Associate Manager Global Automation Operations

Newell Brands•Atlanta, GA

2d•$95,000 - $105,000

About The Position

Newell Brands is a leading consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands like Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid®, Sharpie® and Yankee Candle® - and 24,000 talented teammates around the world. Our culture is built on values in action: Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership, and Leadership. We work together to win, grow, and make a real impact—supported by a high-performing, inclusive, and collaborative environment where you can be your best, every day. The Associate Manager, Global Automation Operations will support the design, deployment, and continuous improvement of automation and productivity solutions across global manufacturing and distribution operations, based on Newell’s Global Automation principles including Six Sigma, TPM and LEAN. This role partners closely with operations, IT, engineering, and analytics teams to identify process improvement opportunities, leverage data, and scale automation capabilities that drive efficiency, reliability, and cost savings. This position is ideal for a high‑potential leader with strong analytical skills, a passion for operational excellence, and hands‑on experience with process improvement, automation tools, and data‑driven decision making.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering, Engineering, Supply Chain, or equivalent degree preferred
3–5 years of experience in distribution, manufacturing, or a central supply chain role, including project management experience
Manufacturing experience—or exposure to manufacturing-style operations (daily metrics, root cause analysis, standard work)—strongly preferred
Experience improving processes in fast‑paced operations
Interpersonal skills, self-confidence, leadership abilities
Ability to lead and sustain change in a fast‑moving operation
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
Working knowledge of operational KPIs (productivity, quality, cost, safety, service)
Working knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies (TPM, Lean, and Six Sigma) preferred
Creative, reliable, organized, adaptable, flexible, innovative, and a self-starter
Proficient in Power BI/Power Automate tools
SQL experience is preferred
Computer literate (including mastery of all Microsoft Office Suite)
Customer Service Orientation
Focus on adding value to a fast and performance driven business
Ability to travel up to 50% to automation locations across the US and Internationally

Responsibilities

Identify, charter, and support automation and operational improvement initiatives, delivering measurable results on time and within scope.
Apply Lean, PEAK, and DMAIC methodologies to analyze current‑state processes, eliminate inefficiencies, and resolve automation/system issues.
Develop future‑state workflows aligned to productivity, quality, safety, service, and cost objectives across manufacturing and distribution.
Leverage global automation and analytics tools (e.g., Labor Management, SQL, Power BI, AI, Excel) to drive productivity and savings across the network.
Analyze operational data to uncover trends, opportunities, and risks; translate insights into clear, actionable recommendations.
Build and maintain dashboards, KPIs, and reporting to track automation performance, benefits realization, and sustainability of gains.
Support the global automation pipeline, including opportunity identification, business cases, ROI analysis, and benefit tracking.
Partner with site leadership, operations, IT, engineering, and vendors to support pilots, deployments, and global rollouts.
Act as a change agent by challenging traditional ways of working and driving adoption of new tools, processes, and ways of operating.
Support project management governance by providing clear status updates, risks, mitigation plans, and escalation to stakeholders.
Develop and deliver training, documentation, and sustainability plans to ensure capability building, adoption, and long‑term value realization