through inspection as needed. Work must meet UNFI safety standards.
- Effectively lead and organize across cross-functional teams in support of automation team needs, including construction, IT, facilities, local site and regional operations, transportation and others as needed
- Coordination of building readiness through vendor installation, supporting required change orders and adjustments identified during install and testing. Provide guidance and oversight to Automation Managers during vendor installation, testing and launch of systems.
- Act as liaison to internal and third-party facilities and maintenance partners, providing input and guidance with maintenance practices, spare parts inventory and run-state ownership of automation systems. Identify opportunities for enhancements and life-cycle management of automation solutions.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education/ Certifications/or Equivalent combination of education training and experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, construction, supply chain or related field, or equivalent work experience
Experience:
- 5+ years of experience in distribution operations including mechanization and/or automated environments
- 5+ years of experience with facility maintenance or construction trades
- 3+ year of experience with project management preferred
- Knowledge of PMP or standard project delivery methodology a plus
- Demonstrated success implementing warehouse automation and control systems, and managing third party vendors
- Technical expertise related to commercial construction trades, facility maintenance, mechanical engineering, and automated material handling
- Ownership of key account relationships, overseeing capital investments exceeding $25 million
Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities:
- Knowledge of supply chain and controls systems, including but not limited to Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehouse Controls Systems (WCS), Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), and other related technological systems
- Successful background with distribution operations processes including mechanization and automation technology
- Progressive experience overseeing large scale construction projects, including greenfield new construction, brownfield site improvements, and tenant improvement contract work
- Demonstrated skill and knowledge with the integration and installation of automated and mechanized technologies, including integration to WMS, WCS, CMMS, and other warehouse technologies
- Proficient knowledge of multiple construction trades, including fire suppression systems, commercial electrical, pneumatic compressed air supply, reinforced concrete and structural building work. Ability to understand drawings and communicate effectively with third-party providers regarding the above trades
- Knowledge of building and facility maintenance practices including automation systems
- Background with building construction permit processes, municipal and government codes, inspection and compliance, including fire suppression, pneumatics, and electrical. Able to effectively navigate officials within each trade and agency
- Proven ability to effectively manage third-party relationships, driving accountability and delivering results. Experience with vendor selection, negotiation, contract writing, and on-going management a plus
- Experience creating business case models, budgeting and payment terminology; understanding of financial/accounting principles and operational budgeting
- Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Word, Project, PowerPoint, AutoCAD and BI software platforms
- Excellent interpersonal and communications skills; ability to communicate at all levels of an organization
- Ability to lead, collaborate and influence others across multiple cross-functional teams with varied backgrounds and experiences
- Strong problem-solving skills; ability to analyze and draw conclusions from data and experience
- Proven competency utilizing innovative thinking, thought diversity, experience and problem-solving methodology to navigate change, obstacles, and achieve desired outcomes
- Relationship builder, able to establish strong partnerships, both internally as well as with third-party entities
- Ability to multi-task, manage priorities, adhere to timelines while delivering high-quality results that deliver on automation needs; takes initiative to set and achieve goals and objectives
- Strong drive and self-starter; well organized
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/ DEMANDS:
- Travel within the US required >75%
- Occasional travel outside of the US if needed
- Work is performed in a variety of Distribution Center or industrial warehouse environments
- Some work will be performed in a temperature-controlled office environment
- Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at desk or computer terminal
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk within a distribution center; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
- While performing this work, Incumbent may sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The role requires the use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment in the course of normal workday
- Exposed to temperatures ranging from -20 degrees below zero to 35 degrees Fahrenheit in perishable operation and 37 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in grocery operation
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Additional Information
- Company Name: United Natural Foods Inc.
- Additional Locations: United States of America
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Indicator: Remote
Compensation
- Pay Range: $114300.00 – $220500.00 Annually ($54.95 – $106.01 Hourly)
- Other Compensation: Long Term Incentive and Bonus Eligible