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Director Warehouse Optimization and Automation

Saputo · Milwaukee, WI · $126,510–$169,685 a year · Full time

Posted Jul 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about an AS/RS, AGV or AMR project you led from business case to go-live. What went wrong and what did you do?

What they are checking: Hands-on experience delivering automation, including the problems that always show up during commissioning and ramp-up.

Tell me about a time you had to influence a site leader who didn't report to you and didn't want the change.

What they are checking: The ability to move people beyond their direct authority, which the role calls out as a core requirement.

What would you do

You have more than 25 warehouses across the country. How would you decide which ones get automation investment first?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize a network with data on labor, volume, space and payback instead of chasing shiny projects.

How do you make sure an automation project improves safety and doesn't just move the risk somewhere else?

What they are checking: Whether safety is designed in from the start, since new equipment often creates new interaction hazards.

How would you make sure your warehouse projects line up with the wider supply chain strategy instead of optimizing one building?

What they are checking: Systems thinking across the network, so local wins do not create problems in transportation or inventory elsewhere.

A project you championed is six months live and not hitting its labor savings. What do you do?

What they are checking: Honesty about underperformance and the discipline to diagnose and recover rather than defend the original case.

About the work

How do you build a business case for warehouse automation that a CFO will trust?

What they are checking: Whether they can model labor savings, throughput, capital and risk honestly, without inflating benefits to win approval.

What makes automating a cold or refrigerated dairy warehouse harder than a dry goods building?

What they are checking: Awareness of temperature, condensation, shelf life and lot control issues that change equipment and design choices.

How do you measure whether a warehouse is using its space well, and what usually fixes poor utilization before automation?

What they are checking: Whether they know slotting, layout and process fixes come first, so capital is spent only where it is needed.

Where do you see AI-enabled systems actually helping in warehousing today, and where is it still hype?

What they are checking: Clear, grounded judgment about new technology rather than repeating vendor claims.

How do you pick and manage an automation vendor or integrator, and how do you hold them to their promises?

What they are checking: Experience with vendor selection, contracts and performance guarantees, where weak management leads to blown budgets.

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The full job description

As published by Saputo.

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world . As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best? As a key member of the Warehousing Team, this role will lead the strategic development and execution of optimization projects across the internal warehousing network comprise of over 25 warehouse locations nationwide. This role will provide key input into the Supply Chain strategy to ensure that the overall network meets the long-term objectives of SUSA. This role is responsible for identifying and implementing opportunities that enhance safety, labor efficiency, space utilization, automation, and overall operational performance. This role will have the capability to influence beyond direct areas of control, managing complex relationships and stakeholders both internally and externally. How You Will Make Contributions That Matter • Cultivates strong cross-functional partnerships and inspires collaboration among cross functional teams to drive strategic warehouse optimization initiatives. • Develop and lead warehouse automation and network optimization projects, including AS/RS, AGVs/AMRs, robotics, AI‑enabled systems, and advanced material handling solutions, aligned to divisional supply chain strategy. • Clearly and persuasively communicates complex automation and network optimization strategies to diverse stakeholders, ensuring alignment and engagement across all levels of the organization. • Own the end‑to‑end lifecycle of large‑scale automation and optimization initiatives—from opportunity identification and business case development through implementation, change management, and sustained benefit realization. • Build and present executive‑level capital and operating business cases, including ROI, risk, scalability, and multi‑year roadmaps, to influence investment decisions and enterprise prioritization. • Lead cross‑functional, multi‑site teams and external partners to deliver complex automation, consolidation, and transformation initiatives on time and within scope, proactively managing risk to timelines, cost, and value delivery. • Champion enterprise change by aligning and partnering with Plant Managers and site leadership to drive successful adoption and long‑term sustainment of automation and optimization initiatives that result in business case delivery. • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and disciplined execution by reinforcing standardized project management, CI tools, and governance across the Supply Chain network. • Effectively oversee project resources, including internal stakeholders and external contractors, to encourage teamwork, enhance collaboration, and accomplish project goals within designated timelines and according to established project plans. • Manage the day-to-day operational and tactical aspects of multiple projects and review high level deliverables across these projects. Identify risks to timelines and business case delivery early to minimize and manage risk to business case delivery. You Are Best Suited for the Role If You Have the Following Experience, Skills and Qualifications • 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in project management, warehouse and/or site operations • Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain or equivalent experience • Ability to travel 50% of the time • Demonstrated leadership with a focus on team development and empowerment • Strong financial acumen and ability to build and present business cases for capital expenses • Highly organized with proven ability to handle multiple coinciding priorities/deliverables • Strong communication skills (written & verbal) • Strong MS Office Suite Skills & Experience (Excel, Word, Teams, PPT) We Support and Care for Our Employees by Providing Them With… • Development opportunities that enhance your career fulfillment • Meaningful compensation & benefits that help you care for your family • Opportunities to contribute to your community and enhance the lives of others through Saputo products Salary Range: $126,510 - $169,685 Salary offers will vary commensurate with experience, education, skills, and training. In the USA, Saputo ranks among the top three cheese producers and is one of the top producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products, with a portfolio of well-loved brands such as Stella, Frigo Cheese, Montchevre , Stella, and Treasure Cave. We also boast a strong foodservice presence, partnering with reputable chain restaurants and broadline distributors. Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success. You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help. Accessibility Saputo Cheese USA Inc. endeavors to make Saputo.com/careers accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Human Resources at 214-863-2300 or email us.recruitingsupport@saputo.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications. EEO Saputo Cheese USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under law, please visit www.EEOC.gov. California Applicant Privacy Notice (CCPA) To review the Saputo Cheese USA Inc. Privacy Notice for California applicants, please visit our Corporate website associated section by clicking here (English) or here (Spanish).

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