Director – Supply Chain Automation

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Oversee the design, implementation, and performance of automation initiatives throughout ALO's distribution network.

• Report directly to the Vice President of Distribution Center Automation.

• Collaborate with the VP to define ALO's long-term automation strategy.

• Convert the strategy into prioritized programs, project plans, and resource requirements for both ALO-operated and 3PL facilities.

• Research, conduct site visits, and pilot emerging automation technologies.

• Compare automation performance against top retail, e-commerce, and apparel distribution operations.

• Direct automated DC design from initial concept and process flow to detailed engineering.

• Evaluate and recommend AS/RS, goods-to-person systems, AMRs, robotics, sortation, conveyance, automated packaging, and vision systems.

• Create capacity models, layouts, and simulations to support growth and peak volume demands.

• Integrate automation with WMS, WCS/WES, labor management, and other distribution systems.

• Manage the complete delivery process of automation projects, encompassing scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk.

• Develop requirements, technical specifications, RFPs, project plans, and budgets; lead vendor assessments.

• Oversee testing, commissioning, integration, cutover, go-live, and post-go-live stabilization.

• Ensure operational readiness through testing, SOPs, training, maintenance plans, spare parts, and contingency protocols.

• Create repeatable deployment manuals and monitor KPIs such as throughput, uptime, accuracy, safety, and cost per unit.

• Establish preventive and predictive maintenance programs and spearhead root-cause analysis and continuous improvement efforts.

• Aid in lifecycle planning for automation assets.

• Manage relationships with automation providers, integrators, OEMs, and engineering partners; ensure accountability to commitments and milestones.

• Develop capital business cases that include ROI, payback, and total cost of ownership analysis.

• Lead, mentor, and develop automation engineers, controls specialists, and project managers.

• Enhance team capabilities while promoting technical excellence, urgency, collaboration, and ongoing improvement.

• Oversee project budgets and monitor realized benefits against approved business cases.

• Travel 30%-40% of the time.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related discipline.

• A Master's degree or MBA is advantageous.

• Over 10 years of progressive experience in distribution, fulfillment engineering, automation, or material handling systems.

• At least 5 years of experience leading distribution center automation projects and managing engineering or project teams.

• Practical experience in taking automation projects from concept and business case through design, commissioning, go-live, and stabilization.

• Experience in direct-to-consumer (DTC), e-commerce, retail, or apparel distribution is highly preferred.

• Proven experience in managing automation vendors and integrators on complex, multi-million-dollar capital projects.

• Background in high-growth environments where capacity, speed, and scalability are essential.

• Strong expertise in DC automation and material handling technologies, including AS/RS, goods-to-person, AMRs, robotics, sortation, and conveyance.

• Familiarity with WMS, WES, WCS, PLC/control systems, and physical-to-software integration.

• Comprehensive understanding of DC process design, capacity modeling, labor productivity, and operational flow.

• Demonstrated program and project management skills, with a history of delivering projects on time and within budget.

• Financial expertise in capital business cases, ROI, and total cost of ownership analysis.

• Analytical mindset with the ability to clearly articulate complex engineering topics to operations and leadership audiences.

• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional influence abilities.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Generous paid time off and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

• Flexible work arrangements and a supportive work environment.