Walmart

(USA) Senior Manager, Automation Engineering - Launch Readiness & Ramp Execution

Walmart$110K — $220K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years in automation system design and integration within complex environments
  • Strong grasp of data analysis and statistical modeling techniques
  • Proven project management skills with risk assessment experience
  • Expertise in process improvement and workflow optimization
  • Understanding of engineering principles related to mechatronics and control systems
  • Ability to develop business cases and conduct financial analysis for automation projects
  • Strong communication skills to influence and align cross-functional teams

Responsibilities

  • Define and implement automation strategies for perishable distribution
  • Oversee labor planning and ramp strategy for operational readiness
  • Lead initiatives to enhance service quality and operational performance
  • Manage execution of automation programs, ensuring timelines and budgets are met
  • Control capital and operating budgets and conduct financial forecasting
  • Coordinate procurement and testing of automation systems
  • Drive continuous improvement through automation best practices

Benefits

  • Medical, vision, and dental coverage
  • 401(k) plans with company match
  • Paid time off including sick leave and parental leave
  • Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
  • Tuition reimbursement and education benefits under Live Better U
  • Company discounts and Military Leave Pay
  • Reimbursement for adoption and surrogacy expenses
Full Job Description
Position Summary

Walmart is seeking an experienced Sr Manager, Launch Readiness & Ramp Execution to lead business readiness, go-live planning, startup execution, and operational ramp-up for automation programs across the supply chain network. This role owns the integrated launch plan across Engineering, Operations, Technology, Construction, Transportation, Finance, vendors, and site leadership to ensure facilities are ready to launch safely, stabilize quickly, and achieve targeted business outcomes.

What You'll Do

Lead Launch Strategy and Readiness Planning
• Develop and execute integrated launch readiness strategies for automation programs across greenfield and retrofit facilities.
• Establish go-live frameworks, readiness scorecards, launch criteria, and decision-making routines.
• Coordinate commissioning, startup, stabilization, ramp, and transition-to-operations activities.

Own Ramp-Up Performance
• Develop ramp strategies, performance targets, launch sequencing, and site stabilization plans.
• Monitor KPIs including throughput, productivity, service levels, issue closure, staffing readiness, training readiness, and system performance.
• Drive issue resolution during startup, hypercare, and stabilization to accelerate time to steady-state operations.

Drive Cross-Functional Execution
• Lead alignment across Engineering, Operations, Technology, Construction, Transportation, Finance, vendors, and site leadership.
• Facilitate launch governance, readiness reviews, executive updates, dependency management, and escalation processes.
• Translate technical execution status into business readiness decisions and operational risk mitigation plans.

Ensure Operational Readiness
• Partner with Operations to validate staffing, training, maintenance readiness, test freight, process readiness, and support coverage.
• Align engineering deliverables with operational requirements, service commitments, labor plans, transportation impacts, and business objectives.
• Support successful handoff from implementation to hypercare, stabilization, and steady-state ownership.

Capture and Scale Launch Learnings
• Document launch and ramp lessons learned and convert them into repeatable launch / ramp frameworks.
• Improve startup methodologies, readiness tools, stakeholder cadences, and go / no-go decision practices.
• Apply learnings across future automation programs to reduce launch risk and accelerate value realization.

What You'll Bring

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, or related field.
• 5+ years leading startup, launch, implementation, commissioning, operational readiness, or transformation programs.
• Experience coordinating large cross-functional teams and stakeholder groups.
• Experience managing operational readiness, go-live planning, ramp execution, or stabilization activities.

Preferred Qualifications
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Experience with distribution center startups, automation deployments, material handling systems, or large-scale operational transformations.
• Experience with business readiness, hypercare, stabilization, capacity planning, labor planning, or launch command-center models.
• Supply chain, logistics, distribution, warehouse operations, or manufacturing startup experience.

Preferred Candidate Profile
• Thrives in fast-paced launch, startup, and stabilization environments.
• Strong operational mindset with the ability to connect technical execution to business outcomes.
• Excellent stakeholder management, executive communication, and decision facilitation skills.
• Comfortable leading through ambiguity, operational pressure, and competing priorities.
• Focused on readiness, adoption, ramp performance, and value realization.

How This Role Makes an Impact

This role accelerates automation value realization by ensuring each site is ready to launch, ramp, stabilize, and transition to steady-state operations with clear ownership, aligned stakeholders, strong operational readiness, and disciplined launch execution.

Additional Information
• Location: Bentonville, AR or site-based depending on program needs.
• Travel: Program dependent, with travel to distribution, construction, vendor, and launch sites as needed.
• Work Environment: Office and active distribution / industrial environments, including temperature-controlled facilities.

At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet. Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage. Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.

You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable.

For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices.

Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.

For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.

The annual salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $220,000.00

Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses.

Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :

- Stock

About Walmart

WalmartLabs is accelerating their development to redefine the shopping experience to meet the changing needs of our customers wherever they are —in a store, on our website, or on their mobile device.

Walmart Careers

Joining Walmart means becoming part of a world-renowned team that leads with innovation and is committed to creating impact. As the largest retailer globally, Walmart offers unparalleled job opportunities and career growth in an environment that values diversity and leadership. Work You’ll Do At Walmart, you will be part of a dynamic team that drives our mission to help people save money so they can live better. Engage in work that matters with a company that offers both stability and the flexibility to explore different career paths. Transform the retail landscape with your skills and help shape the future of millions of customers worldwide. Walmart is at the forefront of combining retail with advanced technology, making it an exciting place for professional growth and innovation. Lead with Us Step into a role that harnesses your potential and places you at the intersection of retail and technology. Walmart is not just a company; it's a community where you can develop your leadership skills and contribute to a culture that nurtures professional growth. Work with a diverse team of experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Our commitment to diversity training ensures that all team members are valued and can thrive. Walmart Careers and Employment Opportunities We are continuously expanding our team to include enthusiastic professionals eager to drive change and make a significant impact. Explore a range of positions from entry-level to executive, each offering competitive benefits and the opportunity to advance. Innovate with Us Join Walmart and be part of a team that is dedicated to innovation and excellence. With over 2.3 million associates worldwide, you are joining the largest private employment group, ready to innovate, lead, and impact the global market. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Walmart internship. Gain invaluable experience, build your resume, and develop networking connections that will empower your career journey. Our internships provide a platform to apply your academic knowledge in real-world scenarios, preparing you for future employment. Be Part of a Great Team At Walmart, our team is our strength. We invest in our employees through robust training programs, leadership development, and opportunities for career advancement. Enjoy the benefits of working in a supportive and inclusive environment where every member’s contribution is valued. Future-Proof Your Career Your journey at Walmart can be as vast as your ambitions. With endless opportunities to grow, learn, and lead, you can take your professional experience to new heights. Benefit from our comprehensive training programs and develop the skills needed for tomorrow’s challenges. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Explore the diverse job opportunities at Walmart and find where you can make a difference. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Walmart. SEARCH WALMART JOBS Join Walmart today and be part of a story of growth, innovation, and leadership.
Learn more about Walmart
Size
2,300 employees
Market Cap
$387 billion
Industry
Net Income
$13.5 billion
Founded
1962
5 Year Trend
+3.3%
Revenue
$559.1 billion
NASDAQ

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