Project Manager

Job Title: AGV Project Manager

Job Description

The AGV Project Manager leads the end-to-end planning, concept development, and execution of Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) and related autonomous material handling systems as part of a long-term logistics automation strategy. This role owns feasibility analysis, system strategy creation, hardware and vendor selection, integration planning, and full lifecycle project management from initial concept through installation, validation, and production handoff. The position directly supports mid-term logistics automation plans and 2030 KPI targets, with potential future expansion to affiliated sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and concept development phase for AGV and autonomous material handling implementations across the facility.
• Determine hardware requirements, system architecture, and technology standards for AGV, AIV, AMR, and related systems.
• Identify and coordinate required resources, including internal cross-functional teams, external partners, and capital needs.
• Evaluate, select, and manage vendors to ensure alignment with technical, operational, safety, and cost requirements.
• Develop integration strategies to connect AGVs and autonomous vehicles with existing manufacturing, logistics, and IT systems.
• Prioritize project phases, deployment areas, and implementation stages based on business impact, operational readiness, and risk.
• Conduct feasibility studies to assess operational fit, ROI, throughput impact, and system capabilities for proposed AGV solutions.
• Develop a comprehensive AGV strategy aligned with mid-term logistics automation goals and 2030 KPI targets.
• Collaborate with regional and global teams to ensure alignment with corporate standards, shared technologies, and best practices.
• Lead equipment specification, justification, procurement, installation, testing, and final buyoff of AGV and related systems.
• Oversee process validation activities, including capability studies and safety compliance for all AGV deployments.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience managing 23 Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) projects from the initial planning and concept phase through full integration and production handoff.
• Hands-on project management experience in automated material handling or logistics automation environments.
• Strong ability to evaluate and compare hardware, software, and vendor solutions for AGV, AIV, AMR, and related autonomous systems.
• Demonstrated skill in leading cross-functional teams and coordinating with global or regional stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to manage expectations, provide updates, and align diverse teams.
• Ability to manage project timelines, budgets, risks, and change in a fast-paced, highly automated manufacturing environment.
• Solid understanding of system integration between automation equipment, manufacturing operations, logistics, and IT systems.
• Knowledge of safety, validation, and compliance considerations for AGV and autonomous vehicle implementations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with AGV manufacturers or integrators, or experience delivering AGV, AMR, or autonomous material handling projects for large-scale operations.
• Experience in high-volume, automated manufacturing or logistics environments such as distribution centers, parcel hubs, or advanced manufacturing plants.
• Familiarity with Autonomous Intelligent Vehicles (AIV), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), Autonomous Floor Loaders (AFL), or similar technologies.
• Experience conducting feasibility studies, ROI analysis, and capability studies for automation projects.
• Comfort working within structured corporate standards and contributing to shared technology platforms and best practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to create clear documentation and support training for production and maintenance teams.

Work Environment

This is an on-site, first-shift role at a large, highly automated automotive manufacturing facility. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Battle Creek, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $67.31/hr.

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 specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision

Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital

401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available

Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Battle Creek,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 26, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.