Sr Operations Project Manager - Robotics

Overview

GCG Automation & Factory Solutions (AFS) is seeking a highly disciplined, execution-focused Operational Project Manager with 5–10 years of experience in industrial automation, specifically robotics systems, to lead complex initiatives from concept through deployment!

This role requires a leader who can bring structure, accountability, and process rigor while maintaining strong cross-functional alignment. The ideal candidate is PMP-certified, operationally grounded, and highly effective in communication and change management.

In this hands-on, customer-facing role, you’ll be responsible for leading robotics and autonomous mobile robot (AMR) projects from kickoff through commissioning and closeout. You'll not only deliver projects — you will elevate execution standards within the organization, serving as the central point of accountability for project execution and working closely with engineering, operations, vendors, and customers to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to defined technical and safety requirements.

You’ll stay close to both the technology and the customer, balancing detailed execution with clear communication and strong project leadership.

While this role requires up to 50% travel to facilitate onsite testing and project oversight work, we are ideally seeking candidates in the Greater Detroit area to facilitate collaboration with our leadership, engineering, and commercial teams.

What You’ll Do

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead end-to-end delivery of automation and robotics projects across manufacturing or industrial environments
• Develop structured project plans including scope, schedule, cost control, risk mitigation, and resource planning
• Apply PMP methodology aligned with standards from the Project Management Institute.
• Establish project governance, reporting cadence, and accountability mechanisms in a developing PM environment
• Drive schedule adherence, budget discipline, and performance tracking with measurable KPIs

Operating in a Low-Maturity Environment

• Introduce and reinforce project management best practices where processes may be informal or inconsistently applied
• Create clarity of roles, responsibilities, and decision rights
• Build operational discipline without creating unnecessary bureaucracy
• Coach functional teams on structured execution and risk awareness
• Influence stakeholders who may not be accustomed to formal project rigor

Change Management & Communication

• Lead change management efforts related to new robotics systems, workflows, and operational processes
• Develop stakeholder communication plans that ensure alignment from shop floor to executive leadership
• Translate technical automation concepts into clear business impact narratives
• Manage resistance, resolve conflict, and align diverse teams toward common outcomes
• Deliver concise executive updates and clear escalation pathways

Operational Integration

• Coordinate engineering, controls, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams
• Oversee robotics system integration, installation, commissioning, and ramp-up
• Ensure readiness for production including safety, training, documentation, and process validation

Vendor & Risk Management

• Manage system integrators, robotics OEMs, and external automation partners
• Identify and mitigate technical, financial, and operational risks
• Enforce disciplined scope and change control practices

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, Mechatronics, or related field) or equivalent practical experience

• 5–10 years of experience managing automation or robotics projects in industrial or manufacturing environments

• PMP certification in good standing

• Hands-on experience working with industrial robotics and automation systems

• Demonstrated experience working in environments with evolving or low Project Management maturity

• Proven ability to implement structured processes in ambiguous settings

• Strong experience with robotics platforms (articulated robots, cobots, automated material handling systems)

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and system layouts

• Proven customer-facing communication and leadership skills

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as project needs require (location and travel expectations to be determined)

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary and annual bonus based on company and individual performance

• Comprehensive health coverage with multiple plan options (CDHP and PPO)

• Company-paid life and disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, and supplemental insurance options

• Generous time off including PTO, paid holidays, parental leave, and compassionate care leave

• Wellness and support programs including EAP resources, wellness incentives, and telehealth

• Additional benefits such as dental and vision coverage, FSAs/HSAs with company contributions, pet insurance, legal services, and identity theft protection

• A people-first culture that values collaboration, development, and long-term career growth

Our Use of AI in Recruiting

At GCG, we use AI technology to assist with our interviews by automating note-taking, allowing our hiring teams to focus fully on the conversation. This technology supports efficiency and accuracy in capturing candidate insights during interviews but is not used to evaluate resumes. All resume reviews are conducted directly by our corporate recruiting team and hiring managers to ensure a thoughtful, human-centered approach.

About GCG Automation & Factory Solutions

GCG Automation & Factory Solutions is dedicated to advancing the growth of automation and factory solutions across key verticals in North America. With a comprehensive product and service offering that spans the entire automation value chain, our customers trust us as a reliable partner to meet their diverse needs. Our strength lies in our deep technical expertise and specialized knowledge of the products we offer. This enables us to support customers in deploying and delivering high-quality, efficient solutions tailored to their specific requirements. Our commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience—marked by responsiveness, reliability, and personalized service—sets us apart as the supplier of choice in the industry.

GCG is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.These duties and responsibilities listed above are judged to be "essential functions" in terms of the Americans With Disabilities Act, or ADA. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Furthermore, the above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such a person.