Internal Job Title:

Country Automation Lead

Direct Report To:

Head of Country Operation (Country GM)

Job Overview

The Country Automation Lead is responsible for driving automation rollout initiatives to enhance productivity, reliability, and performance while reducing operating costs and improving employee safety. The role aims to provide a competitive edge through strategic, scalable automation efforts in the footwear manufacturing industry.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Execution Align and execute the country’s automation strategy in line with the vision and goals of the Steering Committee (Head of Country Operation and President). Identify key areas for automation to optimize efficiency and drive impactful outcomes.
2. Technology Vision & Selection Evaluate and select scalable, proven automation technologies tailored to the footwear industry. Ensure long-term alignment with business needs.
3. Team Development & Mentorship Build and lead high-performing teams with automation and footwear expertise. Provide mentorship, training, and continuous development opportunities.
4. Performance Monitoring & Optimization Implement mechanisms to monitor automation effectiveness. Track ROI, analyze key metrics, and provide progress updates.
5. Benchmarking & Best Practices Stay updated with global trends and practices in footwear automation. Incorporate advanced and relevant technologies to stay ahead competitively.

Tasks

• Develop a detailed 3-year automation roadmap with measurable goals to reduce dependency on skilled labor.
• Conduct benchmarking and deploy proven automation technologies in the footwear sector.
• Prioritize, pilot, and implement selected technologies ensuring integration with current systems.
• Establish the automation team: conduct needs assessments, define roles, structure the organization, plan budgets, recruit, and provide training.
• Lead rollout across all manufacturing sites, coordinating with cross-functional teams (PCC, Production, Supply Chain, EMC IT, etc.).
• Develop evaluation systems and collaborate with stakeholders (Country GMs, Supply Chain, MEG) to secure strategic partnerships with automation solution providers.
• Collaborate with Steering Committee to: Develop investment plans Conduct cost-benefit analysis Define ROI metrics Manage the annual automation budget
• Act as the country-level liaison for customer communications on automation initiatives.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in one of the following fields: Automation Engineering Mechatronics Engineering Electrical and Electronics Engineering Robotics Engineering Control System Engineering Industrial Automation & Control Intelligent System Engineering

Work Experience

• Minimum 10 years in industrial automation
• Proven experience in the manufacturing industry
• Footwear industry experience is a strong advantage

Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of automation systems in manufacturing
• Understanding of industry standards, quality control, and compliance practices

Skills

• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities
• Ability to provide technical training and collaborate with production and quality teams
• Adaptable and effective in fast-paced, ambiguous environments
• Analytical thinking to assess feasibility, troubleshoot, and optimize workflows
• Strong stakeholder management and engagement skills

Behavioral Traits

• Proactive & Innovative: Always seeks process improvements and stays current with new technologies
• Team Player: Works collaboratively with internal teams and external partners while maintaining product quality and meeting business objectives