Chief Engineer, Automation

Job purpose:

The Chief Engineer - Automation will lead the integration of cutting-edge automation technologies within Thai Union's manufacturing operations across Ambient, Pet, Frozen and Feed Business Units. This role will combine Industry 4.0 transformation with the principles of World Class Manufacturing (WCM) to improve efficiency, sustainability, product quality, and cost management while enhancing production flexibility and operational agility. The role is critical in ensuring Thai Union becomes a benchmark in automation and manufacturing excellence globally.

Job responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership and Direction:
  Lead the automation strategy, ensuring alignment with Thai Union's strategic goals and World Class Manufacturing principles. Set tactical decisions for automation across manufacturing units, focusing on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Industry 4.0 Transformation:
  Champion the adoption of technologies such as robotics, AI, IoT, and data analytics to optimize production processes. Drive automation efforts that contribute to sustainability, energy efficiency, and waste reduction goals, aligned with WCM.
• World Class Manufacturing (WCM) Integration:
  Apply WCM principles to drive automation-related initiatives, ensuring alignment with Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and Zero Defects philosophies. Establish processes that enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Capital Project Management:
  Oversee the planning, execution, and optimization of automation-related capital projects. Ensure all projects adhere to technical, quality, regulatory, and budgetary requirements while promoting WCM standards.
• Innovation in Production Technology:
  Develop and implement innovative automation solutions that drive productivity, reduce costs, and improve product quality. Ensure all technology implementations support WCM pillars such as reliability, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
• Maintenance and Reliability:
  Implement proactive maintenance strategies for automated systems, following WCM's Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) approach to maximize system reliability and minimize unplanned downtime.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  Collaborate with engineering teams from Ambient, Pet, Frozen, Feed, and other business functions, to standardize best practices, knowledge sharing, and technology integration across Thai Union's global operations.
• People Leadership:
  Lead and develop engineering teams, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning. Promote WCM behaviors within teams, ensuring employees are engaged, skilled, and motivated to contribute to automation success.
• Continuous Improvement and WCM Metrics:
  Establish and monitor KPIs aligned with WCM goals, such as OEE, cost reduction, waste minimization, and on-time project delivery. Drive continuous improvement initiatives based on data-driven insights. re. Motivate, mentor, and create career development pathways for team members.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Extensive experience (15+ years) in industrial automation with proven success in implementing Industry 4.0 technologies in manufacturing environments.
• Experience in driving World Class Manufacturing (WCM) initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and Zero Defects.
• Strong leadership experience in managing engineering teams and cross-functional projects.
• Proficient in English.
• Be able to work onsite in Thailand (Samut Sakhon province) and be flexible to travel to other locations in different countries.