VP, Automation & Supply Chain Engineering Job Details | Tractor Supply Company

Overall Job Summary

This position is responsible for setting the vision of Tractor Supply’s engineering, automation, robotics, and distribution center design programs across the supply chain. This person will lead the design and construction project management of all new distribution facilities, the design and selection of automated solutions, including but not limited to VLM, Conveyor, Pallet Shuttles, AS/RS, AGVs and Goods to Person solutions for existing facilities, and the maintenance of all distribution physical assets including material handling equipment, building management systems, and facilities maintenance.

The VP, Automation and Engineering is responsible for leading and managing the field-based maintenance team, defining technical strategy, and directing all aspects of project and capital engineering activities. This role involves oversight of automation, mechanical, electrical, and project activities for expansions, upgrades, and new facilities. This position leads the capital planning and management process for the supply chain.
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Min 5%)

• Develop automation and engineering strategies to drive labor efficiency, inventory productivity, and enable increased assortment within distribution facilities.
• Build business cases to support next-generation warehouse solutions and be able to present compelling operational impact and return on investment.
• Design & implement solutions related to complex warehouse automation systems and applications including WMS, WCS & WES for robotics cells, autonomous mobile robots, shuttle systems, and other warehouse technologies.
• Lead the organization in developing, maintaining and governing the Automation processes and Automation Interface Architecture across the entire organization.
• Provides leadership and guidance to the development teams on architectural practices and policies for all new distribution center design and construction projects including greenfield and brownfield development. 
• Partner and collaborate with operations teams in coming up with agile and sustainable processes for the deployment and management of automated solutions across non-production and production environments.
• Partner with IT on software solutions for automation site implementation including internal infrastructure and auxiliary systems integration.
• Work closely with the internal/external customer responsible to perform any tasks required as related to critical software and/or process alterations such as: solution design, software and process testing, systems configuration, process and information flow documentation maintenance, performing of UAT’s, coordination of information distribution to site, etc.
• Must be able to travel, sometimes with little notice, to support critical projects within the supply chain network.
   

Required Qualifications

Experience: 10 years’ experience in progressively responsible roles across engineering and automation including implementing, configuring, maintaining enterprise robotics and automation systems, warehouse control systems, in a manufacturing or distribution environment. 

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, or related discipline.  Any suitable combination of education and experience will be considered.

Professional Certifications:  None.
 

Preferred knowledge, skills or abilities

• Ability to lead teams and develop growth of talent
• Strong and demonstrated analytical, communication, interpersonal and leadership skills
• Understanding of commonly used supply chain systems (i.e. Labor Management System, Slotting, Warehouse Control Systems, Warehouse Execution systems, Voice Picking, etc.)
• Familiarity with integration platforms and experience and/or knowledge of FMEA, ITIL, COBIT, ISO, and Project Management Methodologies
• Experience in PLC technologies, the material handling industry, and strong knowledge of intralogistics industry
• Familiarity with vision systems and Motion & Robotic Systems (i.e. FANUC, ABB) 
• Familiarity with AutoCAD
• Knowledge of IT Infrastructure such as networking, servers, data centers, higher availability and disaster recovery
• Able to maintain credibility, at all levels of management and throughout the organization
• Ability to self-motivate, work with a sense of urgency, and to prioritize tasks
• Display a detail-oriented approach to work
• Ability to positively handle conflict
• Capable of working in a cross-functional environment
• Ability to be a strategic and tactical leader who is comfortable establishing, communicating, and “hands on” implementing the vision and deliverables. 
• Ability to develop and lead a team of professionals, distributing decision making while still monitoring overall effectiveness of the individuals and the organization. 
• Strong executive presentation skills
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Working Conditions

Physical Requirements

Disclaimer

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position.  It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities.  A team member should perform all duties as assigned by his/ her supervisor.