Role Purpose
The Global Automation Manager is responsible for defining, deploying, and scaling manufacturing automation solutions across all global Power Solutions manufacturing sites, with a strong focus on cable assembly operations.
This role leads global and site-based automation teams, owns the automation deployment strategy, and ensures consistent execution, replication, and sustained results across regions. The position is a key enabler of productivity, quality, cost reduction, and labor flexibility across the global footprint.
Key Responsibilities
Global Automation Strategy & Governance
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Own and execute the global automation roadmap aligned with volume ramps, labor strategy, quality, and cost objectives.
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Establish a global automation governance model, including project intake, prioritization, and funding aligned to ROI.
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Define and enforce global standards for automation platforms, controls architecture, vision systems, and safety.
People & Team Leadership (Core Accountability)
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Lead and develop global automation resources, including:
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Central/global automation engineers
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Site-based automation and manufacturing engineering teams (direct and dotted-line)
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Define roles, responsibilities, and skill requirements for site automation teams.
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Drive capability building through training, mentoring, and best-practice sharing across sites.
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Ensure strong execution discipline and accountability across regions.
Automation Deployment & Execution
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Lead multi-site automation programs from concept and business case through design, industrialization, FAT/SAT, validation, and production ramp.
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Ensure on-time, on-cost, and on-performance deployment of automation projects globally.
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Drive structured hand-off to site teams for ownership, sustainment, and continuous improvement.
Cable Assembly Automation Focus
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Automation of cutting, stripping, crimping, ultrasonic/resistance welding, cable handling, and assembly.
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Deployment of vision-based inspection, automated testing, traceability, and packing solutions.
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Partner with Quality and Operations to reduce defect rates, labor dependency, and process variation.
Standardization & Global Replication
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Drive copy-exact replication of proven automation solutions across multiple sites and regions.
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Establish global documentation standards (URS, FAT protocols, validation, training materials).
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Build a global library of approved automation solutions and machine suppliers.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Partner closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, EHS, Finance, and IT.
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Support new product introductions (NPI) with automation-ready process designs.
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Present automation progress, risks, and ROI impact to senior leadership.
Key Success Metrics
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Automation ROI and capital efficiency
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Labor productivity and headcount avoidance
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First-pass yield and quality improvements
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Speed and consistency of global deployments
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Sustainability and site ownership of deployed solutions
Qualifications
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Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, or similar)
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10+ years' experience in manufacturing automation, preferably in cable assembly or electromechanical manufacturing
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Proven experience leading global or multi-site technical teams
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Strong hands-on understanding of automation equipment, controls, vision systems, and validation
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Demonstrated ability to scale solutions across multiple factories
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Comfortable operating in a global, matrixed organization
