Electrical & Automation Manager

CJ Schwan’s; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 93,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Time off programs

Retirement plans

Job summary

CJ Schwan’s is seeking an Electrical & Automation Manager to lead automation initiatives at our Florence, KY food manufacturing facility. You will oversee plant-wide automation projects, manage a multi-shift team of electricians and controls technicians, and guide capital planning for the Electrical and Automation Department.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in industrial automation with leadership experience, strong knowledge of control systems, and proven project management skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, including 2+ years of leadership of teams in instrumentation, controls design, and PLC/HMI programming.
• Strong knowledge of control system components, ladder logic, and HMI applications.
• Proven experience managing engineering projects with strong technical problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, and AutoCAD.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to work effectively across all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex automation projects from planning through implementation.
• Manage multi-shift team of supervisors, electricians, and controls technicians to support plant production.
• Oversee and support capital planning, budgeting, and cost control for the plant Electrical and Automation Department.
• Drive improvements in power distribution systems, control networks, and manufacturing automation processes.
• Design, scale, and test automated manufacturing systems and equipment.
• Provide technical support for product development, production line automation, and system enhancements.
• Program, implement, and maintain PLCs and HMIs, ensuring smooth startup and ongoing technical support.
• Ensure accurate project documentation, reporting, and communication of timelines, issues, and resolutions.
• Schedule and supervise installation, troubleshooting, and calibration of control systems and devices.
• Lead training and development for plant staff on automation systems and operational best practices.
• Promote effective use of personnel, ensure compliance with safety and operational policies, and support continuous improvement across the plant.

Skills

Industrial automation

Leadership

PLC/HMI programming

Control systems

AutoCAD

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

AtCJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors, and timeless desserts from brands likeRed Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation, and the power of food to bring people together.

We’re looking for a skilledElectrical & Automation Managerto lead automation initiatives at our frozen pizza manufacturing facility inFlorence, KY. In this key role, you’ll oversee the development and execution of plant-wide automation and control projects—managing multiple, complex initiatives from concept through implementation to ensure efficiency, reliability, and innovation across our operations.

What You Will Do:

• Lead and manage complex automation projects from planning through implementation.
• Manage multi-shift team of supervisors, electricians, and controls technicians to support plant production.
• Oversee and support capital planning, budgeting, and cost control for the plant Electrical and Automation Department.
• Drive improvements in power distribution systems, control networks, and manufacturing automation processes.
• Design, scale, and test automated manufacturing systems and equipment.
• Provide technical support for product development, production line automation, and system enhancements.
• Program, implement, and maintain PLCs and HMIs, ensuring smooth startup and ongoing technical support.
• Ensure accurate project documentation, reporting, and communication of timelines, issues, and resolutions.
• Schedule and supervise installation, troubleshooting, and calibration of control systems and devices.
• Lead training and development for plant staff on automation systems and operational best practices.
• Promote effective use of personnel, ensure compliance with safety and operational policies, and support continuous improvement across the plant.

What You Will Bring:

• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, including 2+ years of leadership of teams in instrumentation, controls design, and PLC/HMI programming (Rockwell, Siemens, Modicon, GE, Fanuc).
• Strong knowledge of control system components, ladder logic, and HMI applications.
• Proven experience managing engineering projects with strong technical problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, and AutoCAD.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to work effectively across all levels of the organization.

What We Offer:

The base salary range for this position is $93,000 to $154,000 annually with eligibility for a 15% annual incentive bonus, that is based on organizational performance. The pay range represents the numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to educations, skills, work experience, certifications, geography etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well‑being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

The employing subsidiaries of Schwan's Company are Equal Employment Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, vet status, national origin, or other protected class.