Automation Manager Jobs in Lexington, SC (NOW HIRING)

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Learn about our benefits designed for you to Thrive at work and at home.

We boldly go.

Where is the work:

What's in it for you:
The CHVAC Supply Chain Manager, supporting the Trane Technologies Commercial Business Unit, is responsible for leading end-to-end material flow strategies that ensure the right materials are available at the right time, in the right place, and at the right cost to support manufacturing, distribution, and customer commitments. This role drives operational excellence across planning, inventory management, logistics coordination, warehouse flow, supplier alignment, and continuous improvement activities.

The manager partners closely with site supply chain, sourcing, production, operations, engineering, quality, and logistics teams to optimize material availability, reduce shortages and excess inventory, improve inventory accuracy, and support on-time delivery performance. This position also plays a key role in developing scalable processes, monitoring key performance indicators, resolving material flow constraints, and leading initiatives that improve productivity, service, and cost efficiency across the commercial business.

Successful candidates typically combine strong leadership, analytical thinking, and cross-functional collaboration skills with experience in manufacturing or supply chain environments. They are expected to build high-performing teams, drive standard work, support safety and quality goals, and advance lean, continuous improvement, and operational discipline throughout the material flow function.

This role is designated as on site and will support multiple operations across the business unit. The manager must be onsite in Columbia (or surrounding locations) and willing to travel to the following locations as needed: Charlotte, NC, Grand Rapids, MI, St. Paul, MN, La Crosse, WI, Pueblo, CO, Clarksville, TN, Lynn Haven, FL, Monterrey, MX, Waco, TX, Columbia, SC, Fort Smith, AR, Newberry, SC, Rushville, IN.

What you will do:

• Support the optimization of material management related to indirect labor headcount through continuous improvement activities

• Support the implementation of the strategic plan for business system applications and systems readiness. This includes but not limited to tools utilized for warehouse design, supermarket design, replenishment signaling (sequencing, kitting, picking), point of use delivery, automation engineering (low-cost automation, AGV)

• Support cross functional alignment related to layout and timing for material flow applications

• Support the implementation of material flow strategy (fork-free, material feeding, automation, cost optimization, floor space optimization, third part cost minimization)

• Work with plant and SBU teams to design four wall material flow analysis and simulation with an effort to optimize cost

• Identify cost/waste reduction opportunities through continuous improvement approach

• Develop solution to material flow challenges associated to point of use delivery

• Identify new and emerging technologies to enhance existing processes designed to stimulate a competitive advantage in supporting the new and existing business functions

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop team.Provide direction to analyze production issues, develop countermeasures, and issue resolution for internal material flow

• Maintain safe and healthy work environment by establishing, following, and enforcing standard procedures

• Maintain team talent by recruiting, selecting, training, developing and coaching employees

• Develop strategies to optimize site-wide material flow through application of lean principles, process management, material handling strategies, and automation

• Lead the implementation of a progress-based pull system to synchronize all last mile and internal material flow processes.

• Implement world-class kitting and sequencing systems.Oversee all aspects of the PFEP program including point-of-use and logistics considerations

• Collaborate with enterprise technology leaders and manufacturing leaders to improve material and information flow

• Optimize material delivery processes by analyzing workflow, staffing levels, space requirements, equipment requirements, storage, and conveyance methods

• Maintain efficient workflow through development of standard work, area layouts, material flow maps and material handling systems.Evaluate and recommend equipment as needed.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree in business, materials management, supply chain, engineering, or related fieldpreferred

• Minimum 7 years of hands-on supply chain experience with direct responsibility of large supply chain operations

• Minimum 5 years' experience interacting with operations of various countries/cultures

• Demonstrates strong leadership, is reliable and has a positive attitude

• Expertise in ERP, MES, WMS for logistics and material flow

• Ability to design sequenced material routes, JIT, min-max and other lean manufacturing material flow solutions

• Experience related to automation engineering and design

• Deep understanding of PFEP and ability to manage the lifecycle of material flow (phase in/out)

• Proactive change agent and possess leadership skills to build and maintain a team-oriented environment

• Individual must possess excellent oral and written communication skills and can interface and influence up and down the organization to drive stakeholder buy-in

• Demonstrated mastery of project management and analytical skills

• In-depth understanding of world-class materials management execution

• Must be able to travel up to 50%

• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and effective implementation of kaizen, six sigma and kanban material management operational excellence tools and techniques

Annual Base Salary Range or Hourly Base Pay Range:

Compensation Type:

Incentive Eligible:

Sales Commission Eligible:

Disclaimer: We strive to provide competitive compensation for this position, tailored to a variety of factors. The actual compensation will depend on elements such as seniority, merit, geographic location, education, experience, travel requirements, and union designation. Our compensation range is generally based on the national average for the country. Additionally, benefits may vary depending on the region, business alignment, union involvement, and employee status.

Thrive at work and at home:

• Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives - WE DARE TO CARE!
• Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
• 401K match up to 6%, plus an additional 2% core contribution = up to 8% company contribution.
• Paid time off includes 15 vacation days, 9 paid holidays, 3 floating holidays, sick leave, and additional options to support volunteer and parental leave.
• Educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.

Disclaimer: Benefit offerings may vary depending on Collective Bargaining Agreements and local/state regulations.

Safety Sensitive Role:

The company designates certain roles as Safety Sensitive. Safety Sensitive roles may require that you pass additional drug screening.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits and programs. We are an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status.