Senior Manager, Automation

We are on a multi-year transformation journey to modernize our network of 19 manufacturing sites. There is a strong requirement to transform the dry part platform solutions to meet the market demand and new ways of operation in CPS. The Automation Manager will be responsible for partnering with CPS global platform team, CPS sites and system integrators to deliver innovative dry part equipment platform solutions following CPS Automation standards and guidelines. In the near term, the role will be heavily focused on Japan greenfield given the amount of automation solutions to be invented, later the role will also be responsible to prove and scale the solutions to other CPS sites.

Reporting to Sr. director, CPS Automation, this role is to collaborate with CPS central functions, site automation/engineering teams and external technical service providers.

Being part of the automation COE team, this role is to work closely with the automation director and other COE members to evaluate the latest automation technologies, share best practices, drive standardization across CPS plants and provide technical guidance and support to execute global initiatives in the region and ensure the projects are aligned with global automation strategy.

Responsibilities:

• Lead execution of automation system standards and guidelines in collaboration with external suppliers and CPS internal teams, including but not limited to instrumentation, electrical safety standard, PLC, HMI, and other auxiliary automation solutions within the manufacturing environment.
• Play a lead role in consolidating automation system user specifications with site team and ensure the suppliers design and delivery of the systems in line with specifications.
• Conduct automation software/hardware FAT (Factory acceptance test) and SAT (Site Acceptance Test), IQ, OQ, PQ of the automation systems to ensure performance meets the specifications.
• Participate in equipment startup at the sites. Update specifications based on learnings from start-up as well as based on the technology upgrades available from the supplier or industry.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops and reviewing professional publications. Follow and comply with all safety and work rules and regulations.

Qualifications:

• Degree in engineering, preferably Electrical or Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
• 5-7 years’ experience in the field of automation/digitalization in a manufacturing facility with experience in design, vendor management, FATs, SATs, system validation and startup.
• Experience in managing global projects and knowledge of change management principles, methodologies and tools
• Should have detailed Software knowledge of PLC (Rockwell preferred), HMI (Ignition preferred), hands-on experience in production line integration and other digital systems integration (WCS, MES, OEESPC, etc).
• Should have detailed Hardware Knowledge of machine electrical safety standard, Control Panel design, Equipment connectivity protocols, robotics, Drives, Vision systems, etc
• Should have basic knowledge of OT cyber security requirements and network segmentation
• Detail oriented, analytical, and creative thinker with passion to improve and digitize work processes.
• Excellent project management, planning and organization skills and ability to work and deliver in changing environments while adhering to specified deadlines.
• Strong influencing, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and get results in a matrixed organization.

Travel: 25- 50% (both Japan domestically and internationally)

The role involves travel to suppliers for automation system design reviews and factory acceptance test as well as to other CPS factories for benchmarking. There will be travel to green field locations for design reviews and extended period of travel while supporting new sites during construction, commissioning, and stabilization phase.

Reporting: The role reports to Sr. Director, Automation.

Automation Engineering, Communication, Control System (Inactive), Food Processing, Food Production, Leadership, Lean Manufacturing, Materials Handling, Microsoft Office, Packaging Supplies, Process Engineering, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Project Engineering, Six SigmaLocation(s):

JapanCity/Cities:

ShigaTravel Required:

26% - 50%Relocation Provided:

NoJob Posting End Date:

June 30, 2026Our Purpose and Growth Culture:

We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.

Annual Incentive Reference Value Percentage:15

Annual Incentive reference value is a market-based competitive value for your role. It falls in the middle of the range for your role, indicating performance at target.