About this role
About the role As Automation Project Leader, you'll lead Southco's global portfolio of automation and manufacturing equipment projects. You'll manage 3–5 capital equipment and automation initiatives at a time across our Americas and European sites, including Honeoye Falls (NY), Concordville (PA), Chihuahua (Mexico), São Paulo (Brazil), Poland and Worcester (UK).You'll own the full project lifecycle: scoping, supplier sourcing and management, budget and schedule control, regulatory compliance, and installation and commissioning. You'll work with equipment sourced both domestically and internationally, with a focus on China-based suppliers. Individual projects typically range from $50K to $500K, and your active portfolio will represent $500K–$3M in combined capital spend at any given time.You'll partner with Regional Operations Directors, plant engineering and manufacturing leaders, and international suppliers, and travel internationally about 20% of the time for supplier qualification, factory acceptance testing, and on-site installation and start-up. What you will be doing How you will be making an impact Deliver global automation projects: Lead 3–5 concurrent automation and manufacturing equipment projects from scope definition through installation and start-up, making sure each one meets its technical, cost and schedule goals. Keep projects on track: Build and maintain project scopes, budgets and schedules, track performance against cost, schedule and quality targets, and report variances to plant and regional leadership. Find and manage the right suppliers: Source, evaluate and manage automation equipment suppliers, including those in China and other low-cost regions, negotiating scope, cost and quality to get the best balance of capability and value. Ensure safety and compliance: Confirm that automation and controls equipment meets regional regulatory and safety standards before it ships, is installed and starts up in its destination market. Align teams around the world: Work with plant operations, engineering and Regional Operations Directors across the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific to align on priorities, resources and installation readiness. Communicate with clarity: Keep Southco and plant leadership informed on project status, risks and roadmap through structured reporting, escalating issues and proposing mitigation plans when needed. Lead on the ground: Travel to supplier facilities and manufacturing plants to lead factory acceptance testing, oversee installations and commission new equipment. About you A skilled prioritizer: You balance multiple projects with ease, quickly zero in on what matters most, and shift focus as needs change. Organized and results-driven: You set clear goals, schedules and budgets, track progress closely, and adjust plans to keep every project on time and on budget. Globally minded: You work comfortably across regions, cultures and time zones, and enjoy partnering with international suppliers and plant teams. A natural collaborator: You build strong relationships across functions and geographies and can align stakeholders around shared goals without formal authority. Technically curious: You stay current on automation, controls and manufacturing equipment technology and use that knowledge to make sound decisions. A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience (required). 7+ years of experience in manufacturing/automation engineering, controls or capital project management (required). A proven track record of managing multiple concurrent capital equipment projects from concept through installation and start-up (required). Excellent cross-cultural communication skills and the ability to work effectively with global suppliers and plant teams across time zones (required). Willingness and ability to travel internationally about 20% of the time, including to China and other supplier and plant locations (required). PMP certification or equivalent formal project management training (preferred). Experience sourcing, qualifying and managing international equipment suppliers, particularly in Asia/China (preferred). Working knowledge of machine safety compliance frameworks such as UL/NFPA 79 (US), CE Machinery Directive (EU), UKCA (UK), NOM (Mexico) and NR-12/INMETRO (Brazil) (preferred). Strong knowledge of PLCs, HMIs and industrial controls, enough to evaluate supplier proposals and equipment designs (preferred). Proficiency with project management, ERP and CAD/PLM tools such as MS Project, SAP, NX and SolidWorks (preferred). How will we reward you Southco offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, along with the opportunity to put your fingerprints on every major product launch across the company. As part of this role you can expect: Competitive base salary and performance-based incentives Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage Retirement savings plan with company contribution Paid time off and holidays Opportunities for professional growth within a global marketing organization Direct, high-visibility partnership with Product Management, Sales, and Industry Marketing leaders A dynamic role with variety — from strategic launch planning to hands-on campaign execution