Area Automation Manager

About the Role

The Area Automation Manager oversees automation systems across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and any additional markets. The role blends technical expertise, management, and strategic planning to ensure effective operation and optimization of automated processes, serving as the local liaison between WM's Automation Group and site contacts. Key duties include providing SME‑level support for automated and electromechanical process control systems used in landfills, wastewater treatment, biogas extraction, renewable energy, recycling technology, fleet, telematics, and organics processing. The manager leads process‑optimization initiatives, ensures compliance with automation policies, oversees the lifecycle of OT assets such as SCADA and control equipment, and drives adoption of emerging technologies. Collaboration with IT and OT teams is essential to align and integrate systems, while developing and executing comprehensive automation strategies that meet business objectives. The role also involves managing external contractors, delivering training to local operators and managers, and conducting cost‑benefit and ROI analyses for automation projects. • Provide SME‑level daily support for automated and electromechanical control systems across waste processing and logistics operations. • Lead process optimization and enforce corporate automation standards at the area level. • Oversee the lifecycle of OT assets, including inventory, maintenance planning, reliability, and cybersecurity compliance. • Develop and execute automation roadmaps, conduct technology assessments, and promote adoption of emerging OT solutions. • Collaborate with IT and OT teams to ensure effective system integration and alignment with business goals. • Manage external automation contractors, ensuring quality work, adherence to timelines, and project alignment. • Train local operators and managers on equipment operation, SCADA systems, and automation tools. • Perform cost‑benefit and ROI analyses for automation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸control systems
• ▸process optimization
• ▸asset management
• ▸automation roadmap
• ▸system integration
• ▸roi analysis

What You Bring

This is a remote position that requires up to 40% travel within an assigned area. Candidates must reside near a major airport in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, or Illinois. Required qualifications are a high school diploma or GED combined with at least four years of relevant experience in industrial electrical controls, automation, instrumentation, and process design. Preferred qualifications include a bachelor's degree in a related discipline, ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) certification, or Certified Automation Professional (CAP) designation. Physical demands involve frequent sitting, talking, hearing, repetitive motions, and coordination, with minimal standing or lifting. Travel up to 40% is required, and a REAL ID or TSA‑approved alternative may be needed for air travel. • Required: High School diploma/GED plus 4 years of industrial control and automation experience. • Preferred: Bachelor’s degree, ISA Certified Control Systems Technician, or Certified Automation Professional. • Travel up to 40 % and reside near a major airport in MN, WI, IA, or IL.

Requirements

• ▸high school
• ▸4 years
• ▸industrial controls
• ▸isa ccst
• ▸cap
• ▸travel 40%

Benefits

The position offers a salary range of $118,000 to $148,000 and a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, a 401(k) match, stock purchase plan, paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. • Salary $118k‑$148k with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, stock purchase plan, and paid time off.

Work Environment

Remote