Sr. Director, Supply Chain Engineering & Automation

Walgreens; United States; On-site; USD 186,500 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Walgreens is seeking a seasoned engineering leader to direct activities across multiple units. This role involves managing complex projects, driving innovation, and leading cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in supply chain engineering and automation technologies. The position offers a salary range of $186,500 to $320,000 depending on experience, and requires 8+ years in relevant roles with strong leadership skills.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in a supply chain or business role.
• 5+ years contributing to financial decisions.
• 5+ years in direct or cross-functional leadership.

Responsibilities

• Directs processes with a long-term perspective.
• Develops innovative strategies for the division.
• Acts as an influencer in policy making.
• Creates a high-performance culture.
• Manages relationships with third-party providers.

Skills

Leadership in engineering

Financial decision-making

Cross-functional team leadership

Agile delivery

Knowledge of automation systems

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field

Tools

Material handling systems

Job description

Job Summary

Directs and controls the activities of multiple units and/or a large unit of engineers accountable for providing desired functionality to assign content, products, and/or services. Collaborates with cross‑functional teams to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure a seamless integration of control and automation solutions. The successful candidate will be a seasoned professional with a strong background in controls engineering, automation technologies, and a proven track record successfully managing complex projects.

Job Responsibilities

• Directs and/or oversees processes and approaches, working with long‑term perspective. Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in‑depth knowledge of the company. Develops strategies, plans, and operational guidelines to support the company’s vision for building stakeholder relationships within the Division.
• Directs the development of innovative approaches, processes, and solutions that support department and division strategies. Assesses, identifies and evaluates fundamental issues, proving strategy and direction for major functional areas. Erroneous decisions may have a long term effect on the overall success of the business unit and potentially the company.
• Interacts internally and externally with executive level management and/or major stakeholders. Interactions require negotiation of critical matters. Acts as an influencer in policy making. Acts as an idea generator, working with others as a thought leader and subject‑matter expert to help brainstorm new processes and solutions.
• Creates and fosters high performance culture, focused on engagement, accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Makes decision about resource allocation (people and financial) within scope of responsibility.
• Owns and manages relationships with third‑party service providers, including partner selection, contract negotiation, and performance management. Has direct impact on short‑ and long‑term results, divisional in scope. Makes resource and investment allocation decisions in support of the vision and strategy to satisfy customer needs.
• Provides advanced leadership, advice to the Organization, and addresses technical problems. Transfers knowledge across functions and Walgreens Divisions in support of broad organizational goals.
• Champions company initiatives, connecting efforts to company vision and purpose and driving increased engagement. Consults at high levels within the Organization, providing technical leadership and influence across the company.
• Monitors industry trends, best practices, and regulatory issues as they relate to specific area(s) of responsibility and shares learnings, as appropriate, with direct reports and peers. Verses formulation of operating guidelines which promote leadership, collaboration, and supports decision‑making at the lowest appropriate level.
• Plans, develops and manages departmental expense and capital budgets. Ensures budgets and schedules meet corporate requirements.
• Develops and mentors staff through on‑boarding, open communication, training and development opportunities and performance management processes; builds and maintains employee morale and motivation; ensures the team is appropriately staffed with required competencies; fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and at least 8 years of experience in a supply chain or business role OR High School Diploma/ GED and at least 11 years of experience in a supply chain or business role.
• At least 5 years of experience contributing to financial decisions in the workplace.
• At least 5 years of direct leadership, indirect leadership and/or cross‑functional team leadership.
• Willing to travel up to 20% of the time for business purposes (within state and out of state).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading Agile delivery teams, with a proven track record of driving continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence.
• Demonstrated knowledge of advanced material handling and warehouse automation systems (e.g., Symbotic, Knapp, Dematic).
• Experience in supply chain network design, optimization, and modeling across distribution and fulfillment operations.
• Proven ability to manage and oversee large‑scale capital budgets, including planning, prioritization, and ROI analysis.
• Deep expertise in distribution center operations, facility design, and automation technologies, including robotics and controls systems.
• Strong background in end‑to‑end supply chain engineering, including layout design, process optimization, and systems integration.

We will consider employment of qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Salary Range: $186500 - $320000 / Salaried