Warehouse Automation Lead

Job Title: Warehouse Automation Lead
Salary Range: CAD$82,447 - CAD$103,059
Working Type: On-Site
Purpose of RoleThe Inventory & Systems Leader owns end-to-end inventory accuracy, warehouse systems performance, and automation reliability within an automated food production environment. The role ensures alignment between physical inventory and system records, stable and effective use of warehouse and material handling systems (e.G., WCS and ERP), and uninterrupted operational flow. This role acts as the single operational authority bridging inventory control, system governance, and on-floor execution, driving strong team performance, system discipline, and continuous improvement.
Key AccountabilitiesInventory Control & Accuracy
Hold full accountability for inventory accuracy across all stock types and systems
Lead cycle counts, reconciliations, adjustments, and investigations of inventory discrepancies
Ensure proper stock rotation (FEFO), expiry management, and traceability
Minimize shrink, write-offs, and obsolescence through robust controls and root cause analysis
Maintain inventory accuracy during peak demand, system changes, and operational disruptions
Understand and consider inventory valuation, write-offs, and working capital impacts when managing inventory accuracy and corrective actions.
Systems Ownership & Governance
Own the performance, governance, stability and effective operational use of warehouse IT and automation systems, including ERP, WCS and associated system interfaces.
Act as the operational system subject matter expert, supporting issue triage, detailed diagnostics, root cause analysis and resolution of recurring system faults.
Review system logs, alarms, event histories, transactions and other diagnostic information to identify failure points and support fault investigation.
Establish and maintain system monitoring and diagnostic routines, using system and performance data to identify emerging and recurring issues.
Ensure accurate, real-time transactions and data integrity across inventory and automation systems.
Monitor operational system usage and identify behaviours, process gaps or recurring failures that negatively affect system performance.
Maintain clear records of system incidents, known problems, RCA findings, corrective actions and system performance trends.
Act as the principal operational and technical interface with IT, engineering, supplier help desks and automation vendors during incidents and technical investigations.
Raise and manage system incident and problem tickets, providing appropriate logs, evidence and operational context, and following actions through to resolution.
Support system changes, fixes, upgrades and deployments through impact assessment, testing, validation and operational feedback.
Validate technical SOPs, recovery procedures and system operating practices, ensuring lessons from incidents and system changes are embedded into operational processes and key-user training.
Ensure appropriate system access controls, user discipline and data governance standards are maintained in line with site and corporate requirements.
Support major system incidents, including investigation, recovery, documentation and post-incident review.
Use incident trends, operational observations and system data to identify improvement opportunities and reduce recurring failures.
Support service reviews with system and automation vendors, providing evidence on reliability, recurring faults, responsiveness and service levels.
Team Leadership & Capability Development
Lead, coach, and develop the inventory and systems team and other operational teams where required.
Set clear expectations, drive accountability, and monitor performance, productivity, and accuracy
Ensure training completion and system competency across the team and key operational users
Lead teams effectively through periods of change, disruption, and peak operational demand
Operational & Cross-Functional Coordination
Partner with inbound, outbound, and production teams to ensure smooth operational flow
Minimize operational disruptions linked to system issues
Support production, shipping, and customer service through accurate inventory and reliable systems
Process Improvement & Capability Building
Drive continuous improvement using system data and operational insights
Identify gaps in inventory and system processes and lead sustainable improvements
Develop, validate, and maintain SOPs related to inventory and system use
Train and coach key users to build strong system and inventory capability across the operation
Safety, Quality & Compliance
Ensure inventory and system operations comply with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements
Support audits, investigations, and corrective actions related to inventory accuracy, traceability, or system integrity
Maintain audit readiness and accurate documentation at all times
Support product holds, quarantines, recalls, and escalations in line with site procedures
Key Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Working ConditionsEssential
3+ years' experience in leading inventory operations within warehouse, manufacturing, or food production environments
Strong knowledge of inventory control processes including cycle counts, reconciliations, discrepancy investigation, and root cause analysis
Experience with warehouse automation and a strong understanding of automation and ERP systems, with a focus on inventory transactions, data integrity, and system diagnostics
Ability to understand and interpret technical specifications, interface definitions and communication protocols.
Ability to extract, read and interpret system logs, event histories, alarms and diagnostic data.
Ability to diagnose system and interface issues using available technical information, system data and structured problem-solving techniques.
Experience supporting or leading system issue resolution, including coordination with IT, engineering, and automation teams
Strong communication, coordination, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Team-oriented, accountable, adaptable, and calm under pressure
Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills, with the ability to translate system data into operational action
Demonstrated team leadership skills, including coaching, accountability, and performance management
Working knowledge of food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements as they relate to inventory, traceability, and warehouse systems
Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing operational priorities
Experience leading teams during system outages, production pressure, or operational disruption
Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager.
Ability to analyze and interpret inventory and system performance data, trends, and KPIs to proactively identify risks and improvement opportunities.
Desirable
Experience with warehouse automated systems or other robotic/material-handling systems
Exposure to system upgrades, automation projects, or major system/process changes
Experience supporting inventory audits and continuous improvement initiatives
Familiarity with lean or continuous improvement methodologies in warehouse or manufacturing environment
Working Conditions
Temperature-controlled work environment maintained between 0-2°C
Moderate noise levels due to automated equipment
Ability and willingness to wear mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE), including hearing protection and cold-environment PPE
Ability to work across warehouse, crate wash, production, and system support areas, including on-floor presence
Flexibility to support operations during system outages, peak demand, or operational disruptions
Would Suit Someone Who Is…
Highly collaborative and able to work effectively across operations, inventory, systems, and production teams
Able to build and maintain strong working relationships internally and externally
Enjoys variation of tasks within their work and operating in a fast-paced, automated environment
Adept at providing well-balanced challenge and support to team members on the floor
Comfortable balancing operational priorities with system accuracy and inventory control requirements
Comfortable working with ambiguity, system-driven decision-making, and conflicting priorities
Acts as a role model for food safety, safety, and operational excellence
Demonstrates company values through collaboration, accountability, adaptability, and continuous improvement
Calm and effective under pressure and during operational disruption
Willing to be hands-on and visibly present in operational environments
Confident in influencing cross-functional stakeholders, resolving conflicts between operational priorities, and making decisions under ambiguity
Hilton Foods Canada is committed to building a culture of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees. At Hilton Foods Canada, we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the HR representative. All requests for an accommodation and the accommodation measures will be handled in a confidential manner at all times.
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