Warehouse Automation Specialist

Hilton Foods Group; Brantford; On-site; CAD 43,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Hilton Foods Canada is seeking a Warehouse Automation Specialist to maintain inventory integrity and system functionality across automated and manual operations in a cold-storage meat packaging facility.

You will act as a floor-based key-user for WCS/ERP, provide on-site coverage in a 24/7 rotation, and collaborate with IT, engineers and suppliers to diagnose issues and sustain continuous improvement in a temperature-controlled environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in inventory control or warehouse systems or related roles.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Experience with WCS/ERP and automated warehouse technologies.
• Ability to work rotating 24/7 shifts in a cold environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain alignment between physical inventory and ERP/WCS records.
• Act as a floor-based SME for WCS/ERP and automation equipment.
• Support cycle counts, stock reconciliation, and accuracy across automated and manual zones.
• Triage system exceptions and coordinate with IT, engineering or suppliers.
• Ensure food safety, HACCP compliance, and traceability in cold storage.

Skills

Inventory control

WCS/ERP

Automation systems

On-site support

Tools

WCS/ERP systems

ASRS

Robotics

Job description

Job Title: Warehouse Automation Specialist Salary Range: CAD$43,228:00 – CAD$54:000:00 Working Type: On-Site

The Warehouse Automation Specialist is responsible for maintaining inventory integrity, system functionality and operational continuity across automated and manual warehouse operations within a cold-storage meat packaging operation.

The role safeguards product availability, food safety compliance, and data integrity by driving disciplined use of WCS/ERP/automated systems, maintaining high inventory accuracy, and supporting continuous improvement across inventory, systems, and operational processes in a temperature-controlled, highly regulated environment.

The role is a hands‑on, floor-based key‑user and first‑line systems support position, providing on‑site coverage with one specialist per shift as part of a 24/7 rotation. Working within Logistics Operations, the Specialist coordinates with operational, IT, engineers and external suppliers to diagnose issues, support recovery and escal target duration.

This role is at the heart of driving our business capability and building a fantastic environment for all our colleagues.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Regulatory, Safety & Quality Compliance

• Follow approved safety, access and intervention procedures when supporting automated equipment, including restricted areas, isolation requirements and escalation of unsafe conditions.
• Ensure all products meet safety, legal, and quality standards.
• Ensure inventory processes support food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance (e.g., HACCP, CFIA, GMPs)
• Maintain traceability and readiness for mock recalls, audits, and inspections
• Monitor adherence to cold chain requirements, ensuring product integrity during storage and handling
• Ensure correct segregation and documentation of held, rejected, recalled, or expired product
• Support sanitation, allergen control, and biosecurity procedures as they relate to inventory and storage zones

Inventory Accuracy & Stock Control

• Maintain alignment between physical inventory and ERP/WCS stock records across automated and manual warehouse areas. Maintain high levels of inventory accuracy and product availability to support production and customer service requirements
• Coordinate and execute cycle counting programs, physical inventories, and reconciliation activities, ensuring alignment between system records and physical stock
• Provide guidance and oversight to operators conducting manual stock counts, verify count quality and investigate discrepancies; direct people-management responsibilities, if any, remain subject to the agreed team structure.
• Accurately control raw materials, packaging materials, finished goods, and returnable assets (e.g., pallets, crates, bins)
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies within defined timeframes, identifying trends and recurring issues
• Investigate shortages, incorrect supply, stock discrepancies and service‑level issues affecting production or external customers, coordinating follow-up with relevant teams.
• Manage authorized stock blocking, release, adjustments and inventory exception transactions, escalating decisions outside defined permissions.
• Ensure correct handling of lot control, batch integrity, expiry dates, FIFO/FEFO, and segregation of non‑conforming or quarantined stock
• Support inventory control activities in a cold and frozen environment, ensuring compliance with product and temperature requirements

Systems, Data Integrity & Process Control

• Ensure accurate, timely, and efficient handling and tracking of goods.
• Act as a key user for the WCS/ERP, ensuring accurate and consistent system usage across all warehouse and packaging activities
• Provide proactive on‑floor support across inbound handling, ASRS, robotic palletizing, conveyors, production supply, outbound dispatch and crate washing operations.
• Triage operational and automation system exceptions, carry out first‑line diagnosis and approved recovery actions, and coordinate escalation to IT, engineering or supplier service desks when required.
• Investigate ASRS bin/aisle exceptions; coordinate physical checks and rework with operators, and block or unblock affected locations only when authorized and safe.
• Identify inbound load‑carrier and product‑handling non‑conformances; support controlled recovery or reintroduction of rejected or problematic pallets, crates and other load carriers using approved procedures and access levels.
• Perform detailed system analysis, including transaction reviews, audit trails, and log analysis to detect errors, gaps, or misuse
• Learn to interpret functional and interface specifications, API/interface logs and diagnostic data across ERP, WCS and lower‑level automation controls, to assess probable causes and constructively challenge supplier findings.
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for system and inventory issues, coordinating corrective and preventive actions with the relevant technical and operational owners
• Support system enhancements, master data accuracy, and process standardization in collaboration with the technical manager, IT, Engineers and external suppliers

Reporting, Training and Communication

• Support smooth operations through effective communication, decision‑making, and documentation.
• Produce accurate daily, weekly, and monthly inventory and KPI reports, highlighting trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
• Monitor and report on inventory KPIs, including accuracy, stock losses, adjustments, and service level performance
• Train and support end users on correct system and inventory processes, acting as a subject matter expert (SME)
• Maintain and improve training documentation and training matrices; support end‑user coaching and competency development.
• Provide structured feedback and improvement recommendations to Operations, Systems, and Suppliers
• Produce clear incident documentation and shift handovers, including open exceptions, containment measures, operational impacts and required follow‑up actions.
• Communicate effectively with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders, including clear written descriptions of issues, evidence and requested supplier actions.
• Role model safety‑first behaviors and support the implementation of Health, Safety, and Environmental policies within warehouse operations

KEY EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Essential

• 3+ experience in relevant experience in inventory control, warehouse/logistics operations, warehouse systems support or a comparable operational/technical environment; candidates from either operational (with technical apptitude) or systems backgrounds are encouraged.
• Strong planning and problem‑solving skills and ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively manage business relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Advance ability to analyze operational/system data and present meaningful findings
• Demonstrates logical thinking and effective problem‑solving approaches
• Pro‑actively seeks continuous improvements and operational efficiencies methods
• Strong technical aptitude and willingness to learn WCS/ERP processes, automation behavior, system interfaces, diagnostics and approved recovery procedures
• Ability to interpret technical documentation and diagnostic information following training, and to work collaboratively with engineering, IT and supplier support teams.
• Practical, floor‑based and team‑oriented approach; willingness to support operational tasks when required to keep product moving.
• Ability to work independently on rotating 24/7 shifts, make decisions within agreed authority and elevate matters appropriately.
• Organisation skills and attention to detail
• Take initiative and provide complete follow‑through on areas of responsibility

Desirable

• Experience in cold storage or food distribution environment
• Familiarity with automated warehouse systems or yard management systems Experience as a WCS/WMS/ERP key user or with ASRS, robotics, conveyors, interface/API logs or other automation diagnostics.
• Experience executing system change validation, test plans, defect recording or user acceptance testing.
• Knowledge of Power BI or similar reporting and business intelligence tools.
• Basic knowledge of compliance and audit processes.

Working Conditions

• Temperature ‑controlled work environment maintained between 0–2°C
• Moderate noise levels due to AGVs, robotic systems, and material‑handling equipment (MHE)
• Ability and willingness to wear mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE), including hearing protection and cold‑environment PPE

Hilton Foods Canada is committed to building a culture of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees. At Hilton Foods Canada, we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the HR representative. All requests for an accommodation and the accommodation measures will be handled in a confidential manner at all time.