Location
Possible locations include Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio or Wisconsin.
About the Company
Our client is a leading Italian automation company specializing in the design and integration of advanced robotic manufacturing systems for industrial applications. With a strong presence in the automotive sector and a rapidly growing footprint across North America, the company delivers highly customized automation solutions to some of the world's most recognized manufacturers. As the North American business continues to expand, the organization is seeking a hands-on Service Manager to lead service activities, support customers, and play a key role in the growth of the installed base across the region.
Service Manager – North America
Position Overview
The Service Manager will be responsible for leading all service activities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, acting as the primary technical point of contact for customers and the North American organization. The role combines hands-on field support, troubleshooting, installation oversight, contractor coordination, and service business development.
The successful candidate will report directly to the North America General Manager while maintaining close functional interaction with the Service team based at the Italian headquarters.
Key Responsibilities
• Provide autonomous troubleshooting and technical support on robotic manufacturing systems
installed throughout North America.
• Diagnose and resolve PLC, robot, electrical, mechanical, and automation-related issues both
remotely and on-site.
• Participate in new equipment installations and manage the handover process from the Italian
commissioning team to the North American organization.
• Coordinate service activities and manage a network of external contractors across the region.
• Evaluate maintenance requirements and execute preventive and corrective maintenance
activities.
• Gather technical information during customer visits and support the preparation of service
quotations and recommendations.
• Serve as the primary technical interface between customers, the North American team, and the Italian headquarters.
• Support the sales team by identifying opportunities for spare parts, upgrades, retrofits, and
service contracts within the existing installed base.
• Participate in weekly project and service review meetings with both North American and Italian
teams.
Required Qualifications
• Minimum 5 years of experience in PLC and/or industrial robot programming.
• Experience with Siemens and Allen Bradley PLC platforms.
• Experience programming Fanuc and/or ABB robots.
• Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read and interpret both US and European electrical schematics.
• Understanding of industrial safety standards and requirements.
• Ability to work independently in customer-facing environments.
• Excellent communication and customer management skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time throughout North America.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with Cognex and/or Keyence vision systems.
• Preventive maintenance experience on industrial robots.
• Experience supporting automated manufacturing lines within automotive, foundry, machining,
or heavy industrial environments.
• Previous experience within system integrators, automation companies, or entrepreneurial
service organizations.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a highly technical and hands-on professional who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment. They are comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy, solving complex technical problems, and building relationships with customers. Experience working in growing organizations, system integrators, or small-to-medium automation businesses is highly valued.