NA Oilseeds Regional Modernization Lead

This is a permanent, full-time, exempt-level position.  

*** Ideal work locations for this opportunity include Decatur, IL or another large ADM oilseeds processing site.    

Role Summary

The Regional Program Lead drives modernization efforts across ADM’s Oilseeds departments/sites by promoting consistency, collaboration, and process improvement.

This role focuses on managing projects to reduce process automation platform obsolescence while leveraging automation opportunities to enhance safety, process reliability and operator experience.  The Lead is responsible for standardizing automation engineering design and implementation practices, ensuring efficient project delivery and alignment with ADM’s global objectives. By working closely with regional leads and cross-functional teams, the Lead helps strengthen Program execution, cost management, and operational excellence across multiple locations through strategic application of automation and control system modernization.

The Regional Program Lead will oversee a team of process automation engineers embedded within Oilseeds projects, ensuring effective execution of automation strategies and modernization initiatives. Acting as the primary escalation point for project managers and automation engineers, the Lead provides technical guidance, problem resolution, and alignment with project objectives. This role is also responsible for the professional development of the automation team, including mentoring, performance management, and goal setting to foster growth, collaboration, and technical excellence.

The ADM Modernization Program is an ADM Operations Initiative to modernize our strategic facilities through Automation and Optimization.  Utilizing technology and ADM expertise, we will support safety initiatives, reduce unplanned downtime, increase OEE and standardize our processes across our business units.  The Program is an enabler for ADM’s Digital Transformation. 

Key Responsibilities
 Coordinate modernization projects across Oilseeds sites, ensuring alignment with global engineering and EHS standardsIdentify and implement opportunities for project and automation process optimization and standardizationEngage with regional leads and site teams to share best practices and drive consistent executionOversee project planning, budgeting, and resource management to ensure efficient use of CAPEX fundsDrive teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement within project teamsOwn tracking and evaluation of project progress and performance metrics to ensure objectives are met (Examples: Schedule Variance, Schedule Performance Index and Forecasted Completion Date vs Baseline)Serve as the escalation point and decision-maker for project issues within the regionChampion knowledge transfer of automation modernization methods and project management best practices to improve execution efficiencyOversee and manage site project team activities to achieve effective delivery of the modernization scopeDeliver successful handover of modernized plants to operations and transition projects to lifecycle managementTravel to sites as needed to coordinate activities, assess progress, and provide leadership direction – up to 25% as needed
Required Qualifications
 Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Process Automation, Project Management, or a similar technical field, OR equivalent professional work experience 8+ years of experience in project leadership within Process Automation, Engineering, or Operations in an industrial settingFamiliarity with CAPEX management, modernization projects, and continuous improvement principles4+ years of experience with Rockwell Automation Control Systems and/or Emerson Delta V system Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skillsAbility to build relationships and influence across diverse teams and functionsAbility to travel as required
Preferred QualificationsAdvanced degree preferredPMP certification a plusSiemens Automation platform knowledge a plusExperience coordinating projects across multiple sites or regions

Key Competencies
 Leadership and CollaborationProject Management PrinciplesOperational EfficiencyCost StewardshipContinuous ImprovementCommunication and Stakeholder Engagement
Excited about this role but don’t think you meet every requirement listed? Studies have shown that applicants may self "select-out" of consideration if they do not meet all posted qualifications.  We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.  Relocation assistance is available for this opportunity.

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REF:104960BR