Sr Manager Network Impvmt & Automation

Mattel, Inc.and Subsidiaries; San Bernardino (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Competitive total pay programs

Job summary

Mattel, Inc.and Subsidiaries seeks a Sr Manager for Network Improvement & Automation in California, responsible for leading automation strategies at distribution centers. This role involves evaluating and implementing automation technologies to enhance operational efficiency and safety, while managing complex projects and empowering teams.

The ideal candidate must have extensive experience in supply chain operations and possess a Bachelor’s degree. Mattel offers competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of experience in supply chain, warehouse operations, automation, engineering, or logistics.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing complex automation projects.
• Strong understanding of project management and vendor management.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from development to execution.
• Evaluate emerging technologies to improve operational performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma.

Skills

Leadership experience

Project management

Supply Chain knowledge

Automation technologies understanding

Lean Six Sigma knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Warehouse Control Systems (WCS)

Warehouse Execution Systems (WES)

Automation solutions

Job description

Sr Manager Network Improvement & Automation

The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range; however, base pay will be determined based on a candidate's work location, skills, and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.

The Opportunity

This role leads the strategy, implementation, and optimization of automation technologies across Mattel's North American distribution center operations. It is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and deploying automation solutions that improve safety, productivity, quality, capacity, and service levels while supporting long-term supply chain growth. The position works closely with DC Directors, DC Operations Teams, Engineering, IT, Supply Chain, Finance, and external partners to ensure successful execution of automation initiatives and continuous improvement of automated systems.

Automation Strategy & Innovation

• Develop and maintain a 2 to 5‑year distribution center automation roadmap aligned with business objectives and DC Directors' operational needs. Develop business cases, ROI analyses, and capital investment proposals.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational performance through automation and digital technologies.
• Evaluate emerging automation solutions including robotics, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), goods‑to‑person technologies, and AI‑enabled warehouse solutions.

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead automation projects from concept development through design, implementation, commissioning, and stabilization.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, resources, risks, and vendor relationships.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams to ensure successful deployment and adoption of automation solutions.
• Establish collaborative project control and executive reporting processes.

Systems Integration & Performance

• Partner with IT and Engineering to integrate automation technologies with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehouse Execution Systems (WES), Warehouse Control Systems (WCS), ERP, and transportation systems.
• Monitor system performance, identify improvement opportunities, and drive corrective actions.
• Develop and track KPIs related to throughput, uptime, labor productivity, quality, and service levels.

Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and data‑driven methodologies.
• Improve operational efficiency, inventory accuracy, order fulfillment performance, and workplace safety.
• Support network capacity planning and future distribution center design initiatives.
• Standardize automation processes, procedures, and best practices across all Mattel NA DC facilities.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with automation vendors, system integrators, consultants, and equipment suppliers.
• Support RFP processes and vendor evaluations.
• Partner with the Procurement Team on vendor contract negotiations and performance reviews.
• Communicate project status, risks, and results to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.

Team Leadership

• Build, develop, and lead a high‑performing NI automation engineering team.
• Coach team members and foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning; provide timely performance reviews.
• Support organizational change management efforts related to new technologies and operating models.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 8–12+ years of experience in supply chain, warehouse operations, automation, engineering, or logistics.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing complex automation projects and cross‑functional teams.

Preferred Skills

• Master’s degree or MBA.
• PMP certification.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• Experience with multi‑site distribution networks and large‑scale capital projects.
• Experience implementing warehouse automation technologies such as ASRS, sortation systems, robotics, conveyor systems, AMRs, and automated packaging solutions.
• Strong understanding of WMS, WCS, and WES platforms.
• Proven project management and vendor management experience.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.