VP Automation & Robotics Engineering

Role overview Lead the strategy and delivery of automation, robotics, and applied AI across a global supply chain production network. The role oversees the full lifecycle of automated systems—from research and design through deployment and transfer to site operations—and builds the engineering team and site capabilities needed to expand that work.

Responsibilities - Set and execute a multi-year roadmap for robotics, automation, and AI across production sites, including new facilities. - Lead and grow a cross-functional team of engineers, technicians, and project managers across multiple locations. - Own technical delivery across hardware and software, coordinating with operations, maintenance, IT, and external providers. - Establish vendor contracts, service targets, and performance reporting for system uptime, throughput, and quality. - Ensure processes are simplified and stable before automation projects proceed; partner with operations and continuous improvement teams on readiness. - Apply machine vision, AI grading, predictive maintenance, robotic sorting, and process control to repair and remanufacturing workflows. - Connect automated execution with shared operational data so outcomes can inform forecasting, grading, and routing decisions. - Build investment cases for capital projects, track site performance, and develop the technical talent pipeline.

Requirements - At least 10 years of leadership experience in automation, robotics, or process engineering. - Experience scaling automation across multiple production or manufacturing sites, including hands-on deployment in high-volume environments. - Background managing automation vendors, contracts, service levels, and performance. - Experience improving processes before automating them and taking AI or machine learning capabilities from pilot to sustained production. - Technical knowledge of industrial automation, robotics, machine vision, reliability practices, and hardware and software integration. - Strong financial judgment, cross-site leadership, and communication skills, including presenting investment cases and results to senior leaders. - Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

Benefits and work setup Regular travel to international operations and production sites is required.