Director, Large-Scale Automation Programs

Symbotic; United States; On-site; USD 186,000 - 255,000; Full time

Job summary

Symbotic is seeking a dynamic Project Director to lead planning and execution of large-scale automation projects at customer sites. You will manage a team of project managers overseeing a portfolio of $250M+, partnering with cross-functional leaders to deliver high-quality, revenue-generating solutions.

The role combines delivery and build responsibilities, with remote field-based work and up to 50% travel. A strong background in automation, hardware, and software integration is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, supply chain, business administration, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of project or program management experience in large-scale environments.
• Minimum 5 years of direct people leadership experience.
• Demonstrated ownership of programs exceeding $200M, with multiple complex projects running concurrently.
• Experience delivering large capital projects in highly matrixed, customer-facing, general contractor, or design-build environments.
• Ability to engage customer executives, negotiate effectively, and align competing priorities across technical and business teams.
• Background in material handling, industrial automation, robotics, AS/RS, goods-to-person, micro-fulfillment, e-commerce fulfillment, or cold storage environments.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using metrics and data to drive accountability, visibility, and continuous improvement.
• PMP certification preferred; Lean or continuous improvement experience is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word; familiarity with Smartsheet, Jira, and Teamcenter is preferred.
• Collaborative, motivational leadership style with the ability to perform effectively in fast-paced, evolving environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of project managers in executing complex automation programs managing a portfolio of $250+ million.
• Build and scale your organization as program demand increases, including hiring, onboarding, and developing project managers.
• Oversee project delivery performance - managing scope, schedule, budget, risk, safety, and customer satisfaction.
• Act as the primary escalation point for customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders regarding cost, schedule, quality, or safety issues.
• Drive continuous improvement and standardization of project delivery across your program and region in partnership with the PMO.
• Anticipate risks, identify opportunities, and drive proactive action plans to keep projects on track.
• Provide clear communication and weekly updates on progress, risks, and wins to Symbotic leadership and customer executives.
• Champion consistency by ensuring compliance with Symbotic’s project delivery standards and best practices.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and growth within your team.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

PMP

Budget management

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering / related field

MBA preferred

Tools

Smartsheet

Jira

PowerPoint

Excel

Teamcenter

Job description

Symbotic is seeking a dynamic Project Director to lead planning and execution of large-scale automation projects at customer sites. You will manage a team of project managers overseeing a portfolio of $250M+, partnering with cross-functional leaders to deliver high-quality, revenue-generating solutions.

The role combines delivery and build responsibilities, with remote field-based work and up to 50% travel. A strong background in automation, hardware, and software integration is required.