Senior Manager – Automation Strategy

General Motors

. Lead the strategy, sourcing, and deployment roadmap for automation solutions supporting Global Purchasing and Supply Chain's manufacturing and logistics footprint .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeWarren • Michigan • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing automation strategies, sourcing, and supplier management within manufacturing and logistics. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive change, and implement performance metrics to enhance operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Automation Strategy DevelopmentSupplier ManagementPeople LeadershipSourcing and Contract ManagementChange Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Supply Chain ManagementManufacturing EngineeringRoboticsAutomation EquipmentControlsMaterial Handling SystemsLean MethodologiesOPEX Continuous ImprovementData AnalysisRisk Management

Soft Skills

Executive CommunicationAnalytical CapabilityInfluencing SkillsRelationship ManagementAdaptability

Tools & Technologies

Power BIPythonMachine LearningAI DevelopmentCost Modelling ToolsSupplier Performance Dashboards

Certifications & Qualifications

MBAAI CertificationML CertificationOperational Excellence CertificationLean CertificationAgile CertificationChange Management Certification

Industry Keywords

AutomotiveComplex ManufacturingSmart FactoryIIoTDigital TwinsHigh-Volume OperationsGlobal PurchasingLogisticsCommercial ModelsLifecycle Cost Management

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the strategy, sourcing, and deployment roadmap for automation solutions supporting Global Purchasing and Supply Chain's manufacturing and logistics footprint
Develop and execute an integrated automation commodity and technology strategy to reduce enterprise cost, improve safety and quality, and increase operational resiliency
Partner with GPSC commodity teams, Manufacturing Engineering, Plant Leadership, GM IT, Finance, Supplier Quality, Logistics & Packaging, and strategic automation suppliers
Lead and develop a team of purchasing professionals and automation strategy leaders supporting equipment, controls, and robotics
Build an inclusive, high-performance culture focused on safety, innovation, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement
Develop multi-year roadmaps for automation platforms, suppliers, standards, and commercial models
Align automation strategy with vehicle and propulsion program cycles, capacity plans, industrialization strategies, and plant network changes
Establish and own automation performance KPIs, including launch readiness, availability, OEE impacts, cost, quality, and safety
Develop and execute global commodity strategies for robotics, controls, material handling systems, vision systems, automated storage/retrieval, MES interfaces, and related services
Segment the supply base, define strategic partners, and negotiate commercial agreements optimizing total cost of ownership, lifecycle support, and innovation access
Lead supplier risk, resiliency, and capacity assessments and implement mitigation plans
Integrate automation sourcing and strategy into program planning and GVDP milestones
Support standardized specifications, design standards, and reusable automation solutions
Oversee and provide escalation support for automation sourcing events, launches, and issue resolution
Standardize purchasing and supplier management processes from sourcing through lifecycle management
Leverage digital tools, analytics, standardized RFQ workflows, cost models, should-cost analysis, and supplier performance dashboards
Influence functions, plants, and regions to adopt common standards, platforms, suppliers, commercial models, and processes
Lead change management and communication plans
Engage automation OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, integrators, technology startups, consultants, and industry forums
Benchmark GM's automation cost, performance, and commercial models and convert insights into sourcing strategies
Design and implement training, playbooks, and communities of practice
Embed Lean and OPEX continuous improvement methods into automation sourcing, negotiations, and supplier performance management

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing), Business, or related field
Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in purchasing, supply chain, operations, or manufacturing engineering, with significant exposure to automation equipment, controls, or robotics
Demonstrated people leadership experience, including direct leadership of teams typically comprising 4–5+ direct reports
Proven success leading complex, cross-functional, and global initiatives in a matrixed environment, from strategy through implementation and value realization
Deep knowledge of sourcing, supplier management, and contract/commercial structures for capital equipment and/or automation solutions, including risk and lifecycle cost management
Experience supporting or leading automation programs in manufacturing or logistics, including robotic cells, automated material handling, advanced controls, or integrated systems
Strong strategic orientation, analytical capability, and executive communication skills
Ability to simplify technical complexity and influence senior leaders
Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity, drive change, and challenge the status quo while maintaining relationships and alignment
High learning agility and comfort operating in a fast-changing environment with evolving technologies and competing priorities
Occasional domestic and international travel to GM plants, suppliers, and technology partners up to 50%
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship; candidates must not need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future
Preferred: MBA or advanced degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or Engineering
Preferred: Hands-on experience with factory automation and digital industrialization, such as smart factory, IIoT, digital twins, or advanced equipment-performance analytics
Preferred: Experience in automotive or complex manufacturing, including launch environments and high-volume operations
Preferred: Proficiency with Power BI, Python, ML or AI Agentic development, cost modelling tools, and supplier performance dashboards
Preferred: Formal training or certification in AI, ML, Operational Excellence, Lean, Agile, or Change Management

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid work arrangement with expectation to report to the specified location at least 3 times a week
Relocation benefits available for qualifying candidates under company policy
Benefits supporting employee well-being at work and home
Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities