Director, Facilities Planning and Automation - US at Sysco

Concord, North Carolina, United States

Sysco Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Warehousing, Logistics, Supply Chain, Food DistributionIndustries

Requirements

  • Proven experience in warehouse infrastructure, automation systems, or industrial engineering
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives
  • Familiarity with safety standards and operational protocols in warehouse environments
  • Experience with data analysis and capacity modeling tools
  • Excellent communication and vendor management skills
  • Experience leading a team of technical specialists, project managers, and third-party personnel (6 to 18 depending on project load)
  • Minimum 15 years work experience
  • BS degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Research, or equivalent work experience required (MBA preferred)
  • Computer literacy including Excel, PowerPoint, MS Word, and Outlook
  • CAD and SQL proficiency
  • Technical warehouse rack engineering and slotting acumen to account for labor, capital, product usage, and inventory in decision-making
  • Leadership skills; self-motivated with the ability to operate independently

Responsibilities

  • Develop, implement, and maintain rack standards and best practices in coordination with Operations, Construction, Field Maintenance, and EHS teams
  • Lead rack design initiatives, including layout optimization and structural integrity assessments
  • Chair Sysco Rack Taskforce
  • Manage procurement processes and oversee installation projects to ensure compliance with safety and operational requirements
  • Manage site-level slotting and throughput capacity utilization reporting to support operational efficiency
  • Develop and maintain long-range capacity forecasting models to guide infrastructure and automation investments
  • Partner with Operations and Planning teams to align capacity strategies with business growth and seasonal demand
  • Identify constraints and recommend tactical solutions to optimize space and throughput across the network
  • Monitor and report on Miniload system performance, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement
  • Chair a cross-functional Miniload committee made up of SC Engineering, operations, BT, and maintenance to ensure actions are taken to maintain system uptime and reliability
  • Deliver training programs and provide field support to operational teams using Miniload systems
  • Develop long-term strategies for Miniload system lifecycle management, including end-of-life planning and replacement roadmaps; work with Maintenance and Field operations to capture requisite costs and operating metrics to support decision making
  • Explore and evaluate emerging warehouse automation technologies, including robotics, AS/RS, and AI-driven solutions
  • Build business cases and lead pilot programs to test new technologies in live environments
  • Cultivate relationships with vendors and stay current on industry trends and innovations
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align automation initiatives with broader supply chain strategies

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Rack StandardsRack DesignMiniload SystemsWarehouse AutomationCapacity PlanningSlottingThroughput OptimizationForecasting ModelsLayout OptimizationStructural IntegrityProcurementProject ManagementEHS Compliance

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the compensation for this Director role?

The pay range provided is not indicative of Sysco’s actual pay range but is merely algorithmic and provided for generalized comparison. Factors that may be used to determine rate of pay include specific skills, work location, work experience and other individualized factors.

Is this position remote or does it require travel?

The role involves up to 25% travel. Specific details on remote work or office requirements are not specified in the job description.

What skills and experience are required for this position?

Proven experience in warehouse infrastructure and automation is required. Expertise in rack standards, Miniload system operations, capacity planning, and emerging warehouse automation technologies such as robotics, AS/RS, and AI-driven solutions is essential.

What is the team structure or collaboration like in this role?

The role involves close collaboration with Operations, Construction, Field Maintenance, and EHS teams, chairing the Sysco Rack Taskforce and a cross-functional Miniload committee with SC Engineering, operations, BT, and maintenance.

What makes a strong candidate for this Director position?

A strong candidate will have proven experience in warehouse infrastructure and automation, serving as a subject matter expert in rack standards, Miniload systems, and emerging technologies, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and develop strategic plans.

Sysco

Foodservice distribution for restaurants and healthcare

About Sysco

Sysco Corporation specializes in foodservice distribution, primarily serving restaurants, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. The company offers a variety of products and services, including food items, kitchen equipment, and marketing support, tailored to meet the specific needs of its clients. Sysco differentiates itself from competitors by providing comprehensive solutions, such as the "Restaurants Rising Toolkit" during the COVID-19 pandemic, which helps restaurants adapt to new dining trends. The goal of Sysco is to make running a restaurant easier and more profitable for its clients.

Houston, TexasHeadquarters
1970Year Founded
IPOCompany Stage
Food & AgricultureIndustries

Benefits

Health Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Professional Development Budget
Performance Bonus

Risks

Increased competition from tech-driven solutions could impact Sysco's market share.
Reliance on partnerships for technology advancements may pose risks if results are unmet.
Socially responsible investing trends may pressure Sysco to improve ESG standards.

Differentiation

Sysco offers comprehensive B2B solutions, including food products, equipment, and marketing services.
The company provides flexible payment options and waives delivery minimums for scheduled deliveries.
Sysco's 'Restaurants Rising Toolkit' supports restaurants adapting to new dining trends.

Upsides

Sysco can capitalize on the demand for plant-based and alternative protein products.
The rise of ghost kitchens offers Sysco opportunities for specialized supply chain solutions.
Digital transformation in foodservice allows Sysco to enhance service offerings and engagement.

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