Job Summary

In-office work is preferred for this role at a Walgreens corporate location (Deerfield, IL or Chicago, IL) or at a Walgreens Micro Fulfillment Center (Tolleson, AZ, Northlake, TX, Memphis, TN, Denver, CO, Orlando, FL, Liberty, MO, Indianapolis, IN, Mansfield, MA, Bolingbrook, IL, Mechanicsville, VA, Canal Winchester, OH, or West Jordan, UT).

This role plays a strategic role in leading and overseeing the development, implementation and optimization of control systems and automation processes to streamline medication dispensing, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure a seamless integration of control and automation solutions. The successful candidate will be a seasoned professional with a strong background in controls engineering, automation technologies and a proven track record successfully managing complex projects. Decisions and recommendations have a significant long-term impact.

Job Responsibilities

• Drives the design and third-party partnership of automated systems tailored to streamline pharmacy dispensing solutions within the Micro Fulfillment Centers. Develops and communicates a clear vision and strategy for controls and automation initiatives aligned with overall business objectives.
• Oversees and guides the development of the HMI, control system software and hardware solutions to streamline medication dispensing, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Guides the multi disciplinary collaboration of planning and integrating automated systems into the pharmacy workflows for this broad, business critical function. Oversees the of controls and automation timeline to ensure delivery is on time, within budget and meet quality standards.
• Guides the installation and programming of PLCs (programmable logic controllers), ensuring that automated equipment functions according to specifications and complies with quality standards. Oversees the preparation of test plans and supporting testing and validation of products to ensure seamless functionality. Drives the optimization of pharmacy workflows by automating repetitive tasks, freeing up healthcare professionals’ time.
• Collaborates with and provides escalated support to operations and site engineering teams for automation technologies and other related pharmacy systems holding patient safety, accuracy and technology excellence as a top priority. Identifies and mitigates potential risks associated with controls and automation technology. Implements monitoring tools and processes to track system performance, analyze data and optimize processes for efficiency and effectiveness and to ensure risks are avoided/minimized. Ensures processes are documented, as needed to support equipment operability.
• Oversees and guides operations and maintenance for automated dispensing machines (ADMs) and other related pharmacy systems holding patient safety and accurate dispensing as a top priority. Identifies and mitigates potential risks associated with controls and automation technology. Implements monitoring tools and processes to track system performance, analyze data and optimize processes for efficiency and effectiveness and to ensure risks are avoided/minimized. Ensures processes are documented, as needed to support equipment operability.
• Defines short and long-term strategic needs and goals for the function and leads a team of Senior Managers/Directors and is a key contributor to developing and implementing strategic business plans. Oversees the execution of operating plans for specified area of responsibility.
• Performs as an idea generator, working with others as a thought leader and subject- matter expert to help brainstorm new processes and solutions. Shares highly complex information related to areas of expertise.
• Stays abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies related to controls and automation. Evaluates, recommends, and implements cutting edge technologies to enhance the control and automation capabilities.
• Sets financial, operational, and quality objectives for the unit and develop master operational plans. Plans, develops and manages departmental expense and capital budgets.
• Demonstrates advanced leadership skills to forge positive interpersonal relationships Influencing actions at highest levels. Interacts with senior management to keep abreast of objectives. Transfers knowledge and collaborates across functional lines and/or across departments. Interacts with direct reports and peers in management / customers / vendors to interpret information and improve cross-functional processes and programs. Builds and enhances key internal and external contacts.

About Walgreens
Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) has a storied heritage of caring for communities for generations, and proudly serves nearly 9 million customers and patients each day across its approximately 8,500 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and leading omni-channel platforms. Walgreens has approximately 220,000 team members, including nearly 90,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for retail pharmacy and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.

Walgreens is the flagship U.S. brand of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), an integrated healthcare, pharmacy and retail leader. Its retail locations are a critical point of access and convenience in thousands of communities, with Walgreens pharmacists playing a greater role as part of the healthcare system and patients’ care teams than ever before. Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy provides critical care and pharmacy services to millions of patients with rare disease states and complex, chronic conditions.