Digital Manufacturing Manager

Yamaha has an excellent opportunity for a Digital Manufacturing Manager to join our Marine Operational Excellence team in Kennesaw, GA. The mission of this position is to modernize factory operations using data, digital tools, automation, and advanced technologies - with a strategic focus on future ERP (Cloud Based) integration. This role partners with all seven manufacturing subsidiaries within the Marine Business Unit (MBU) of Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), working closely with local leadership to understand organizational and operational challenges and leveraging information systems to deliver robust, effective solutions.

What you'll be doing:

Factory Automation & Data Strategy

• Lead the implementation of cost effective, data driven automation solutions that reduce time spent on data collection and increase time available for true problem solving.
• Develop and deploy real time production dashboards (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost) for all plants using low-cost, internally maintainable tools—avoiding high-cost MES platforms when simpler solutions meet the need.
• Digitize and enhance manual Manufacturing Operations Management Systems (MOMS) such as Leader Standard Work and Lean Daily Management by delivering improved electronic alternatives.

Digital Transformation & Microsoft Platform

• Maximize the value of the existing Microsoft ecosystem—including Power Apps, Power BI, Power Automate, Dataverse, Forms, and Copilot/AI—across all subsidiaries.
• Train and mentor engineering teams to independently build fast, low-cost digital solutions (e.g., Power BI applications for Yard Management such as Finished Goods storage and retrieval).

Enterprise Systems & Specialized Software

• Lead QAD and SAP (ERP) system upgrades and improvements, providing strong project leadership to drive results with the Information Systems Division (ISD) and external consultants.
• Expand eMaint (CMMS) deployment for deeper and consistent implementation across the organization.
• Help prepare a comprehensive ERP Upgrade ROI analysis — investigating options, building the business case, and delivering a solid investment proposal for future funding cycles.
• Support and align with corporate ISD strategic initiatives (APS, MES, ERP, IoT, etc.)

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Revitalize the North American Monozukuri (NAM), a Yamaha North American Continuous Improvement Consortium Automation Committee — take ownership, close leadership gaps across subsidiaries, and drive meaningful, measurable results.
• Manage IT projects (e.g. Building Automation Systems) from concept to full integration, coordinating with local IT teams, developers, and outside resources.
• Identify and propagate best practices across the Marine Business Unit

Continuous Improvement

• Apply Lean/continuous improvement principles to technology deployment — prioritize solutions that are affordable, maintainable, and scalable.
• Monitor Industry 4.0 trends and Smart Factory technologies; recommend adoption only where an ROI is clear, and implementation is practical.
• Provide leadership and ensure adherence to divisional guidelines, project management best practices, and methodologies.

What You’ll Need to Be Successful:

Required

• 5–7 years of experience in manufacturing IT, ERP systems, Manufacturing Operations Management System (MOMS), Manufacturing Execution System (MES), manufacturing digitalization, IoT solutions, and/or automation
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field — OR equivalent professional experience
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing/shop floor/MRP processes and package systems
• Project management experience in a manufacturing setting; PMP or PPM certifications
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps, Power BI, Power Automate, Dataverse)
• Working knowledge of ERP systems (QAD experience strongly preferred; SAP or Business One also valued)
• Working knowledge of both on-premises and cloud applications, platforms, and infrastructure
• Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills
• Strong sense of customer service, multi-tasking ability, and urgency

Preferred

• Experience with CMMS systems (eMaint or equivalent)
• Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) experience
• Experience building dashboards and data visualization solutions.
• Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, or continuous improvement certification or demonstrated experience.
• Database experience (SQL, Progress, or general database administration)
• Familiarity with AI/LLM tools applied to manufacturing or business process automation (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, Azure AI)
• Experience with low-code/no-code workflow automation platforms (Power Automate, n8n, or similar)
• Understanding of cloud data infrastructure concepts (data lakes, ETL pipelines, API integrations)

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and underrepresented minorities are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Yamaha, we understand that talent comes in various forms; as such, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.  If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!  

What’s in it for you: 

• 401(k) and Profit Sharing 
• Fertility Benefits 
• 37.5 hour work-week 
• Medical, Dental, Vision 
• Life and AD&D Insurance 
• Wellness Program 
• Short-Term Disability Coverage (for hourly roles) 
• Long-Term Disability 
• Student Debt Repayment Benefits 
• Ability to borrow Yamaha product 

Reports to:  Department Manager

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, veteran or disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.  We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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