Sr Manager Network Impvmt & Automation

The Opportunity:

This role leads the strategy, implementation, and optimization of automation technologies across Mattel's North American distribution center operations. This role is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and deploying automation solutions that improve safety, productivity, quality, capacity, and service levels while supporting long-term supply chain growth. The position works closely with DC Directors, DC Operations Teams, Engineering, IT, Supply Chain, Finance, and external partners to ensure successful execution of automation initiatives and continuous improvement of automated systems.

What Your Impact Will Be:

Automation Strategy & Innovation

Develop and maintain a 2 to 5-year distribution center automation roadmap aligned with business objectives and DC Directors' operational needs. Develop business cases, ROI analyses, and capital investment proposals.

Identify opportunities to improve operational performance through automation and digital technologies.

Evaluate emerging automation solutions including robotics, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), goods-to-person technologies, and AI-enabled warehouse solutions.

Project Leadership & Execution

Lead automation projects from concept development through design, implementation, commissioning, and stabilization.

Manage project budgets, timelines, resources, risks, and vendor relationships.

Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful deployment and adoption of automation solutions.

Establish collaborative project control and executive reporting processes.

Systems Integration & Performance

Partner with IT and Engineering to integrate automation technologies with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehouse Execution Systems (WES), Warehouse Control Systems (WCS), ERP, and transportation systems.

Monitor system performance, identify improvement opportunities, and drive corrective actions.

Develop and track KPIs related to throughput, uptime, labor productivity, quality, and service levels.

Operational Excellence

Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven methodologies.

Improve operational efficiency, inventory accuracy, order fulfillment performance, and workplace safety.

Support network capacity planning and future distribution center design initiatives.

Standardize automation processes, procedures, and best practices across all Mattel NA DC facilities.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

Manage relationships with automation vendors, system integrators, consultants, and equipment suppliers.

Support RFP processes and vendor evaluations.

Partner with the Procurement Team on vendor contract negotiations and performance reviews.

Communicate project status, risks, and results to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.

Team Leadership

Build, develop, and lead a high-performing NI automation engineering team.

Coach team members and foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning; provide timely performance reviews.

Support organizational change management efforts related to new technologies and operating models.

What We’re Looking For:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field.

8–12+ years of experience in supply chain, warehouse operations, automation, engineering, or logistics.

5+ years of leadership experience managing complex automation projects and cross-functional teams.

Preferred skills:

Master's degree or MBA.

PMP certification.

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.

Experience with multi-site distribution networks and large-scale capital projects.

Experience implementing warehouse automation technologies such as ASRS, sortation systems, robotics, conveyor systems, AMRs, and automated packaging solutions.

Strong understanding of WMS, WCS, and WES platforms.

Proven project management and vendor management experience.

*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles. Join Mattel's Talent Community and start receiving exciting updates about our company, our employees, and our culture. Also, interested in signing up for job alerts? Do so here!

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