Global Automation Project Leader

Southco, Inc.; Village of Honeoye Falls (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance on day one

ESOP - Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Family and Employee owned company

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

Southco, Inc. is seeking an Automation Project Leader to drive a global portfolio of manufacturing automation and equipment projects across the Americas and Europe, including sites in New York, Pennsylvania, Mexico, Brazil, the UK, and Poland.

You will own the complete project lifecycle—from scoping and supplier sourcing to budget control, regulatory compliance, and final on-site commissioning. This role demands leadership across regions and strong vendor management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent).
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing/automation engineering, controls, or capital project management.
• Strong working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, and industrial controls; proficient with MS Project, SAP, and CAD/PLM (NX, SolidWorks).
• Excellent cross-cultural communication across international time zones and teams.
• Willingness to travel internationally (~20%).
• PMP certification or formal project management training (preferred).
• Experience sourcing and qualifying international equipment suppliers (particularly in Asia/China).
• Working knowledge of machine safety compliance frameworks (UL/NFPA 79, CE, UKCA, NOM, INMETRO).

Responsibilities

• Lead 3–5 concurrent global automation and manufacturing equipment projects from concept through start-up.
• Develop scopes, budgets, and timelines; track performance and report variances to leadership.
• Source, evaluate, and manage automation equipment suppliers globally ( Including Asia).
• Ensure compliance with UL/NFPA 79, CE Machinery Directive, UKCA, NOM, and NR-12/INMETRO prior to shipment.
• Collaborate with Regional Operations Directors, plant engineering, and manufacturing teams worldwide.
• Communicate project statuses, risks, and roadmaps; escalate issues and implement mitigations.
• Travel internationally ~20% to lead FAT, supplier qualifications, and on-site commissioning.

Skills

Project portfolio management

Budgeting & scheduling

Global sourcing

Regulatory compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk management

International travel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

MS Project

SAP

NX/ SolidWorks

Job description

Southco, Inc. is seeking an Automation Project Leader to drive a global portfolio of manufacturing automation and equipment projects across the Americas and Europe, including sites in New York, Pennsylvania, Mexico, Brazil, the UK, and Poland.

You will own the complete project lifecycle—from scoping and supplier sourcing to budget control, regulatory compliance, and final on-site commissioning. This role demands leadership across regions and strong vendor management.