Senior Manager, Automation

Job Description Summary:

At The Coca-Cola Company, our commitment to innovation extends to every aspect of how we produce and deliver products that refresh the world. We are embarking on an exciting greenfield project to establish a new beverage concentrate plant in Huamantla, Tlaxcala—equipped with advanced automation technologies to enable sustainable, efficient, and agile manufacturing operations.

As Senior Manager, Automation, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the automation blueprint for this state-of-the-art facility. This is more than an engineering role—it’s an opportunity to bring world-class standards to life while building technical capabilities that redefine manufacturing excellence. You will partner with site leadership, global centers of expertise, and external automation specialists to implement systems that deliver high-performance outcomes while anticipating future technological advancements. For experienced leaders in automation and digitalization seeking impact, complex challenges, and innovation at scale, this is your moment to make a difference.

•Lead automation strategy and implementation for the greenfield plant, ensuring systems are designed and deployed to meet start-up objectives and long-term scalability.
•Translate global automation principles and best practices into fit-for-purpose solutions for local operations, enabling a seamless integration into manufacturing processes.
•Oversee vendor collaboration for design and delivery of automation systems, ensuring technical specifications for PLC, SCADA, Batch control, and auxiliary automation solutions are met.
•Coordinate and execute Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) for automation solutions, validating performance against defined standards prior to production readiness.
•Support equipment start-up activities, troubleshooting and ensuring full alignment between the automation systems and plant operational requirements.
•Embed digital and connected technologies into the automation ecosystem, including IoT sensors, edge devices, energy monitoring systems, and robotics solutions.
•Apply rigorous safety standards and compliance frameworks for electrical and automation installations, safeguarding efficiency and employee well-being.
•Identify lessons learned during commissioning and integrate updates into specifications for continuous improvement and future deployments.
•Partner with global automation COE to evaluate emerging technologies and incorporate sustainable, future-ready enhancements into our regional automation roadmap.
•Maintain professional excellence through ongoing learning and knowledge-sharing to advance Coca-Cola’s automation capabilities across the network.

•Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Electronics, or related discipline); equivalent technical experience will be considered.
•7+ years of automation and digitalization experience in complex manufacturing environments, with proven expertise in design, vendor management, commissioning, and start-up execution.
•2+ years of leadership experience.

•Advanced technical proficiency in automation systems and architectures, including PLC, SCADA, Batch control, Historian systems, ERP integration, and equipment connectivity protocols.
•Familiarity with auxiliary and emerging technologies: EMS, BMS, WMS, robotics, drives, vision systems, IoT devices, and edge computing solutions.
•Strong project management and planning capabilities, with an ability to prioritize and deliver on multiple timelines in dynamic environments.
•Knowledge of best practices in electrical and automation safety and compliance for industrial plants.
•Effective influencing and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to partner in a matrixed global context and lead cross-functional technical teams.
•Comfort with data-driven decision-making and willingness to embed analytics into automation strategy and performance measures.
•Fluent in Spanish and professional proficiency in English.

•Relocation commitment to Huamantla required.

•Provide the opportunity to lead automation deployment for a flagship greenfield project, shaping an advanced manufacturing ecosystem from inception to execution.
•Enable exposure to cutting-edge automation technologies and digital solutions within a global innovation framework.
•Offer development in global engineering practices, elevating technical expertise through collaboration with world-class partners and centers of excellence.
•Position you at the intersection of technology and operations, driving sustainable solutions that deliver measurable business impact.

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Our Purpose and Growth Culture:

We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.