Manager, Automation

Job Description Summary:

Job Summary

The Automation Manager is responsible for leading, managing, and developing the Automation function within the Engineering organization to ensure safe, reliable, and high-performing automation and digital manufacturing systems.

This role plays a dual responsibility:

• During the Greenfield (GF) Project, the Automation Manager leads automation-related projects in close collaboration with the Site Automation Engineer to deliver the greenfield plant in line with project vision, Coca-Cola standards, and external best practices.
• Post Greenfield, the role transitions to managing the Automation organization within the Engineering function, with full accountability for people management, system performance, continuous improvement, and digital transformation.

Key Responsibilities

Automation Leadership & Project Execution

• Lead automation activities for the Greenfield Project, ensuring delivery aligned with project vision, Coca-Cola Engineering Standards, and industry best practices
• Lead execution of automation system standards and guidelines in collaboration with external suppliers and CPS/internal engineering teams, including instrumentation, electrical safety standards, PLC, HMI, and auxiliary automation systems
• Consolidate User Requirements Specifications (URS) with site teams and govern supplier design, configuration, and delivery to ensure compliance with specifications
• Lead and execute FAT, SAT, IQ, OQ, and PQ activities for automation software and hardware systems to ensure performance, reliability, and compliance
• Participate in equipment installation, commissioning, and startup activities, capturing lessons learned and updating automation standards and specifications accordingly

Electrical & Automation Management

• Propose, control, and deliver the electrical & automation component of the site CAPEX budget and schedule in partnership with the Project Director
• Govern electrical & automation documentation including manuals, diagrams, instrument data sheets, software packages/licenses, and IT/OT architecture using structured digital archiving aligned with digital twin strategy
• Monitor electricity usage and automation system performance against defined KPIs, ensuring technical integrity, reliability, and operational efficiency
• Ensure automation and digital systems are secure, supported, sustainable, and continuously generating business value

People Management & Organizational Development

• Manage, develop, and grow the Automation team within the Engineering function
• Drive people management processes including goal setting, performance evaluation, coaching, capability development, and career progression planning
• Build and sustain an automation talent pipeline to support both project and operational needs
• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, safety leadership, and continuous improvement within the Automation organization

Stakeholder & Team Management

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including contractors, consultants, vendors, Global Automation/IT teams, CPS, and Site Engineering teams to ensure high-quality and timely project delivery
• Act as the primary automation point of contact within the Engineering function, providing leadership, coordination, training, and technical support across project and operational teams
• Ensure effective teamwork and a structured transition from project execution to stable site operations

Safety, Compliance & Professional Practice

• Promote and enforce all applicable safety rules, work instructions, engineering standards, and regulatory requirements
• Coordinate with Site Safety Officers and Engineering leadership on automation-related safety, electrical safety, and operational risk management
• Maintain and enhance professional and technical knowledge through training, workshops, and continuous learning of industry best practices

Qualifications / Requirements

• Degree in Engineering, preferably Electrical or Electrical & Electronics Engineering
• Minimum 10–15 years of core experience in automation and digitalization within a manufacturing environment, including design, vendor management, FAT, SAT, system validation, commissioning, and startup
• Experience managing or contributing to global or multi-site projects, with working knowledge of change management principles, methodologies, and tools
• Strong software expertise in PLC (Rockwell preferred), HMI (Ignition preferred), and hands-on experience integrating production lines and digital systems (e.g., WCS, MES, OEE, SPC)
• Strong hardware knowledge including machine electrical safety standards, control panel design, equipment connectivity protocols, robotics, drives, and vision systems
• Basic knowledge of OT cybersecurity requirements, network segmentation, and secure system design
• Strong analytical, detail-oriented, and creative mindset with a passion for automation and digital transformation
• Excellent project management, planning, and organizational skills, with the ability to deliver results in dynamic and fast-changing environments
• Strong influencing, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and achieve results within a matrixed organization

Organizational Impact

• Lead the execution of electrical & automation strategies in alignment with Project Nuri vision
• Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all electrical and automation systems
• Drive digital transformation, predictive maintenance, and process automation initiatives to add value to operations

Location

• The primary work location is Korea, with minimal travel (up to 20% under normal conditions).
• Occasional visits to concentrate plants, bottling operations, or training centres may be required.

Skills:

Location(s):

Korea, Republic of

City/Cities:

Uiwang

Travel Required:

00% - 25%

Relocation Provided:

No

Job Posting End Date:

April 23, 2026

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.