Job Title: Automation and Controls Engineer
Our performance ambition is to be one of the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world. We are proud of the brands we make and the enjoyment they give to millions. We are passionate about alcohol playing a positive role in society as part of a balanced lifestyle. It is central to our purpose to celebrate life, every day, everywhere.
We are a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer! We produce an assortment of over 200 amazing brands - old and new, large and small, global and local - that are enjoyed in more than 180 countries around the world!
Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share standard methodology.
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Job Title: Manager, Automation and Controls
Context/Scope:
This leadership position requires strong knowledge of high-speed bottling plant operations, including liquid processing, packaging, distillation, procurement, and project management. The role demands strategic leadership to foster an innovative, high-performance industrial climate while effectively managing and prioritizing a variety of projects and organizational needs. The manager must balance multiple demands in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, ensuring cost efficiency and maintaining the highest quality standards.
As the Automation and Controls Manager, you will lead multi-functional teams across the US, Canada, and US Virgin Islands, ensuring multi-functional collaboration with technical, plant, finance, and procurement departments. You will be responsible for overseeing the design, development, and implementation of automation and control systems that optimize production efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety and quality in high-speed bottling, packaging, and processing operations.
Purpose of Role:
The Automation and Controls Manager is responsible for the successful delivery of automation and controls projects across the North American Region, including the US, Canada, and US Virgin Islands. The role will also be responsible for designing, implementing, integrating, maintaining and optimizing equipment and packaging lines and associated utilities. The role is critical in providing strategic direction and technical leadership, acting as a domain expert in automation and controls for bottling and processing equipment. The manager is responsible for evaluating and recommending engineering and technical solutions for current and future projects while solving operational challenges at existing sites.
You will work closely with the Manufacturing Technology Director to guide project managers in developing project scopes that incorporate advanced automation solutions. Additionally, you will ensure the continuous adoption of emerging automation technologies to drive improvements in line efficiencies, safety, quality, and cost.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership and Team Management:
- Lead, mentor, and guide a team of Automation and Controls Engineers, providing guidance and technical support for project execution and development.
- Set clear performance expectations and goals for the engineering team and conduct regular performance evaluations.
- Foster an innovative and collaborative team environment that promotes the professional growth and development of engineers.
- Ensure the team stays updated on the latest automation technologies and best in class practices, encouraging continuous learning and skill development.
- Automation and Controls Leadership:
- Lead the design, development, and implementation of automation and control systems for high-speed bottling, packaging, processing, and material handling operations.
- Oversee the execution of automation and control projects across North America, ensuring alignment with safety, quality, and performance standards.
- Evaluate and select automation solutions to optimize production efficiency, enhance safety and quality, and reduce costs.
- Provide technical guidance and leadership to the broader engineering team and multi-functional partners in manufacturing, procurement, brand innovation, and technical operations.
- Diagnose and fix vision, X-ray and other inspection systems.
- Read, understand, and update schematics including (but not limited to): P&ID, Electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, manuals, and ladder logic.
- Employ strategies to eliminate process and packaging downtime by implementing automation and control improvements.
- Project Management and Collaboration:
- Partner with project management teams to develop and manage project scopes, budgets, and timelines.
- Ensure all engineering projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet the company's safety, quality, and operational performance standards.
- Collaborate with vendors to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to automation systems.
- Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
- Identify and implement improvements in plant efficiencies, safety, quality, and cost optimization through innovative automation strategies.
- Stay ahead of on industry best in class practices and emerging technologies in packaging and processing automation and recommend strategic improvements to the business.
- Lead the development and standardization of engineering practices specific to automation and controls across the region.
- Digitization and Advanced Technologies:
- Support the rollout of digitization initiatives, including MES (Manufacturing Execution System) and DCS (Distributed Control System) solutions.
- Conduct feasibility studies and cost analyses for potential automation projects, providing strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
- Management Duties:
- Lead and allocate resources within the Automation and Controls Engineering team to ensure the timely delivery of projects and technical solutions.
- Develop and implement training programs to upskill the engineering team on new technologies, tools, and industry best in class practices.
- Monitor the performance of Automation and Controls Engineers, providing feedback, coaching, and career development opportunities.
- Ensure the team adheres to company policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements in all automation and controls activities.
- Facilitate regular team meetings to review project progress, address challenges, and align on goals and priorities.
- Ensure effective communication between engineers, project managers, and other departments to foster collaboration and resolve issues.
Qualifications and Experience Required:
- Bachelor's degree with focus in electrical engineering or equivalent experience, education and training that meet minimum requirements.
- 8+ years of experience in technical, production, or engineering roles within consumer products manufacturing, packaging, or distillation industries.
- 7+ years of experiences with programming Motor controls and VFDs
- 7+ years of experience with Robotics system components and controls
- 7+ years of experience with PLC programs and ladder logic
- Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously.
- Strong knowledge of automation, controls, and robotic technology, with experience in high-speed manufacturing environments.
- Experience working with equipment integrators and SAP systems is highly beneficial.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.
- Ability to travel up to 30%, depending on project maturity and workload.
Key Outputs:
- Drive multi-functional collaboration to ensure successful project execution within budget and on schedule.
- Provide leadership and technical expertise to optimize automation solutions across facilities.
- Lead continuous improvement efforts in safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness through innovative automation strategies.
- Ensure the successful development and growth of the Automation and Controls Engineering team.