Senior Smart Factory Architect

Senior Smart Factory Architect

Work Mode: Hybrid

Location:  Hybrid at Kohler, WI

Opportunity

• General Overview:  This position is a critical role in Energy’s Smart Factory digital transformation initiative, in which the Enterprise Information Technology (IT) is partnering with the business to deliver solutions to Energy’s diverse global manufacturing sites.
• Specific Job Content: As a member of Energy’s Enterprise IT organization, this position has the responsibility for the solution architecture, functional design, testing, deployment and support of Smart Factory IT applications, which will also include partnering with internal teams and vendors for the technical development.  The scope of this position includes utilizing and evolving available solutions and platforms, as well as, the continuous exploration of evolving Smart Factory technologies.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong IT application background along with experience  developing and implementing solutions to support manufacturing process requirements.  The candidate should have experience with the implementation and integration of enterprise level systems such as ERP.  The candidate should have an understanding of IT infrastructure including networking, servers and hardware (end user) devices used in manufacturing.  The candidate should also have understanding of cyber security.   Experience with SCADA and/or PLCs is a plus.  This position provides opportunities for domestic and international travel.
• General Objective: Technical advisor of the design, implementation and maintenance of Smart Factory systems. Prepare architecture design materials and capable of presenting to upper management. Develop and monitor policies, procedures, and standards documents. Provide on–call escalation support of systems. Establish service level agreements with customers. Establish and review capacity, utilization and other performance. Capable of participating in multiple concurrent development projects. Collaborates directly with all management levels and project leaders to determine system objectives and solutions. Provides updates to the Smart Factory COE. May act as a mentor. Provides technical direction to IT staff in the performance of assigned projects.
• Specific Responsibilities
• Provide spirited positive leadership in the design and implementation of IT systems.  Challenge obsolete practices, question accepted truths, and eliminate non-value-added processes. Develop practical systems scope that enhances the business function.  Control the project scope, resources, and quality within budget and schedule to meet objectives.
• Provide analysis, counsel, and direction to management and personnel of operating units to analyze problems and develop solutions, as well as assure efficient operation of existing systems.  Maintain an understanding of manufacturing processes and the implications of computer systems on these processes. 
• Direct, schedule, coordinate, and evaluate the efforts of information technology, user and vendor personnel assigned to a specific systems project.  May directly supervise and be accountable for a small team.
• Prepare and conduct project review meetings and management presentations including general design review, project scheduling, test plan, system and program tactics and methods, system controls, procedures, systems documentation, and system implementation plan.
• Prepare and publish systems project designs, plans and status reports.  Comply with systems development methodology, standards, procedures, guidelines, priorities, and schedules.
• Develop high-level system specifications.  Assist in developing system documentation.  Advise on user procedures.  Assist in the preparation of general test plan.  Coordinate system tests.
• Participate in educational programs and professional societies involving supervisory skills, computing technology and systems methodologies.  Seek ways to expand business knowledge.
• Conduct educational programs involving company personnel relating to computing technology and specific projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Create and maintain architecture design and standards that are simply explained and well understood, on both the factory floor and leadership.
• Enable an efficient and effective organization that removes barriers between tradition OT and IT roles
• Be the architecture partner with plants and the Corporate IT organization to develop effective, low cost and highly secure smart manufacturing systems
• Provide strategic direction, roadmap and standards within area of responsibility
• Align business strategies with IT architecture
• Be the solution specifier, subject matter expert and keeper of the standards for automation solutions, manufacturing software and hardware.
• Life cycle management of IT architecture for the plant and the enterprise
• Stay updated on new solutions and technologies, be innovative and bring new technology solutions to the business
• Manage business relationships with local IT and controls engineers, external service providers, suppliers and partners.

Skills/Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or Manufacturing Engineering preferred
• Significant depth of expertise and track record of accomplishments in multiple IT technology areas, focusing on manufacturing and operations.
• Experience working with different architectural domains including Business, Information, Application and Technology along with all sub-components / building blocks of the architectural domains. Familiarity of architecture and design of plant information network, Control network, control systems, PLC's, SCADA, plant instrumentation a plus.
• Good understanding of architectural aspects like Integration Architecture, Security Architecture, Infrastructure Architecture etc. which plays as key IT enablers to Smart Factory technology.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in areas such as teamwork, facilitation and negotiation. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. 

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

The salary range for this position is $117,000 - $149,500. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location.  Available benefits include medical, dental, vision & 401k.

Why Work at Kohler Energy?
Kohler Energy mission is to contribute to a higher level of gracious living for those who are touched by our products and services. We understand that it takes investment in our associates’ development to make that happen.  So, we offer ongoing investment in each individual’s personal development and the opportunity to collaborate with others across functions and roles at Kohler Energy.

In addition to the investment in your development, Kohler Energy offers a benefits package including a competitive salary, bonus, health plan, pension and more!

About Us
At Kohler Energy EMEA Corporate Services we support Kohler Energy businesses in our region, we have an excellent team of dedicated associates focused on delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring every interaction is a genuine, positive and rewarding experience for both our internal and external customers.  We represent the Corporate Functions found in Kohler, Wisconsin here in the region – Finance, Tax, IT, Internal Audit, Procurement, Environment Health & Safety, Quality & Continuous Improvement, & HR.  We all pride ourselves on adding value to the Kohler Energy businesses we support in the region and work closely with our Kohler Energy Corporate colleagues in Wisconsin on global initiatives and projects.

Beyond the competitive benefits and compensation, Kohler Energy proudly offers a rich history, steeped in creativity and a commitment to our associates and communities.  We invite you to learn more about our culture and company at https://kohlerenergy.com/who-we-are.

Kohler Energy is an equal opportunity employer. It is Kohler Energy’s policy to recruit, hire, and promote qualified personnel in all job classifications without regard to gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status or race.  If, as an individual with a disability, you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact the HR department through vacanciesEMEACorpServ@kohlereurope.com.

Salary : $117,000 - $149,500