Lead Technical Product Owner Power, Automation and Controls

The Lead Technical Product Owner – Power Automation & Controls (TPO) will serve as the primary technical leader for Power, Automation, and Controls across Chick-fil-A Supply and Bay Center Foods. This individual will be responsible for the assessment, design, testing, configuration, and end-to-end resolution of technical and data flow issues, while also providing expert-level support for systems in a fast-paced, startup-like environment.

As wholly owned subsidiaries of Chick-fil-A, Inc., Chick-fil-A Supply and Bay Center Foods are food production and distribution services networks focused entirely on serving the unique needs and growing volume of Chick-fil-A restaurants.

The Chick-fil-A Supply and Bay Center Foods service networks are comprised of three components:

• Distribution Center – State-of-the-art warehouses that house supply for Chick-fil-A restaurants
• Production Distribution Center – Offsite facilities that prepare select ingredients and menu items for Chick-fil-A restaurants
• Transportation – Growing private fleet of delivery vehicles/assets that supply Chick-fil-A restaurants

Our Flexible Future model offers a healthy mix of working in person and virtually, strengthening key elements of the Chick-fil-A culture by fostering collaboration and community.

• Collaborate with cross-functional business units to define, document, and validate functional and technical requirements, ensuring seamless operations and supporting long-term scalability
• Lead the commissioning of advanced industrial automation systems, coordinating across trades to deliver fully operational and documented equipment
• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions, Skills Matrices, Controls Narratives, Electrical Drawings, and other critical materials necessary to equip operations teams for sustained success
• Deploy technical standards and best practices for power, automation, and controls systems, supporting consistent design and implementation across all facilities
• Execute performance improvement and loss elimination initiatives focused on industrial automation systems, leveraging data and root cause analysis to optimize system reliability and efficiency
• Build and mentor technical talent across all sites by developing capability in automation technologies, controls, and engineering disciplines
• Deploy Roadmap of Power Controls & Automation Enhancements/Improvements that align to the Business Needs and requirements
• Lead and own the Business Relationship with Software Vendors that delivers excellent Customer Service and responsiveness to the Business
• Manage simultaneous projects across multiple Entities to coordinate all aspects of implementation and delivery of tasks necessary for successful project execution
• Lead and coordinate all software version upgrade with Business Stakeholders and Software Vendors to ensure successful migrations and minimal business interruptions
• Manage the implementation of capital and process improvement projects
• Provide conceptual system designs for proposed projects that will impact new and/or existing facilities
• Provide design documentation sufficient for construction, operations and maintenance
• Design, program, modify and maintain PLC and HMI systems as required
• Implement Network and PLC upgrades strategy across all Entities
• Perform technical risk Management for assigned projects
• Implement secure industrial communication networks (EthernetIP, ControlNet, Profibus, Modbus, Devicenet, etc.) in collaboration with IT network professionals
• Be experienced in commissioning AC motor control systems which include VFD’s, soft starts, starters and servos communicating over industrial networks and fieldbuses
• Be capable of utilizing advanced test equipment, including oscilloscopes, power monitoring devices, etc.
• Have intermediate understanding of industrial electrical best practices and regulatory codes including NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, IEC and ANSI B11
• Have intermediate understanding of single and three-phase power and power distribution
• Be capable of troubleshooting power distribution systems
• Have intermediate knowledge of power factor, harmonics, fault current, and arc flash, and incorporate these considerations in the design
• Have intermediate understanding of machine safety and safety systems including guarding, safety categories, and performance levels
• Be familiar with network theory and be able to troubleshoot all industrial networking protocols which includes but not limited to Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, Profinet, Canbus, DeviceNet, etc.
• Provide 2nd Level Operational Support for end-end Industrial Automation solutions that includes advanced troubleshooting techniques and tools to minimize business impacts
• Develop business case documentation along with financial justification and ROI for all initiatives. Partner with IT leadership to establish project approach and timeline
• Provide frontline support for new site implementations, major rollouts, etc. to ensure smooth and efficient adoption and stabilization
• Lead and execute Testing Phases for Implementations to ensure systems address business stakeholder needs from users’ point of view

Business Requirements

• Industrial Electricity knowledge, including both Power and Control circuits
• Technical experience in Industrial, Manufacturing and/or Distribution environments
• Deep understanding of data relationships and system integrations that enable System-to-System performance and reliability in a Distribution and Manufacturing environment
• Working knowledge of Innovation Lifecycle in Manufacturing and Distribution Center facilities
• Strong experience in a Start-up or new Business Development environment

Customer Relations

• Work closely with distribution centers, food production centers, and business partners to ensure optimal alignment
• Possess intimate knowledge of who the customers are and the ability to put others above himself/herself
• Demonstrate the ability to value both relationships and results

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Process Controls, Packing Controls, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, related field or have relevant experience
• 6+ years of experience in Industrial Control and Power Systems (PLCs, motor controls, control valves, industrial instrumentation for positioning, flow, level, pressure, & temperature)
• 6+ years of experience in Power Controls experience including:
  • PLC programming
  • AC & DC motor control experience, including drives
    • Allen-Bradley Powerflex drives preferred
  • 480VAC Electrical Troubleshooting experience
  • Controls Networking experience
  • HMI Maintenance and Design
    • Ignition, Aveva, and FactoryTalk View preferred
• 5 years of experience in Electrical, Instrumentation and Control systems troubleshooting and maintenance support
• 5 years of experience with project leadership/team member support of large capital projects
• Physical ability to work on and around industrial equipment, including frequent climbing of stairs
• Competent with Microsoft Office software (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint)
• Experience in dealing with multiple disciplines such as contractors, consultants, engineers, end users, etc.
• Excellent business communication and presentation skills
• Ability to effectively coordinate multiple projects involving multiple Entities, Departments, and External Consulting Teams
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• 8+ years of experience in Industrial Control and Power Systems
• 8+ years of experience in Electrical, Instrumentation and Control systems troubleshooting and maintenance support
• 5+ years of experience with project leadership of large capital projects or team member
• Demonstrated experience of Power Controls and Automation tools in an Industrial, Manufacturing and/or Distribution environment
• Experience driving integrations between Industrial systems and third-party stakeholders