Automation & Engineering Manager

This role leads engineering projects from concept through implementation and supports automation technologies, material handling equipment (MHE), warehouse systems, and facility infrastructure to improve safety, efficiency, reliability, and operational performance. Through our core ingredient platforms that we’re known for globally – cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices – we partner with food and beverage manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice operators worldwide to help meet evolving consumer needs.

Description

ofi is a global leader in food & beverage ingredients and solutions. Through our core ingredient platforms that we’re known for globally – cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices – we partner with food and beverage manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice operators worldwide to help meet evolving consumer needs. 

With deep roots in origin countries and close relationships with farmers, we help deliver quality, traceability, transparency, and resilient supply chains. By combining sourcing expertise, market knowledge, innovation, and technical capabilities, we create value for customers while driving positive impact for people and the planet.

Together, ofi employee advance our Purpose: to be the change for good food and a healthy future. 

Position Summary:

ofi values in-person collaboration with colleagues - employees are expected to work their specific work schedule on site at their ofi location.

Reporting to the General Manager of Engineering, the Automation & Engineering Manager is responsible for supporting the design, implementation, and optimization of engineering and automation systems across ofi’s warehousing and distribution center operations. This role leads engineering projects from concept through implementation and supports automation technologies, material handling equipment (MHE), warehouse systems, and facility infrastructure to improve safety, efficiency, reliability, and operational performance.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in project engineering, warehouse automation, material handling systems, and project execution. This role requires the ability to manage multiple engineering initiatives, troubleshoot complex systems, coordinate with vendors and integrators, and collaborate across Operations, IT, Maintenance, and other cross-functional teams. Experience with automated warehousing technologies, WMS/WCS integration, and distribution or manufacturing environments is strongly preferred.

What You'll Do - Position Responsibilities: 

• Lead and support engineering projects across warehousing and distribution centers from concept through completion.
• Work cross-functionally with Operations, IT, Maintenance, vendors, and other stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
• Develop and manage project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource requirements.
• Manage contractors, vendors, and system integrators during installation, commissioning, and implementation.
• Ensure engineering projects comply with applicable safety, quality, and industry standards.
• Design, specify, and implement automation solutions, including conveyors, sorters, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), robotics, and warehouse control systems (WCS).
• Analyze warehouse processes and identify opportunities for automation, efficiency, and process improvement.
• Partner with IT and software teams to support integration between Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehouse Control Systems (WCS), and automation technologies.
• Conduct testing, validation, troubleshooting, and commissioning of automated systems.
• Provide engineering support to warehouse operations, including troubleshooting material handling equipment and automation systems.
• Perform root-cause analysis of equipment and system failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Monitor system performance and identify continuous improvement opportunities.
• Support facility layout design, equipment selection, and infrastructure planning for new and existing facilities.
• Develop engineering reports, project tracking, and performance analytics using tools such as MS Project, Excel, and Power BI.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience You'll Bring- Role Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, or related field required. 
• Eight (8) to ten (10) years of project engineering experience within warehousing, distribution, logistics, or manufacturing required. 
• Experience with warehouse automation systems, including conveyors, robotics, ASRS, AGVs, or pick-to-light systems required. 
• Strong knowledge of material handling equipment (MHE), industrial automation, and warehouse operations required. 
• Experience managing engineering projects, including vendor coordination, installation, commissioning, and on-site implementation required. 
• Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar CAD software preferred. 
• Familiarity with WMS, WCS, and SCADA systems preferred. 
• Basic knowledge of PLC programming, including Rockwell or Siemens systems, preferred. 
• Experience with MS Project, Excel, Power BI, or similar project management and reporting tools preferred. 
• Strong project management, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills required. 
• Travel: This role may require up to 25% travel to other worksite locations, suppliers, customers, or business events.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.  

ofi provides employees with a comprehensive & competitive benefits package that is designed to support your career, health, and future. Build a Rewarding Career at ofi!

The pay for this role ranges from $132,000 - $165,000 annually and is based on the position responsibilities and geographic location. Actual pay within this range may be determined based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and/or other determining factors.   

Performance-based Bonuses: Discretionary bonus rewarding company performance as well as your contributions and impact, for eligible roles.  

Comprehensive & Affordable Benefits: Coverage for you (and your eligible dependents) with plans designed for peace of mind and savings for the future.  

A Culture of Well-being: Paid Volunteer time off, access to events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being for you and your family.  

Family Support: Paid parental leave, Fertility benefits and lactation support, including milk shipping for traveling employees.  

Additional Perks that Make a Difference:

• Vacation time from Day 1 – Your time off starts accruing immediately, growing with your tenure.  
• Paid Sick Leave –   Rest, recover, and return strong – with paid sick leave on ofi.  
• Company Paid Holidays – ofi values work-life balance and the importance of celebrating life’s special moments.  
• 401K Match on Day 1 – Invest in your future with our competitive retirement savings program.  
• Career Growth & Learning – Join a company committed to developing talent, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities.  

ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at: 

US-Talent.Acquisition@ofi.com

  

At ofi, we celebrate our diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.