Internal Logistics Engineering Center of Competency - Innovation & Automation Specialist

Overall Objectives:

The ILE Innovation and Automation Specialist will lead the North America region in the research, use case development, proof of concept planning and execution, and expansion of innovative solutions which improve the safety, productivity and performance of the material delivery process. This position will develop logistics innovation strategies across all manufacturing sites in North America, including assembly, powertrain and stamping operations.

Lead regional NA Internal Logistics Engineering (ILE) and Plant Material Logistics Management teams on planning and implementation of innovative technologies to automate internal logistics processes for all vehicle assembly, stamping and powertrain plants, including:

• Map current material-handling processes and identify bottlenecks using lean tools (VSM, Kaizen, 5S).
• Identify opportunities to improve material flow (material staging, kitting, sequencing, replenishment), warehouse operations, and line side delivery for waste reduction, and overall logistics efficiency.

• Develop and own the regional internal logistics innovation roadmap, ensuring alignment with operational goals.
• Benchmark emerging technologies, industry trends and best practices while leading the selection, business cases, Proof-of-Concepts, and deployment of automation solutions including AGVs/AMRs/AFTs/ATUs, Cobots, AS/RS, IoT, Digital-Twins, Advanced WMS, and real time tracking systems.
• Ensure smooth integration between IT/OT systems (Performance Feedback Systems - PFS, Warehouse Management Systems - WMS, Fleet Management Systems – FMS, Other operational technologies).
• Partner and align with Plants, Industrial Engineering, Safety, Quality, ICT, Purchasing, Supply Chain, regional and global teams on internal logistics innovation implementation.
• Manage projects to deliver on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Lead end-to-end project execution: Scoping, Budgeting, Vendor evaluation, Pilots and Proof-of-Concepts, Scaling/expansion of successful solutions across facilities.
• Communicate project progress, risk mitigation, and results to leadership and stakeholders.
• Ensure new logistics processes and technologies meet safety standards, ergonomics requirements, and compliance regulations.

• Drive adoption of new tools and technologies with operators, supervisors, and logistics teams.
• Create training plans, SOPs, and transition materials.
• Support cultural transformation toward digital and automated logistics.
• Utilize data (from WMS, MES, PLC, telematics, sensors) to:
  • Monitor KPIs such as throughput, cycle time, on-time material delivery, labor utilization, and inventory accuracy.
  • Develop dashboards and insights for decision-making.
• Pursue sustainability improvements—energy-efficient equipment, reduced material handling waste, and optimized transport routes.

Basic Qualification:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering, or Supply Chain Management.
• 5+ years’ experience in Internal Logistics.
• 2+ years’ experience in logistics automation implementation and innovation.
• 2+ years’ experience in project and program management.
• Excellent Excel, PowerPoint and data management skills required.
• Working knowledge of communication protocols, data standards, IT requirements, and safety policies.

Preferred Qualification:

• Master’s degree in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering, or Supply Chain Management.