Senior Automation Leader

Location: 6135 Anderson Mill Rd,Moore,South Carolina,29369

We are seeking an experienced Automation Leader/Supervisor to drive the development, reliability, and continuous improvement of our automated systems. This role combines technical expertise with strong leadership to ensure equipment performance, team development, and operational excellence across our distribution and manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

Automation System Development & Standards

• Develop and maintain automation system standards and guidelines, collaborating with internal teams and external suppliers, covering simulation, parts management, uptime, and performance.

• Partner with automation integrators to troubleshoot and optimize systems, ensuring alignment with design specifications.

• Identify potential issues with existing equipment and implement adaptive solutions across various engineering designs and applications.

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, guide, and support a team of Distribution Associates and Technicians to meet equipment availability and performance targets.

• Manage all aspects of team operations, including hiring, training, work assignments, performance appraisals, coaching, and conflict resolution.

• Train production employees on the operation of new and modified automation systems.

Equipment Reliability & Maintenance

• Achieve zero-downtime performance through proactive maintenance and Root Cause Corrective Actions (RCCA).

• Develop and execute preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, including SOPs and TPM programs.

• Maintain adherence to preventive maintenance schedules and oversee a robust spare parts strategy for the automation fleet.

• Diagnose and repair automation system failures in collaboration with maintenance teams.

Continuous Improvement & Site Support

• Lead and support Continuous Improvement initiatives using tools such as Kaizen, TPM, and 5S.

• Participate in equipment startups, updating specifications based on startup learnings and technological advancements.

• Identify and implement opportunities for automation growth and process optimization across the site.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Maintenance, Quality, Production, IT, Engineering teams, and external vendors/OEMs to improve system performance and reliability.

• Support the Logistics Manager in daily operations, including training plans, performance feedback, project implementation, and stakeholder communication.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Champion a zero-injury safety culture through behavioral observations, safety meetings, audits, and enforcement of safety programs (e.g., Lockout/Tagout).

• Ensure 100% completion of safety and regulatory training.

• Develop and maintain processes that ensure product quality and food safety.

Data-Driven Performance Monitoring

• Track and analyze key performance metrics, including equipment uptime, fault counts, and mission time, to drive improvements.

• Utilize data tools to predict maintenance needs and escalate issues appropriately.

• Maintain documentation such as SOPs, troubleshooting guides, and repair logs to support training and operational excellence.

Team Performance & Culture

• Foster a culture of trust, wellbeing, and recognition that prioritizes team success.

• Drive a shared vision with clear goals and accountability, supported by ongoing communication and performance management.

• Encourage diverse perspectives and learning from both successes and failures to drive innovation.

• Establish a safe and motivating environment where team members are heard, aligned, and empowered.

Compensation

• This is a salaried, exempt position paid biweekly. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Benefits (Effective Day One, Where Applicable):

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Disability Coverage

• Paid Time Off (including vacation and sick leave)

• 401(k) with company match

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Mileage Reimbursement

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Education

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Supply Chain, or a related discipline preferred.

Experience

• 5–7 years of hands-on experience in automation or digitalization within a manufacturing or logistics environment.

• Proven expertise in system design, vendor

Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ: KDP) is a leading beverage company in North America, with a portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed and partner brands and powerful distribution capabilities to provide a beverage for every need, anytime, anywhere. We operate with a differentiated business model and world-class brand portfolio, powered by a talented and engaged team that is anchored in our values. We work with big, exciting beverage brands and the #1 single-serve coffee brewing system in North America at KDP, and we have fun doing it!

Together, we have built a leading beverage company in North America offering hot and cold beverages together at scale. Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that’s proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation, and growth. Will you join us?

We strive to be an employer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team of ~29,000 employees to grow and develop. We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work.

Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.