VP, Automation and Operational Strategy
Fanatics
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Office
Location: Portland • Oregon • 🇺🇸 United States
Visit company websiteJob Level
Lead
Tech Stack
IoT
About the role
- Own the end-to-end automation strategy across physical and digital operations, including warehouse systems, live shopping fulfillment, and trading workflows.
- Serve as a key member of the operations leadership team, advising the C-suite and driving cross-functional alignment on automation priorities.
- Design and lead multi-year automation and infrastructure roadmaps to enable operational scale, speed, and precision.
- Evaluate, select, and implement advanced technologies including robotics, AI/ML-driven process automation, and IoT-enabled systems.
- Oversee high-stakes cross-functional programs that span Engineering, Product, Operations, and external partners.
- Build and mentor a team of automation engineers, technical program managers, and operations analysts.
- Optimize systems through Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Lead vendor strategy and negotiations with automation providers and robotics integrators.
- Define and monitor KPIs for automation performance, cost savings, and operational throughput.
- Champion a culture of innovation, agility, and operational excellence across the organization.
Requirements
- 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in automation, operations strategy, industrial engineering, or supply chain innovation.
- Proven success leading enterprise automation strategy in ecommerce, logistics, or tech-driven operations environments.
- Expertise in warehouse management systems, robotics, systems integration, and smart fulfillment technologies.
- Advanced understanding of operational modeling, data analytics, and process optimization.
- Deep experience in cross-functional leadership and influencing executive stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to architect and scale end-to-end automation systems from concept to implementation.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related technical discipline; MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred.
- Experience with live commerce, collectibles, or high-velocity DTC businesses is a strong plus.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to execute with urgency in fast-paced environments.
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard skills
automation strategywarehouse management systemsroboticssystems integrationprocess optimizationdata analyticsAI/ML-driven process automationIoT-enabled systemsLeanSix Sigma
Soft skills
leadershipcross-functional collaborationinfluencing executive stakeholdersmentoringstrategic thinkinginnovationagilityoperational excellenceexecution with urgencyteam building
Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in EngineeringBachelor’s degree in OperationsMBArelevant advanced degree