Director of Manufacturing Automation

Korn Ferry; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 173,000 - 257,000; Full time

Job summary

nVent seeks a visionary Director of Manufacturing Automation to drive transformation across global manufacturing operations through automation and digitalization. You will lead strategy, design, and implementation across manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and distribution.

The role requires 10+ years in manufacturing automation with global leadership, deep expertise in robotics, AI, IoT, and Industry 4.0, plus Lean Six Sigma knowledge and a willingness to travel ~25%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing automation and transformation.
• Proven success leading global teams and large-scale automation initiatives.
• Expertise in robotics, mechatronics, AI, IoT, and vision systems.
• Deep knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies, automation systems, data analytics, and lean manufacturing.
• Strong analytical, project management, and interpersonal skills.
• Lean Six Sigma knowledge preferred.
• Ability to travel approximately 25%, domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive automation strategy aligned with enterprise goals.
• Collaborate to assess current capabilities and define future-state automation roadmaps.
• Identify and implement modern automation solutions including robotics, AI, IoT, and HMIs.
• Lead feasibility studies, business case development, and project execution tracking.
• Stay ahead of emerging technologies and assess their impact.
• Propose implementation approaches considering cost-efficiency, scalability, and alignment with goals.
• Lead the design, programming, and implementation of automation systems including PLCs and HMIs.
• Secure blending of automation with ERP, MES, and quality systems.
• Lead multi-functional teams through concept to commissioning and manage budgets.
• Drive data-driven decision making and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mitigate risks and assess OT risks and automation maturity.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Data analytics

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Manufacturing

Master's preferred (Mechanical/Industrial)

Tools

PLCs

HMIs

ERP/MES

Robotics/AI/IoT

Job description

Korn Ferry has partnered with our client on their search for the role, Director of Manufacturing Automation.

We’re looking for people who put their innovation to work to advance our success – and their own. Join an organization that ensures a more secure world through connecting and protecting our customers with inventive electrical solutions.

We are seeking a visionary leader to drive the transformation of our global manufacturing operations through automation and digitalization. As Director of Manufacturing Automation, you will lead the strategy, design, and implementation of advanced automation technologies across our manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and distribution processes. This role is ideal for a dynamic leader with deep technical expertise and a passion for innovation.

WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE IN THIS POSITION:

• Strategic Planning & Road Mapping: Develop and implement a comprehensive automation strategy aligned with enterprise goals. Collaborate to assess current capabilities and define future-state automation roadmaps.
• Technology Leadership & Integration: Identify and implement modern automation solutions including robotics, AI, IoT, and human-machine interfaces. Lead feasibility studies, business case development, and project execution tracking.
• Innovation & Evaluation: Stay ahead of emerging technologies and assess their potential impact. Propose implementation approaches considering cost-efficiency, scalability, and alignment with strategic goals.
• Automation Systems Management: Lead the design, programming, and implementation of automation systems incorporating PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and visual solutions. Secure seamless blending of automation with ERP, MES, and quality systems.
• Project Execution: Lead multi-functional teams in the execution of automation projects from concept through commissioning. Lead capital budgets, timelines, and vendor relationships for automation initiatives.
• Process Optimization: Find opportunities for automation in existing processes to reduce cycle time, improve quality, and lower costs. Implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies.
• Team Leadership: Develop and lead a team of automation engineers, controls specialists, and technicians. Provide mentorship, training, and development to build internal automation capabilities.
• Data & Insights: Drive data-driven decision-making through advanced analytics and real-time monitoring. Uncover and implement process improvements to elevate efficiency and minimize inefficiencies.
• Risk & Maturity Management: Anticipate and mitigate risks associated with automation deployment. Support assessments of operational technology risks and automation maturity levels.
• Performance Measurement: Define and track KPIs to measure the impact of automation initiatives on efficiency, quality, and cost. Continuously refine strategies based on performance insights.

YOU HAVE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (Master’s preferred in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Design).
• 10+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing automation and transformation.
• Proven success leading global teams and large-scale automation initiatives.
• Expertise in robotics, mechatronics, AI, IoT, and vision systems.
• Deep knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies, automation systems, data analytics, and lean manufacturing.
• Strong analytical, project management, and interpersonal skills.
• Lean Six Sigma knowledge preferred.
• Ability to travel approximately 25%, domestically and internationally.

Our Global Hybrid Schedule and Core Hours:

At nVent, we value in-person collaboration and flexibility as key drivers of innovation and our strong, inclusive culture. We operate as an office-first, hybrid organization, where you will work in the office a minimum of four days a week, have one day of remote work, and follow core office hours daily (as determined by the local office) to ensure that you have the opportunity to connect face-to-face with teammates, problem-solve collaboratively, and elevate your employee engagement. Outside of the core hours, you will be able to adjust your start and end times in alignment with team guidelines and responsibilities. We have found success in having a structure that balances the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility many of us value. Our global, hybrid approach ensures that you will be empowered and afforded flexibility for how you manage work and life.

Pay Transparency:

nVent’s pay scale is based on the expected range of base pay for this job and the employee’s work location. Employee pay within this range will be based on a combination of factors including knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, education, and performance. Where federal, state, or local minimum wage requirements exist, employee pay will comply.

Compensation Range: $172,900 - $256,880

Depending on the position offered, employee may be eligible for other forms of compensation, such as annual or long-term incentives.

WE HAVE:

• A dynamic global reach with diverse operations around the world that will stretch your abilities, provide plentiful career opportunities, and allow you to make an impact every day
• nVent is a leading global provider of electrical connection and protection solutions. We believe our inventive electrical solutions enable safer systems and ensure a more secure world. We design, manufacture, market, install and service high performance products and solutions that connect and protect some of the world's most sensitive equipment, buildings and critical processes. We offer a comprehensive range of systems protection and electrical connections solutions across industry-leading brands that are recognized globally for quality, reliability and innovation.
• Our principal office is in London and our management office in the United States is in Minneapolis. Our robust portfolio of leading electrical product brands dates back more than 100 years and includes nVent CADDY, ERICO, HOFFMAN, ILSCO, SCHROFF and TRACHTE. Learn more at www.nvent.com.
• Commitment to strengthen communities where our employees live and work
• We encourage and support the philanthropic activities of our employees worldwide
• Through our nVent in Action matching program, we provide funds to nonprofit and educational organizations where our employees volunteer or donate money
• Core values that shape our culture and drive us to deliver the best for our employees and our customers. We’re known for being:
• Innovative & adaptable
• Dedicated to absolute integrity
• Focused on the customer first
• Respectful and team oriented
• Optimistic and energizing
• Accountable for performance
• Benefits to support the lives of our employees