Sr Manager, Automation- Remote

United Natural Foods; Providence (RI); Remote; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

United Natural Foods is looking for a Sr. Manager Of Distribution Automation to lead automation solutions across the network. This role encompasses total life-cycle management and aims to ensure operational sustainability.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in distribution operations, project management, and knowledge of supply chain technologies. The position operates remotely with potential travel and physical demands reflective of warehouse environments.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in distribution operations including mechanization and/or automated environments.
• 3 years of experience with project management preferred.
• Demonstrated success implementing warehouse automation and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for total life ownership for all automation and mechanization solutions.
• Ensure all project goals and measured KPIs are met.
• Manage all aspects of project implementation to deliver on-time and on-budget results.

Skills

Knowledge of supply chain and controls systems

Experience with Lean Six Sigma

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Strong problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, supply chain or related field

MBA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

AutoCAD

BI software platforms

Job description

Sr. Manager Of Distribution Automation

The Sr. Manager of Distribution Automation will be directly responsible for delivering operational sustainability and full life‑cycle management of automation solutions across the network. This role provides end‑to‑end ownership of automation systems, offering strategic direction in continuous improvement, planning, analysis, solution sizing, and design phases. The Sr. Manager will lead and oversee both process and project management initiatives, ensuring successful implementation, delivery, and long‑term performance of automation investments.

Core Responsibilities

• Responsible for total life ownership for all automation and mechanization solutions, including planned life‑cycle management, run‑state performance and continuous improvement, and system optimization.
• Ensure all project goals and measured KPIs are met, including safety and quality.
• Create sustainable and repeatable automation solutions through the development of installation and quality standards, SOP documentation, user training and maintenance manuals, vendor KPIs and requirements, and other documents as needed.
• Provide project oversight and vendor management to automation vendors during project execution, including managing timelines, installation, functional and technical integration, commissioning, testing, and operational training.
• Effectively lead and organize other cross‑functional teams to support automation team needs, including IT, finance, solutions design, local site and regional operations, transportation, and others as needed.

Additional Responsibilities

• Oversee intake of new projects and drive development of project justification, including cost analysis and savings identification.
• Provide input to preliminary system sizing and design, vendor selection and proposal for the planned solution.
• Manage all aspects of project implementation to deliver on‑time and on‑budget results, coordinating third‑party work such as construction, electrical, pneumatics, and fire suppression as well as automation vendor installation and internal integration.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, supply chain or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• MBA preferred, but not required in lieu of years of relevant experience.
• 5 years of experience in distribution operations including mechanization and/or automated environments.
• 3 years of experience with project management preferred.
• Knowledge of PMP or standard project delivery methodology a plus.
• Demonstrated success implementing warehouse automation and control systems, and managing third‑party vendors.
• Technical expertise related to mechanical engineering, automated material handling and equivalent controls and software knowledge.
• Ownership of key account relationships, overseeing capital investments exceeding $25 million.
• Demonstrated success achieving operational goals, KPIs, and driving continuous improvement in an automated warehouse environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of supply chain and controls systems, including WMS, WCS, PLC, and related technologies.
• Successful background with distribution operations processes including mechanization and automation technology.
• Experience with Lean Six Sigma, continuous improvement, or industrial engineering methodologies.
• Experience creating process flows, writing SOPs, and technical training documentation.
• Demonstrated skill with integration and installation of automated and mechanized technologies, including integration to WMS, WCS, and other warehouse technologies.
• Knowledge of building and facility maintenance practices, including fire suppression, pneumatics, and electrical.
• Ability to understand drawings and communicate effectively with third‑party providers.
• Proven ability to manage third‑party relationships, drive accountability, and deliver results.
• Experience with vendor selection, negotiation, and ongoing management a plus.
• Experience creating business case models, calculating ROI, IRR and NPS; understanding of financial/accounting principles and operational budgeting.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Word, Project, PowerPoint, AutoCAD and BI software platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to communicate at all levels of an organization.
• Ability to lead, collaborate and influence others across multiple cross‑functional teams.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to analyze and draw conclusions from data.

Work Environment

Remote Role: This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates may work from the office but are not required to do so. However, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel (major): Travel is required up to 75% for this position.

Physical Demands: Office roles involve sitting for long periods of time. Warehouse roles require lifting up to 75 pounds, frequent standing, walking, bending, twisting, and work in temperature ranges from -20°F to 90°F.

All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel may vary within each department and/or location.