Job Abstract

The Senior Automation Architect, Consumables is responsible for defining the automation and systems integration strategy serving Steris’ Consumables manufacturing operations in Mentor, OH, St Louis, MO, and Plymouth, MN.  S/he will assess current operations process flow as well as business system and human resources interactions for opportunities to automate or reduce manual input and interaction using robotic, conveyance, and software and virtual reality technologies.  S/he will develop the automation strategy, technology roadmap, and define action plans needed to execute.  S/he will be expected to assess and manage the external supply base, identify suitable partners and develop key relationships with automation and technology suppliers.  S/he will manage the long term technology program for key operational areas and drive the completion of projects contributing to the overall strategy across the global operational footprint. S/He will work with the STERIS Advanced Technology (ATO) group and the manufacturing sites to find the most efficient, cost effective, automation driven, and data collective solutions.

Strategy Development:

• Evaluate current manufacturing processes at the Mentor, St Louis and Plymouth sites against the current/future product demand and equipment maintenance needs to determine proper priority. (10%)
• To address the above evaluation’s output, assess the Consumables operations footprint, to identify opportunities to properly streamline flow and reduce human interaction (lifting, motion, data recording) to simplify, reduce processing time, reduce ergonomic and safety risk, and improve performance across a number of operational and financial metrics. (25%)
• Develop and communicate the long-term implementation strategy, including prioritization of highest leverage opportunities, timing, projected costs, targeted technology partners and internal resource requirements. (15%)
• Work with Advanced Technology (ATO) to develop standard ways of working internally and externally for program management of technology projects and programs. (5%)

Implement the automation strategy through a variety of activities:

• Oversee the specification development process, establish maintenance, service, and qualification protocols of technology systems. Ensure thorough, compliant documentation, and site preventative maintenance is completed. (10%)
• Lead the vendor selection and capital appropriation request processes. (5%)
• Lead all engineering, purchase, fabrication, installation and factory acceptance phases of the project implementation process. (15%)
• Identify the skills necessary and develop the training programs required to acquire and develop operators’ and technicians’ capabilities to run and maintain installed equipment. (10%)
• Develop and implement methods to monitor and measure the effectiveness of implementations; lead corrective actions as applicable. (5%)

• Bachelor's Degree:  Mechanical, Electrical or Systems Engineering

• 15 years of experience in advanced engineering areas, automation of manufacturing lines, conveyance systems, PLC/machine interface and software solutions.
• 10 years of Chemical or fluid packaging experience.
• 5 years project management and reporting experience.
• Demonstrated positive impact to the business that translated to clear, bottom line results by implementing step-function changes.
• Experience with and demonstrated skills in analyzing business needs, determining appropriate solutions and/or opportunities, developing lean implementation strategies, and deploying them.
• Experience with deploying pilot programs of new/disruptive technology.
• Successful experience with effectiveness across multi-site operations (global experience is helpful)
• Experience managing internal and external partners on significant capital programs ($1M+)

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• Excellent knowledge and proficiency in manufacturing automation technology methods, techniques, and strategies.
• Demonstrated skills in analyzing business needs, determining appropriate solutions and/or opportunities, developing implementation strategies, and deploying them. Strong analytical, creative problem solving, critical thinking, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability in capital business case development
• Experience integrating automation technology into Lean / Continuous Improvement operating system.
• Excellent presentation skills with the ability to effectively communicate ideas, goals and results.
• Must have strong ability to influence team members to shift to new methods.
• Demonstrated ability as a collaborative, innovative and strategic thinker who is decisive and results oriented.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and time demands with a high level of urgency and personal integrity.