Director, Facilities Planning and Automation - US

Warehouse Automation Manager

This role is responsible for the tactical execution and continuous improvement of warehouse infrastructure and automation systems. The individual will serve as the subject matter expert for rack standards and practices, Miniload system operations, and emerging warehouse automation technologies. They will collaborate closely with Operations, Construction, Field Maintenance, and EHS to ensure safe, efficient, and scalable solutions across the network.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain rack standards and best practices in coordination with Operations, Construction, Field Maintenance and EHS teams.
• Lead rack design initiatives, including layout optimization and structural integrity assessments.
• Chair Sysco Rack Taskforce.
• Manage procurement processes and oversee installation projects to ensure compliance with safety and operational requirements.

• Manage site-level slotting and throughput capacity utilization reporting to support operational efficiency.
• Develop and maintain long-range capacity forecasting models to guide infrastructure and automation investments.
• Partner with Operations and Planning teams to align capacity strategies with business growth and seasonal demand.
• Identify constraints and recommend tactical solutions to optimize space and throughput across the network.

• Monitor and report on Miniload system performance, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Chair a cross functional Miniload committee made up of SC Engineering, operations, BT, and maintenance to ensure actions are taken to maintain system uptime and reliability.
• Deliver training programs and provide field support to operational teams using Miniload systems.
• Develop long-term strategies for Miniload system lifecycle management, including end-of-life planning and replacement roadmaps. Work with Maintenance and Field operations to capture requisite costs and operating metrics to support decision making.

• Explore and evaluate emerging warehouse automation technologies, including robotics, AS/RS, and AI-driven solutions.
• Build business cases and lead pilot programs to test new technologies in live environments.
• Cultivate relationships with vendors and stay current on industry trends and innovations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align automation initiatives with broader supply chain strategies.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in warehouse infrastructure, automation systems, or industrial engineering.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Familiarity with safety standards and operational protocols in warehouse environments.
• Experience with data analysis and capacity modeling tools.
• Excellent communication and vendor management skills.
• Experience leading a team of technical specialists, project managers and third party personnel. (6 to 18 depending on project load)

Required Minimum Education/Experience

• Minimum 15 years work experience.
• BS degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Research, or equivalent work experience required.
• MBA preferred.

Certifications and/or Technical Requirements

• Computer literacy including Excel, Powerpoint, MS Word and Outlook.
• CAD and SQL.
• Requires technical warehouse rack engineering and slotting acumen in order to account for labor, capital, product usage and inventory in decision-making.

Abilities and Skills

Leadership

• Self-motivated with the ability to overcome obstacles to achieve objectives and complete projects on time.
• Highly organized, able to set priorities and manage time effectively.
• Capable of staffing, training, and leading a professional team to achieve departmental goals.
• Skilled in influencing stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Embraces and drives change, creating breakthrough strategies and plans.
• Fosters a high-performance culture and coaches team members for growth.

Language Skills

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.

Mathematical Skills

• Advanced analytical skills to evaluate operational, financial, and statistical data.

Problem Solving

• Proven ability to identify, define, and resolve problems using fact-based methods and deep operational knowledge.
• Skilled in planning, organizing, executing, controlling, and evaluating initiatives.
• Effective at engaging with diverse stakeholders to clarify requirements and implement solutions.

Accountability

• Acts with initiative to positively affect Sysco's overall goals.
• Provides accurate, timely information to support operational objectives.

Work Environment

• Based at the Global Support Center in Houston TX
• Travel up to 25% of the time.
• Occasional work in a zero-degree Fahrenheit freezer environment.
• Noise level is usually moderate.

Physical Demands

• While performing duties, regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands for computer and phone operation.
• Occasionally perform field measurements and lift or move up to 20 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Overview

Sysco is the global leader in foodservice distribution. With over 71,000 colleagues and a fleet of over 13,000 vehicles, Sysco operates approximately 333 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 700,000 customer locations.

We offer our colleagues the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, to contribute to the success of a dynamic organization, and to serve others in a manner that exceeds their expectations. We're looking for talented, hard-working individuals to join our team. Come grow with us and let us show you why Sysco is at the heart of food and service.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.

This opportunity is available through Sysco Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates.