Company: ABARTA Coca-Cola Beverages
Job Location: 4900 Harrisburg, PA
Other Potential Locations: South Lebanon, PA; Lebanon, PA
SummaryThe Automation Manager is responsible for leading a team in the management and maintenance of the Vertique automated case-picking system and works cross-functionally with the operations team and other business functions to ensure the system's optimal performance. This position is responsible for ensuring the Vertique automated case-picking system and all its component parts are operating in accordance with its design; the establishment and execution of a preventative maintenance program; advising and overseeing enhancements and upgrades; and hiring, training, managing, and coordinating the technicians, contractors, processes, and applications required to maintain the system.
Responsibilities- Manage and motivate a team of technicians, mechanics, operators and contractors to deliver results by communicating company goals, safety practices, and deadlines.
- Develop teammates through effective performance management, coaching and training.
- Manage vendors and other third-party contractors including the execution of legal agreements, validating insurance, and communication of standards, policies and safety requirements.
- Serve as the primary technical liaison with Vertique/OEM representatives, integrators, vendors, and internal IT/automation support.
- Implement and execute a preventative maintenance program.
- Plan and schedule work through plant maintenance systems and procedures.
- Perform maintenance including but not limited to electrical, mechanical and security access using both internal and external resources.
- Establish and manage a tools, parts and critical spares inventory - procuring materials and maintaining required systems and databases.
- Provide technical support of operations to ensure equipment is running at full capacity.
- Manage the industrial sanitation program for the automation system in compliance with corporate quality requirements.
- Advise on future plans, designs and upgrades to meet business goals and continuous improvement expectations.
- Participate in capital planning for automation improvements, major repairs, replacements, and lifecycle management.
- Develop and track budgets in accordance with financial procedures and cycles.
- Create and maintain documentation including procedures, standards, and schematics to enable the safe and efficient maintenance of the automation system.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications- Bachelor's or Associate's degree in engineering, mechatronics, automation or equivalent technical/trade school certifications.
- Any specific mechanical or electrical CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES?
- 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, preferably within beverage, food & beverage.
- 5+ years people leadership, managing and developing technical teams.
- Excellent analytical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to communicate complex concepts with all levels of the organization.
- Skilled in contractor management and project management.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control system documentation.
- Knowledge of functional safety standards (e.g. ANSI, NFPA, IEC), safety PLCs, OSHA requirements, lockout/tagout, arc flash awareness, machine guarding, and electrical safety practices.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with beverage distribution operations.
- Experience with Vertique automated case-picking systems
- Experience leading automation projects from concept through commissioning
- Experience with HMI and SCADA platforms (e.g., Ignition)
- Any specific mechanical or electrical CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES?
Work Environment & Physical Requirements- Work is performed in an automated warehouse environment with daily exposure to industrial equipment.
- Ability to work on the plant floor, including climbing ladders and accessing control panels.
May require occasional off-shift or weekend work during system start-ups or critical support events.
Additional Information 
