Senior Material Handling Automation Manager

General Motors

Material Handling Automation Lead responsible for GM's automation strategy for warehouse operations. Overseeing scalable automation solutions across LOCs in US, Canada, and Mexico.

Posted 6/2/2026full-timeWarren • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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.
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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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.

Benefits

Comp & perks

GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

ATS Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

material handling automationautomation technologiesprocess designroot cause analysiscost-benefit analysisproject managementmaterial flowsafety standardsdata analysiscontinuous improvement

Soft Skills

effective communicationcollaborationinfluenceproblem solvingcross-functional coordinationleadershipstrategic thinkingrelationship managementorganizational skillsadaptability