Automation Planning Manager, NA Automation Deployment Planning

NA Last Mile Automation Planning team is seeking a qualified Automation Planning Manager to join the NA Automation Deployment Planning team within Worldwide Engineering & Innovation (WWEI). This team is responsible for the planning, deployment coordination, and implementation tracking of automation programs across AMZL, RSR, and SSD delivery station networks including ADTA (Auto Divert to Aisle) new launch and retrofits, Mechlite conveyance installations, and new innovation deployment planning.

In this role, the individual will have direct responsibility for managing site-level deployment timelines and project execution for assigned automation programs and regions. The Automation Planning Manager will serve as the central coordinator between a multitude of stakeholders including Entitlements,) Pre-Construction, Construction, Start-Up Execution, Design Engineering, WHS, Capacity Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and automation vendors. This role calls for an individual who over-indexes on ownership to de-conflict multiple competing projects at each site and drive timely delivery of automation milestones.

This role's scope necessitates the ability to solve ambiguous issues, provide effective solutions to gaps between teams, processes and systems, and maintain clear line-of-sight into site-level schedules that feed network-wide automation deployment goals.

Key job responsibilities

• Manage site-level project timelines for automation deployments for automation innovation programs across assigned vendors and programs, ensuring alignment between design, construction, equipment delivery, and site readiness milestones.
• Serve as the single-threaded planning owner for assigned sites, coordinating across Entitlements, Pre-Construction, Construction, Start-Up Execution, Design Engineering, WHS, Capacity Engineering, Supply Chain and Operations.
• Track and escalate vendor/integrator dependencies, material delivery timelines, and FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) schedules to ensure on-time deployment.
• Solve complex problems that pose risk to project delivery and key milestones through inquisitive deep dives with stakeholder Subject Matter Expert (SME) input.
• Compile, manage, and report on weekly project metrics including deployment pulse checks, site readiness status, and permitting progress.
• Support the Daily/Weekly Program Calls by providing site-level status updates and escalation items.
• Clearly communicate project issues and risks to senior leaders in writing and via in-person/remote meetings.
• Assist in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to improve deployment planning efficiency and cross-team handoffs.
• Identify opportunities to reduce spend in assigned regions through analysis of available assets, business needs, and returns on investment.
• Work within various time constraints to meet critical business needs, including OP planning cycles and network optimization deadlines.
• Up to 10% travel required.

A day in the life

Your day starts with a quick scan of overnight vendor updates and site status changes, then moves into the Daily Automation Call where you provide deployment updates for your assigned sites. Throughout the day, you coordinate across Construction, Design Engineering, Supply Chain, Startup Execution, Capacity Planning, and assigned vendor teams to resolve permitting questions, track equipment shipments, and unblock site readiness milestones. You compile weekly pulse check data, update project trackers, and prepare escalation summaries for leadership. No two days look the same - one day you may be troubleshooting a material delay from the vendor, and the next you are aligning a FAT schedule with a new technology pending deployment start. You work primarily from your desk with occasional site visits to observe installations and validate deployment readiness.