Director of Controls Engineering

With a career at The Home Depot, you can be yourself and also be part of something bigger.

Position Purpose:

The Director of Controls Engineering will lead the design, development, and implementation of control systems for our advanced warehouse conveyor systems. The Director of Controls Engineering oversees a team of engineers and collaborates with cross-functional departments to optimize operational efficiency, reliability, and safety. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in automation, control systems, and project management within a warehouse or logistics environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• 30% - Oversees the design, development, implementation, and integration of control systems and control systems code for conveyor systems and related technologies to improve efficiency and performance. Also conducts feasibility studies and cost analysis for potential projects.
• 20% - Leads and mentors the controls engineering team, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, develops and implements the strategic vision for controls engineering within the warehouse environment, and collaborates with senior management to align engineering objectives with business goals.
• 20% - Manages multiple projects from conception through completion, develops project plans, resource allocations, and risk management strategies, and coordinates with other departments including operations, maintenance, and IT, to ensure seamless project execution and adherence to timelines and budgets.
• 15% - Establishes and enforces standards for control system design, documentation, and testing to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices. Monitors system performance and executes improvements based on data analysis and feedback.
• 15% - Serves as the primary liaison between the controls engineering team and other stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and collaboration. Reports out to senior management on project status, challenges, and opportunities.

Direct Manager/Direct Reports:

• Reports to VP of Supply Chain Operations
• Position will have 4-5 direct reports

Travel Requirements:

• Typically requires overnight travel more than 50% of the time.

Physical Requirements:

• Must continuously stand or walk or regularly requires lifting/handling/carrying material or equipment of moderate weight (8-20 pounds).

Working Conditions:

• Typically located in a comfortable indoor area. There may be regular exposure to mild physical discomfort from factors such as dust, fumes or odors, temperature extremes, loud noise, strong drafts, or bright lights.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be eighteen years of age or older.
• Must be legally permitted to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in controls engineering, with a focus on automation and conveyor systems.
• Proven experience in a leadership role with the ability to build and lead a highly technical controls engineering team with strong project management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of PLCs, SCADA systems, and other control technologies.
• Familiarity with industry standards and safety regulations (e.g. OSHA. ISO).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proven technical experience with implementation of conveyor systems and/or experience in replacing legacy conveyor systems with new control systems in a large-scale retail, distribution, or enterprise environment.

Minimum Education:

• The knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired through the completion of a bachelor’s degree program or equivalent degree in a field of study related to the job.

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.

Minimum Years of Work Experience:

• 8

Preferred Years of Work Experience:

• 10

Minimum Leadership Experience:

• Minimum of 8-10 years’ experience leading a team.

Preferred Leadership Experience:

• None

Certifications:

• None

Competencies:

• Change Management: Drives, manages, influences, and inspires change though communication at all impacted levels.
• Cross - Functional Knowledge: Uses knowledge of functional areas, organizational structure, and key business drivers to support company initiatives and long-term growth strategies, understanding individual and functional impact on the whole organization.
• Business Communication: Writes, speaks, and presents clearly and succinctly across a variety of communication settings and adjusts communication style to the audience by translating and articulating technical concepts to non-technical groups.
• Influence: Uses diplomacy, integrity, and tact to persuade others to accept recommendations, cooperate, or change their way of thinking based on clearly defined business reasons.
• Process Improvement: Uses Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodology to develop and execute efficient and cost effective solutions to align with the business objectives within the Supply Chain organization.
• People Management: Assesses skills and manages the work and productivity of others, while coaching and developing talent.