Senior Manager Automation Execution

Description
The Role
General Motors is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Manager to help lead the North American Automation Execution team as we launch our next generation of vehicles. This role is critical in driving strategic initiatives that support GM's growth, innovation, and competitive edge. The ideal candidate is a proven leader with deep expertise in controls, robotics, vision systems, and plant floor technologies , and excels in cross-functional collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and team development.
What you'll do

• Lead and Develop Talent: Guide, coach, and mentor a large team of controls engineering professionals to deliver innovative, scalable automation solutions.
• Drive Execution Excellence: Oversee the execution of GPS, Press, Body, Paint, and General Assembly (GA) automation strategies, including piloting and supporting process development and Bill of Equipment iterations for program and plant launches.
• Champion Digitization: Develop and implement a forward-looking digitization strategy using AI, machine learning, and emulation technologies to optimize manufacturing systems across North America.
• Measure and Celebrate Success: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress, ensure accountability, and recognize team achievements.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner with operations, engineering, IT, finance, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless integration and execution of program launches.
• Ensure Operational Readiness: Support plant operations during steady-state and launch phases, including availability during weekends, shutdowns, and holidays as needed.
• Communicate with Impact: Prepare and deliver strategic updates and performance reports to senior leadership.

What You'll Need (Required Qualifications)

• Experience:
  
  • 10+ years in controls engineering with a strong track record of continuous improvement
  • 10+ years in leadership roles managing large, technical teams
• Technical Expertise:
  
  • Deep understanding of the Global Vehicle Development Process (GVDP) and related manufacturing deliverables
  • Strong knowledge of automation, robotics, vision systems, and plant floor integration
• Leadership & Strategy:
  
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through change and drive transformation
  • Strategic thinker with a commercial mindset and fiscal responsibility
  • High interpersonal skills and managerial courage to lead diverse teams
• Customer & Market Focus:
  
  • Ability to align automation strategies with plant and supplier needs
  • Awareness of industry trends and competitive landscape
• Other Requirements:
  
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Master's degree in Manufacturing, Business, or Engineering
• Experience applying AI and machine learning to solve business problems
• In-depth knowledge of vision systems and their application in manufacturing

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)
This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.
The selected candidate will be required to travel on a regular basis (25-50%) for this role.
This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
This position requires the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis. A company vehicle will be provided for this role with successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report review.
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
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We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
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