John Deere

Construction & Forestry Automation Strategy & Execution Lead

John Deere$123K — $185K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in automation strategy or transformation in manufacturing.
  • Strong understanding of industrial automation technologies and smart manufacturing.
  • Proven ability in developing scalable automation standards and deployment procedures.
  • Experience building organizational capabilities through coaching and knowledge sharing.
  • Ability to monitor industry trends and evaluate emerging technologies for automation.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the divisional automation strategy and roadmap for manufacturing.
  • Identify and prioritize high-value automation opportunities.
  • Govern a backlog of automation use cases and manage stakeholder engagement.
  • Establish governance processes for automation portfolio management.
  • Partner with factory leadership to define future-state automation capabilities.
  • Engage suppliers and technology partners for solution evaluation and integration.
  • Track business outcomes to ensure measurable value from automation investments.

Benefits

  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits with company HSA contribution
  • Tuition assistance for continued education
  • Adoption assistance and Employee Assistance Programs
  • On-site gyms and fitness subsidies at select locations
  • Charitable contribution matching
  • Employee Purchase Plan with discount programs
Full Job Description
Primary Location: United States (US) - Iowa - Davenport
Function: Factory Engineering (CA)
Title: Construction & Forestry Automation Strategy & Execution Lead - 123784
Onsite/Remote:Onsite Position

Your Responsibilities

As a Construction & Forestry Automation Strategy & Execution Lead for John Deere Construction & Forestry located in Davenport, IA, Dubuque, IA, or Kernersvile, NC you will provide divisional leadership for automation strategy, execution governance, standards, capability development, and supplier engagement across the C&F manufacturing network.

Your Responsibilities Continued

Additionally you will:

  • Lead the C&F divisional automation strategy and multi-year roadmap across the manufacturing network, aligning automation priorities to business transformation goals and future factory capability needs
  • Identify, evaluate, and prioritize high-value automation opportunities based on business value, scalability, readiness, risk, investment need, and strategic alignment
  • Maintain and govern a divisional backlog of automation use cases through structured factory demand intake, stakeholder engagement, and prioritization processes
  • Establish governance processes for automation portfolio management, including prioritization, risk management, funding discipline, transparency, execution accountability, and outcome tracking
  • Partner with factory leadership and cross-functional teams to understand operational challenges, define future-state capabilities, and align automation investments to site and divisional priorities
  • Demonstrate strong technical understanding of industrial automation, including robotics, controls, machine connectivity, data integration, OT/IT architecture, smart manufacturing, and emerging automation technologies
  • Develop and maintain scalable automation standards, reference architectures, deployment playbooks, and reusable solution patterns to enable consistent execution across multiple factories
  • Engage suppliers, integrators, and technology partners to evaluate solutions, define integration approaches, ensure technical alignment, and support deployment at scale
  • Partner closely with the China Technical Automation Lead to accelerate execution of priority automation projects and deliver business transformation outcomes through aligned technical direction, supplier coordination, and external integrator engagement
  • Build organizational automation capability through coaching, competency development, communities of practice, factory engagement, and knowledge sharing
  • Track and communicate business outcomes to ensure automation investments deliver measurable value in safety, quality, productivity, cost, delivery, capacity, and operational performance


VISA Sponsorship is NOT available for this position

What Skills You Need

  • Experience leading automation strategy, roadmap development, or transformation initiatives in a manufacturing or production environment
  • Demonstrated ability to translate business priorities into automation initiatives with clear scope, value drivers, execution plans, and measurable outcomes
  • Strong understanding of industrial automation technologies, robotics, machine connectivity, controls, data integration, and emerging smart manufacturing capabilities
  • Experience developing standards, solution architectures, deployment playbooks, or repeatable methods that support scalable automation implementation across multiple sites
  • Proven ability to build organizational capability through coaching, competency development, communities of practice, and knowledge sharing with factory and technical teams
  • Monitor industry trends, benchmark peer organizations, and evaluate emerging technologies to inform future automation strategy, supplier partnerships, and capability development


What Makes You Standout

  • Experience leading multi-site automation programs or enterprise-level manufacturing transformation initiatives
  • Proven ability to scout, evaluate, pilot, and scale new automation technologies across diverse applications such as material handling, assembly, welding, machining, dispensing, and inspection
  • Experience building supplier ecosystems, preferred integrator models, technology partner relationships, or strategic sourcing approaches for automation delivery
  • Experience developing competency frameworks, training plans, communities of practice, or technical governance structures for automation and smart manufacturing capabilities
  • Knowledge of collaborative automation, autonomous mobile robots, machine vision, perception technologies, industrial connectivity, IoT, data platforms, and Industry 4.0 solution architectures
  • Ability to connect automation strategy to business case development, capital planning, ROI, cost reduction, capacity improvement, and operational performance outcomes


Education

Ideally you will have a degree or equivalent related work experience in the following:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience in a related career field


What You'll Get

At John Deere, you are empowered to create a career that will take you to where you want to go while working in an inclusive team environment. Here, you'll enjoy the freedom to explore new projects, the support to think outside the box and the advanced tools and technology that foster innovation and achievement. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive reward package to help you get started on your new career path, including:
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Highly competitive base pay
  • Savings & Retirement benefits (401K and Defined Contribution)
  • Healthcare benefits with a generous company contribution in the Health Savings Account
  • Adoption assistance
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Tuition assistance
  • Fitness subsidies and on-site gyms at specific Deere locations
  • Charitable contribution match
  • Employee Purchase Plan & numerous discount programs for personal use
  • Vacation and Holiday Pay

$123,804.00 - $185,700.00 + Benefits

Follow this link to learn more about our Total Rewards Package https://bit.ly/3XCd8fL

Must be 18 years of age or older to apply

The information contained herein is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of individuals performing the job. The qualifications detailed in this job description are not considered the minimum requirements necessary to perform the job, but rather as guidelines.

About John Deere

John Deere provides lawn, garden parts, attachments, construction, commercial mowing, golf, sports turf, engine, remanufactured parts, components, and maintenance parts. Their products include lawn, garden, electric, agriculture, construction, landscaping, grounds care, forestry, logging, engines, drivetrain, electronics, government, military sales, attachments, accessories, implements, and rental sale products.

John Deere Careers

Join the vibrant team at John Deere, a global leader in agricultural and construction equipment innovation, where your skills and passions can help shape the future of the industry. At John Deere, we are committed to fostering a culture of growth, leadership, and diversity, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking dynamic and rewarding job opportunities. Work You’ll Do At John Deere, you will be part of a team that is dedicated to excellence and innovation. Our professionals are at the forefront of engineering and technology, driving transformation in the agriculture and construction sectors. With a career at John Deere, you will lead industry-changing projects that integrate cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices. Join our diverse group of talented individuals who are passionate about developing new strategies and solutions that meet the evolving needs of our global customers. Whether in design, manufacturing, research, or digital technology, your work at John Deere will contribute to the efficiency and productivity of those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich, and build upon the land. Professional Growth and Development John Deere believes in the power of continuous professional development and offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities. Our leadership and diversity training programs are designed to enhance your skills and prepare you for a wide range of challenges and leadership roles within the company. Internship Opportunities Kickstart your career with a John Deere internship. Our internships provide hands-on experience in your field of study, allowing you to apply academic knowledge to real-world projects. Interns at John Deere gain valuable industry insights and professional networking opportunities, setting the foundation for a successful career. Benefits and Culture At John Deere, we prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports the health, financial security, and work-life balance of our team members. Our inclusive culture encourages collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every employee can contribute to their fullest potential. Hiring Process Embark on your John Deere career journey by exploring our open positions that match your skills and interests. Our hiring process is designed to be transparent and engaging, starting from your initial application and resume submission to interviews and employment offers. We seek curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are ready to make a difference. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search John Deere jobs today and find the position that aligns with your career aspirations. We are constantly looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead the way in global agriculture and construction solutions. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can use today—all from the people who work at John Deere. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at John Deere. Explore the possibilities with John Deere and be part of a team that is dedicated to those linked to the land. Join us in our mission to deliver products and services that support a growing world.
Learn more about John Deere
Size
75,550 employees
Market Cap
$129.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.4 billion
Founded
1837
5 Year Trend
+11.9%
Revenue
$37 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at John Deere

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Construction & Forestry Automation Strategy & Execution Lead jobs: