Manager, Process Automation

Join Corby Spirit and Wine Limited and Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd.,: Where Moments Matter

At Corby and Hiram Walker, we’re more than a company - we’re curators of unforgettable moments. Our portfolio boasts some of Canada’s most iconic and award-winning brands, including J.P. Wiser’s, Lot No. 40, Pike Creek, and Gooderham & Worts Canadian whiskies, Polar Ice vodka, Lamb’s rum, Ungava gin, McGuinness and Cabot Trail liqueurs, Ace Beverage Group’s Cottage Springs, Cabana Coast, Liberty Village, and Good Vines, and Foreign Affair wines. But that’s just the beginning.

Through its affiliation with Pernod Ricard, Corby represents leading international brands such as ABSOLUT® Vodka, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, The Glenlivet®, Beefeater and Malfy Gins, a leading portfolio of American whiskey brands including Jefferson’s, Rabbit Hole, and Skrewball™ whiskey., and Perrier-Jouët and Mumm champagnes, – making our portfolio the most comprehensive in the market.

Why Choose Us?

Igniting Conviviality: Derived from the French word “convivialité,” our ethos centres on human connection, authenticity, and friendliness. We create moments that matter, starting with how we work together.

Progressive Opportunities: Fuel your ambition with outstanding career prospects and rewards. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, we’re invested in your growth.

Guided by our 4 core values: (1) grounded in the real; (2) fiercely authentic; (3) passion for challenge; and (4) connected beyond borders; we are team players, dream makers, trailblazers, movers and (cocktail) shakers. We have a passion for living life to the fullest, making new friends every day, and realizing our potential as people and as a business!

The salary range for this role is $104,900.00 to $131,100.00. Base salaries are determined during our interview process, by assessing a candidate’s experience, skills against internal peers and against the scope and responsibilities of the position.

Position Summary

The Manager, Process Automation, is responsible for leading automation strategy, continuous improvement initiatives, process optimization, and capital projects within Walkerville Operations.

This role provides technical leadership across production departments, partnering closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and IT/OT teams to improve equipment reliability, manufacturing performance, and operational excellence. The successful candidate will lead automation modernization initiatives, maintain reliable process control systems, support daily production needs, and deliver multidisciplinary projects that improve safety, quality, productivity, and sustainability. This position requires a strong combination of technical expertise, project leadership, and the ability to influence teams across a complex 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Note: this is an onsite position. If you’re not currently within commuting distance, we welcome applicants who are open to relocating and joining our team here in Windsor.

Major Responsibilities / Accountabilities

• Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA Sections 25–28) and Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd. safety policies, including management, supervisory, and worker responsibilities.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on automation reliability, process optimization, productivity improvements, and operational excellence.
• Provide technical leadership and hands-on support to Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to resolve equipment and process challenges.
• Maintain and continuously improve Process Control Systems, including PLC programming, HMI enhancements, SCADA systems, and automation standards.
• Ensure automation systems remain reliable, supported, secure, and optimized for 24/7 manufacturing operations.
• Lead and support capital project execution, including project scope development, budgeting, vendor management, installation, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Manage capital projects ranging from $10,000 to $3,000,000 CAD, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
• Ensure all new equipment installations comply with applicable Canadian standards, electrical requirements, and safety regulations.
• Support regulatory compliance activities, including third-party inspections such as PSHR, ESA, and TSSA.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) activities and develop solutions to prevent recurring equipment and process failures.
• Develop and deliver training programs supporting automation systems, operational improvements, and implemented processes.
• Partner with IT/OT teams to maintain secure and reliable industrial technology infrastructure.
• Collaborate with vendors, contractors, OEMs, and technology partners to support operational and project requirements.
• Foster a culture of accountability, problem-solving, innovation, and continuous improvement across all levels of the organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong project management skills with demonstrated experience delivering industrial automation and capital projects.
• Advanced knowledge of industrial automation systems, including:
  • PLC programming
  • HMI/SCADA systems
  • VFDs
  • Instrumentation
  • PID control
  • Control valves
  • P&ID interpretation
• Experience with Rockwell Automation platforms including Allen-Bradley PLCs and FactoryTalk systems.
• Experience with process control systems such as Rockwell PlantPAx considered an asset.
• Experience supporting automated manufacturing environments with a strong understanding of production processes and equipment reliability.
• Knowledge of hazardous location control system design, including explosion-proof and intrinsically safe systems.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical for electrical drawing updates and documentation control.
• Knowledge of industrial networking, OT infrastructure, and cybersecurity principles.
• Experience with industrial data and information systems including:
  • SQL Server
  • Reporting Services
  • OSIsoft/AVEVA PI Historian
  • Manufacturing data reporting systems
• Understanding of industrial instrumentation platforms including Allen-Bradley, Endress+Hauser, ABB, Fisher, and Rosemount.
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety regulations, Electrical Safety Code, CSA standards, and ISO requirements related to industrial automation.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex control systems and lead technical problem-solving initiatives.
• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to balance innovation, execution, and operational priorities.
• Proven leadership capability with experience mentoring, coaching, and developing technical teams.
• Experience managing contractors, preparing scopes of work, developing RFQs/RFPs, and ensuring cost-effective execution.
• Experience supporting industrial power systems, including electrical distribution systems, single-line diagrams, and arc flash assessments, considered an asset.
• Ability to develop dashboards, reports, and performance metrics to support operational decision-making.
• Commitment to staying current with emerging automation technologies and industry trends.

Education

• College diploma in Process Automation Technology, or
• Bachelor’s degree in chemical, Electrical, or Automation Engineering

• Preferred: Professional Engineer of Ontario designation.

Experience / Background

• Minimum 6 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or manufacturing systems within an automated production environment.
• Proven experience supporting production systems, process controls, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical projects and collaborating across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, IT/OT, and external partners.
• Experience working in a 24/7 manufacturing environment with responsibility for critical production systems.

Financial Responsibility

• Greatly influences goals but does not have final authority. Manages and deploys resources to meet the goals.

Job Posting End Date:

Target Hire Date:

When you join Corby and Hiram Walker, you’ll experience a workplace that is rich in heritage, driven by our iconic brands and a long-standing commitment to sustainability, safety, and giving back to the people and communities where we work. We know that happiness at work starts with that feeling of belonging you get from an inclusive culture where being uniquely you is celebrated. Our values are lived, they drive our behaviors, and it’s what brings our culture to life. Learn about our rich heritage by clicking HERE for Corby and HERE for Hiram Walker.

Our work philosophy celebrates the magic of human connection with the flexibility needed to provide one's most meaningful contribution. We offer a flexible work policy, with most of our positions offering a a hybrid option with flexibility to work remotely 2 days a week. As a global employer, we understand that not everyone’s working hours are the same, and we empower our employees to work the hours that make the most sense for them and their team’s schedules.

We offer employees great benefits and perks to toast to a life filled with support. Check out PRCanadaBenefits.com for details.

At Corby and Hiram Walker, we’re committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals.

We will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. To request reasonable accommodation during the any phase of the recruitment process or want to review our accommodation policies, please reach out to our Human Resources Department at Accessibilty.Canada@pernod-ricard.com.

This posting is for a vacant role. This recruitment process uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to match applicant skills with role requirements and qualifications.

Join us in creating a vibrant, inclusive workplace where everyone’s voice matters. Apply today!