Director of Manufacturing Automation

nVent

St Louis Park, MN

Full Time

Posted October 16, 2025

$173k - $257k

Power Generation

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Listing evidence and provenance

Source: Workday View original listing
Freshness: Open in the current public read path; this is not an employer guarantee.Last observed October 5, 2026
Classification: Modern power-system classification not yet published for this listing.Legacy source industry field: Power Generation
Pay provenance: Employer-provided pay

Job Description

At nVent, we value in-person collaboration and flexibility as key drivers of innovation and our strong, inclusive culture.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Road Mapping: Develop and implement a comprehensive automation strategy aligned with enterprise goals. Collaborate to assess current capabilities and define future-state automation roadmaps.
Technology Leadership & Integration: Identify and implement modern automation solutions including robotics, AI, IoT, and human-machine interfaces. Lead feasibility studies, business case development, and project execution tracking.
Innovation & Evaluation: Stay ahead of emerging technologies and assess their potential impact. Propose implementation approaches considering cost-efficiency, scalability, and alignment with strategic goals.
Automation Systems Management : Lead the design, programming, and implementation of automation systems incorporating PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and visual solutions. Secure seamless blending of automation with ERP, MES, and quality systems.
Project Execution: Lead multi-functional teams in the execution of automation projects from concept through commissioning. Lead capital budgets, timelines, and vendor relationships for automation initiatives.
Process Optimization: Find opportunities for automation in existing processes to reduce cycle time, improve quality, and lower costs. Implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies.
Team Leadership: Develop and lead a team of automation engineers, controls specialists, and technicians. Provide mentorship, training, and development to build internal automation capabilities.
Data & Insights: Drive data-driven decision-making through advanced analytics and real-time monitoring. Uncover and implement process improvements to elevate efficiency and minimize inefficiencies.
Risk & Maturity Management: Anticipate and mitigate risks associated with automation deployment. Support assessments of operational technology risks and automation maturity levels.
Performance Measurement: Define and track KPIs to measure the impact of automation initiatives on efficiency, quality, and cost. Continuously refine strategies based on performance insights.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (Master’s preferred in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Design).
10+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing automation and transformation.
Proven success leading global teams and large-scale automation initiatives.
Expertise in robotics, mechatronics, AI, IoT, and vision systems.
Deep knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies, automation systems, data analytics, and lean manufacturing.
Strong analytical, project management, and interpersonal skills.
Lean Six Sigma knowledge preferred.
Ability to travel approximately 25%, domestically and internationally.

Benefits & Perks

At nVent, we value our people and their health and well-being. We provide a broad benefits package with meaningful programs for eligible full-time employees that includes:
Medical, dental, and vision plans along with flexible spending accounts, short-term and long-term disability benefits, critical illness, accident insurance and life insurance.
A 401(k) retirement plan and an employee stock purchase plan — both include a company match.
Other supplemental benefits such as tuition reimbursement, caregiver, personal and parental leave, back-up care services, paid time off including volunteer time, a well-being program, and legal & identity theft protection.
At nVent, we connect and protect our customers with inventive electrical solutions. People are our most valuable asset. Inclusion and diversity means that we celebrate and encourage each other’s authenticity because we understand that uniqueness sparks growth.
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