What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automation Lead position at Powerwell?
Powerwell is a leading recruitment firm helping our clients discover top talent. We are recruiting for an Automation Lead.
Overview:
Our client is seeking an experienced Automation Lead to drive workflow and process automation across our commercial printing and mailing operations. This role will be responsible for evaluating, implementing, and optimizing automation solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall productivity. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial automation, print production workflows, mail processing, and project management.
Location:
- Plymouth, MI
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute an automation roadmap aligned with business goals.
- Identify and implement automation solutions in prepress, press, finishing, and mailing workflows.
- Integrate ERP/MIS systems (e.g., EFI Pace, Avanti, or similar) with production and mailing equipment.
- Lead the deployment of workflow automation tools (e.g., Enfocus Switch, PrintOS, Esko Automation Engine).
- Implement mailing automation solutions for presorting, addressing, inserting, and postage optimization.
- Analyze current production and mailing workflows to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
- Utilize Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to optimize both print and mail operations.
- Implement predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring solutions to reduce downtime.
- Improve data collection, reporting, and analytics for continuous improvement.
- Evaluate and recommend automation technologies, robotics, and AI-driven solutions.
- Collaborate with equipment manufacturers and software providers for system integration.
- Oversee software upgrades and ensure seamless communication between print and mail systems.
- Work with USPS and third-party mailing partners to ensure compliance with postal regulations.
- Automate mail sorting and address verification processes (CASS, NCOA, IMb barcode tracking).
- Optimize inkjet addressing, inserting, folding, tabbing, and postage metering.
- Integrate mailing software solutions (e.g., BCC Mail Manager, Quadient, Pitney Bowes, BlueCrest).
- Ensure compliance with USPS mailing standards to maximize postal discounts.
- Work closely with production and mailing teams to ensure smooth adoption of automation tools.
- Train staff on new technologies and process improvements.
- Act as a bridge between IT, production, and leadership teams to drive digital transformation.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Automation, Manufacturing, or a related field.
- 5 years of experience in automation, process improvement, or workflow optimization (preferably in the commercial printing and mailing industry).
- Strong knowledge of printing workflows, digital print technology, mailing operations, and finishing equipment.
- Experience with print & mail industry software (EFI, Avanti, Enfocus, Esko, BCC, Pitney Bowes, or similar).
- Hands-on experience with mailing hardware automation (inkjet addressing, inserting, tabbing, metering, sorting).
- Familiarity with USPS postal regulations and automation-compatible mail preparation.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and drive process changes.
