Director Automation

Company: LSG Lufthansa Service Holding AG
Location: Irving
Posted on: March 4, 2025

Job Description:

Job Title: Director AutomationJob Location: Irving, TX - USAWork Location Type: HybridSalary Range: $125,984.90 - 169,917.69About UsLSG Sky Chefs is one of the world's largest airline catering and hospitality providers, known for its outstanding reputation and dynamic approach in the industry. Voted "Airline Caterer of the Year in North America" for 2023 and 2024, we are committed to excellence and innovation, driven by the dedication and expertise of our talented employees. Our team members are the heart and soul of our success, consistently delivering exceptional culinary experiences and outstanding service to our clients and their passengers across North and Latin America.Position OverviewLead and direct the Automation team to implement automation across kitchen operations, aligning with business goals and reporting progress to the SVP OPEX and COO/CEO. Define and execute automation that supports the broader IT and business improvement roadmap. Oversee local and regional automation projects to ensure projects meet scope, timeline, and budget, to drive automation transformation.Main Accountabilities

• Define the 3-5 year Automation Program strategy.
• Execute the Automation strategy and ensure project delivery through effective oversight of project leaders.
• Collaborate closely with General Managers, executives, and the SVP OPS to deliver on strategic automation projects and roadmap.
• Ensure activities and projects are managed within scope, cost, schedule, and budget, applying robust planning, tracking, change control, and risk management techniques.
• Lead Automation Steering Committee and executive leadership meetings and engage with PE Owners on future automation trends and strategic automation roadmaps.
• Define together with the functional peers the vision for digitalized Lean methodology to ensure delivery of "next gen automation technologies."
• Define and execute the automation strategy, pinpointing improvement areas across the value chain to enhance service and customer experience, in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Identify, engage, and manage external resources (e.g., consultants), ensuring alignment with company standards.
• Lead teams in identifying and automating processes (Pick and Place, conveyor belts, automated storage solutions), leveraging advanced solutions (e.g., AOI, PRA, RFID, IoT, AI) to streamline operations and reduce manual work.
• Develop and execute the multi-year automation roadmap for Sky Chefs in our kitchens, using appropriate automation solutions in line with the business needs, to further support the standardization of assembly and production processes, focusing on "simple & easy to implement solutions" whilst developing more advanced principles for mid-term execution.
• Set KPIs to measure automation impact, embedding monitoring at the executive level, and leading change management to drive project adoption.
• Serve as a role model for corporate values, actively participating in cross-functional groups, initiatives, and advisory bodies within the OPEX function and beyond.
• Provide proactive support to other departments in deploying the Automation roadmap, ensuring necessary skills and resources are in place across functions.Knowledge, Skills and Experience
  • Bachelor's in Engineering or Automation Management - Master is preferred.
  • Experience of 5-7 years in automation management, automation department leadership roles; 3-5 years in lean automation background preferred.
  • Strong expertise in automation and lean management, digitalization, and change management.
  • Proven success in strategic planning, resource management, and talent development.
  • Effective communicator at executive levels.
  • Up to 70% travel required.LSG Sky Chefs is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
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Keywords: LSG Lufthansa Service Holding AG, Irving , Director Automation, Executive , Irving, Texas