Senior Manager, Automation

Role overview

This position sits within a multi-year program to upgrade and modernize a network of 19 manufacturing sites. The main focus is to evolve dry-part platform solutions so they better match market needs and new operating approaches within CPS. The Automation Manager will partner with the CPS global platform team, site teams, and system integrators to create and roll out innovative automation solutions for dry-part equipment, aligned with CPS automation standards and guidance.

In the near term, the role will concentrate heavily on the Japan greenfield program, where many new automation solutions need to be designed. Over time, the successful candidate will also help validate and expand those solutions across other CPS sites. The role reports to the Sr. Director, CPS Automation and works closely with CPS central functions, site automation and engineering teams, and outside technical service providers.

As part of the automation COE, the role will collaborate with the automation director and other COE colleagues to assess emerging automation technologies, exchange best practices, improve standardization across CPS plants, and provide technical direction and support for regional global initiatives. A key expectation is ensuring projects stay aligned with the global automation strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Drive the implementation of automation system standards and guidelines with external suppliers and internal CPS teams, covering areas such as instrumentation, electrical safety, PLCs, HMIs, and related auxiliary automation solutions in the manufacturing environment.
• Take ownership of consolidating user specifications with site stakeholders and ensure suppliers design and deliver systems that meet those requirements.
• Plan and carry out software and hardware FATs, SATs, IQ, OQ, and PQ activities to verify that automation systems perform to specification.
• Support equipment start-up at site level and refine specifications using lessons learned from commissioning, as well as improvements offered by suppliers or the wider industry.
• Keep technical knowledge current through workshops and professional reading, while consistently following safety procedures and workplace rules.

Qualifications and experience

• A degree in engineering is required, with Electrical or Electrical and Electronics Engineering preferred.
• 5 to 7 years of experience in automation or digitalization within a manufacturing setting, including design work, vendor coordination, FAT/SAT execution, system validation, and start-up support.
• Proven experience managing global projects, along with familiarity with change management concepts, methods, and tools.
• Strong software knowledge of PLCs, with Rockwell preferred, and HMIs, with Ignition preferred, plus practical exposure to production line integration and broader digital system integration such as WCS, MES, and OEESPC.
• Solid hardware understanding of machine electrical safety standards, control panel design, equipment connectivity protocols, robotics, drives, vision systems, and related technologies.
• Basic awareness of OT cybersecurity requirements and network segmentation.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and a creative mindset with a clear interest in improving and digitizing work processes.
• Excellent project management, planning, and organization abilities, with the flexibility to deliver in changing environments while meeting deadlines.
• Strong influence, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated capability to lead teams and achieve results in a matrix organization.

Travel and location details

The role requires 25% to 50% travel, including trips within Japan and internationally. Travel will include supplier visits for design reviews and factory acceptance testing, as well as visits to other CPS factories for benchmarking. The position also involves travel to greenfield sites for design reviews and extended stays during construction, commissioning, and stabilization phases. The job location is Shiga, Japan. Relocation is not provided.

Reporting structure

This role reports to the Sr. Director, Automation.

Purpose and culture

The organization is committed to building an inclusive workplace rooted in its purpose to refresh the world and make a difference. It emphasizes a growth mindset, continuous learning, and four behaviors that guide how work gets done: curiosity, empowerment, inclusiveness, and agility. The company values both the way work is done and the results achieved.

Additional information

The annual incentive reference value percentage for this role is 15%. This reference value is market-based and represents a mid-point target level of performance.

Job posting end date: July 16, 2026.