Senior Material Handling Automation Manager
Today• Warren, MI
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.
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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
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
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Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us [email protected] or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.
Client-provided location(s): Warren, MI
Job ID: General_Motors-JR-202606451
Employment Type: FULL_TIME
Posted: 2026-03-27T00:05:17
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Health Reimbursement Account
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- FSA
- HSA
- HSA With Employer Contribution
Parental Benefits
- Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
- Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
- Adoption Leave
- Fertility Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Remote Work Opportunities
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Casual Dress
- Happy Hours
- On-Site Cafeteria
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Leave of Absence
Financial and Retirement
- 401(K)
- 401(K) With Company Matching
- Performance Bonus
- Relocation Assistance
- Stock Purchase Program
Professional Development
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Learning and Development Stipend
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Shadowing Opportunities
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Internship Program
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
- Woman founded/led
- Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
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