Senior Material Handling Automation Manager

Description

The Role
The Material Handling & LOC Automation Lead is responsible for defining and executing GM’s automation strategy for warehouse and material flow operations. This role oversees the development, standardization, and deployment of scalable automation solutions across LOCs in US, Canada and Mexico, ensuring strong business impact, cost efficiency, and operational excellence. The position serves as the key liaison for requirements definition, vendor engagement, project execution, plant operations, logistics, containerization and successful system implementation.

What You’ll Do

Develop and lead material handling automation strategies that support overall LOC material optimization and “Factory of the Future” concepts.

Align automation programs with operational, supply chain, and business priorities.

Identify, evaluate, and select technologies (AGVs/AMRs, automated fork trucks, conveyors, robotic delivery, automated storage, etc.) to improve material flow, ergonomics, reduce / eliminate manpower and safety.

Lead process design and optimization for material flow between docks, supermarkets, lineside, and WIP locations, ensuring efficient routes, storage, and replenishment strategies.

Direct the design, development, and implementation of machinery, equipment, and automated material handling systems in line with standardized work processes and safety standards.

Collaborate with LOC providers, purchasing, containerization and logistics to align layouts, containers, and automation solutions with safety and operational requirements.

Work directly with strategic suppliers to develop, validate, and launch automated material handling solutions, from concept through implementation.

Perform feasibility studies and cost‑benefit analyses for candidate automation projects, including ROI, payback, and total cost of ownership.

Integrate automation with digital systems (e.g., WMS/MES, broadcast, scheduling, inventory management) to ensure accurate routing, tracking, and replenishment of materials.

Lead issue resolution and continuous improvement for launched systems, including problem solving, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective actions for safety, uptime, and quality issues.

Contribute to automation roadmaps, standards, and best practices for material handling across programs and sites, sharing lessons learned and playbooks.

Drive continuous improvement using data, benchmarking, and site feedback.

Project Delivery
Manage end-to-end automation projects-including requirements, vendor selection, design, installation, and collaboration with LOC providers.

Ensure delivery on time, on budget, and with measurable ROI and safety improvements.

Create standardized playbooks and deployment guidelines.

Promote integrated, end-to-end automation ecosystems.

Manage relationships with OEMs, purchasing team, system integrators, and key technology partners.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering or related field

5+ years of experience in material handling automation with direct involvement in automation and/or material handling systems.

Expertise in Material Handling & Warehouse Automation technologies.

Experience integrating automation with WMS and material replenishment systems.

Demonstrated knowledge of material flow, material handling equipment, and automation technologies (conveyors, AGVs/AMRs, automated fork trucks, cranes, lifts, storage systems, etc.).

Experience with process design, virtual builds, and launch of new or modified material handling systems.

Strong project management skills, including planning, timing, budget tracking, and coordination of cross‑functional teams and suppliers.

Ability to analyze complex problems, perform structured root cause analysis, and implement sustainable solutions.

Effective communication and collaboration skills; ability to influence and align across LOC’s, ME, GPSC, safety, and suppliers.

Ability to travel 50% domestic + international

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

Experience with AGV/AMR systems, automated fork trucks (AFT), or other mobile robotics for material handling.

Background in Factory of the Future / Industry 4.0 material concepts, including connected systems, data‑driven optimization, and smart warehouses.

Familiarity with safety‑rated controls, safety standards for automated material handling, and ergonomic design principles.

Experience interfacing automation with WMS, MGO, GEPICS, broadcast, or similar material planning and control systems.

Prior experience leading multi‑site or global material optimization and automation initiatives.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About GM

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