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# Director, Physical Automation

- **Company:** First Quality Enterprises, Inc.
- **Location:** Anderson, SC, United States
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems, SAP (Applications)
- **Published:** September 5, 2026
- **Apply:** https://firstquality.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/FIRSTQUALITY/job/US-SC-Anderson/Director--Physical-Automation_R10866

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related degree.
 * Experience leading TPM or Continuous improvement methodologies (IWS, Lean etc)
 * Experience with implementation of automation projects to reduce waste and variability in industrial environments, for example: self-guided vehicles, trailer loading, ASRS, robots (humanoid, dogs or others), sensors/cameras, manual operations automation, AI solutions in machines, automated product quality checks, converting line automation, warehouse automation, etc.
 * Experience working with suppliers of technology, machinery or automation solutions
 * Paper industry or CPG experience preferred
 * Strong leadership skills
 * Technical mastery - mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, data
 * Manage suppliers and external partners
 * Ability to lead cross functional teams via influence
 * Good communication skills - oral, written, presentation

Ability to travel as necessary to support multiple sites.

## Description

* Create and execute roadmap for the physical automation rollout in FQ Tissue (North Star - No human interactions with machines for operations, maintenance or product handling)
 * Create business case and prioritize rollout of physical automaton projects
 * Lead cross functional teams across the organization (operations, maintenance, engineering, business unit leads, IT hardware, SAP, project management, Product development ) to execute physical automation projects
 * Joint development of automation solutions along with suppliers wherever applicable for the benefit of FQ
 * Create a consortium of suppliers, research labs, universities etc who can partner with FQ to the vision of no human interaction operations
 * Insure the organization is prepared and knowledgeable for the ongoing introduction of new automation solutions


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