Warehouse Automation Specialist

Job Title: Warehouse Automation Specialist
Salary Range: CAD$43,228:00 – CAD$54:000:00
Working Type: On-Site

The Warehouse Automation Specialist is responsible for maintaining inventory integrity, system functionality and operational continuity across automated and manual warehouse operations within a cold‑storage meat packaging operation.

The role safeguards product availability, food safety compliance, and data integrity by driving disciplined use of WCS/ERP/automated systems, maintaining high inventory accuracy, and supporting continuous improvement across inventory, systems, and operational processes in a temperature‑controlled, highly regulated environment.

The role is a hands-on, floor-based key-user and first-line systems support position, providing on-site coverage with one specialist per shift as part of a 24/7 rotation. Working within Logistics Operations, the Specialist coordinates with operational, IT, engineers and external suppliers to diagnose issues, support recovery and escalate decisions outside agreed authority.

This role is at the heart of driving our business capability and building a fantastic environment for all our colleagues.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Regulatory, Safety & Quality Compliance

Follow approved safety, access and intervention procedures when supporting automated equipment, including restricted areas, isolation requirements and escalation of unsafe conditions.
Ensure all products meet safety, legal, and quality standards.
Ensure inventory processes support food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance (e.g., HACCP, CFIA, GMPs)
Maintain traceability and readiness for mock recalls, audits, and inspections
Monitor adherence to cold chain requirements, ensuring product integrity during storage and handling
Ensure correct segregation and documentation of held, rejected, recalled, or expired product
Support sanitation, allergen control, and biosecurity procedures as they relate to inventory and storage zones

Inventory Accuracy & Stock Control

Maintain alignment between physical inventory and ERP/WCS stock records across automated and manual warehouse areas. Maintain high levels of inventory accuracy and product availability to support production and customer service requirements
Coordinate and execute cycle counting programs, physical inventories, and reconciliation activities, ensuring alignment between system records and physical stock
Provide guidance and oversight to operators conducting manual stock counts, verify count quality and investigate discrepancies; direct people-management responsibilities, if any, remain subject to the agreed team structure.
Accurately control raw materials, packaging materials, finished goods, and returnable assets (e.g., pallets, crates, bins)
Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies within defined timeframes, identifying trends and recurring issues
Investigate shortages, incorrect supply, stock discrepancies and service-level issues affecting production or external customers, coordinating follow-up with relevant teams.
Manage authorized stock blocking, release, adjustments and inventory exception transactions, escalating decisions outside defined permissions.
Ensure correct handling of lot control, batch integrity, expiry dates, FIFO/FEFO, and segregation of non‑conforming or quarantined stock
Support inventory control activities in a cold and frozen environment, ensuring compliance with product and temperature requirements

Systems, Data Integrity & Process Control

Ensure accurate, timely, and efficient handling and tracking of goods.
Act as a key user for the WCS/ERP, ensuring accurate and consistent system usage across all warehouse and packaging activities
Provide proactive on-floor support across inbound handling, ASRS, robotic palletizing, conveyors, production supply, outbound dispatch and crate washing operations.
Triage operational and automation system exceptions, carry out first-line diagnosis and approved recovery actions, and coordinate escalation to IT, engineering or supplier service desks when required.
Investigate ASRS bin/aisle exceptions; coordinate physical checks and rework with operators, and block or unblock affected locations only when authorized and safe.
Identify inbound load-carrier and product-handling non-conformances; support controlled recovery or reintroduction of rejected or problematic pallets, crates and other load carriers using approved procedures and access levels.
Perform detailed system analysis, including transaction reviews, audit trails, and log analysis to detect errors, gaps, or misuse
Learn to interpret functional and interface specifications, API/interface logs and diagnostic data across ERP, WCS and lower-level automation controls, to assess probable causes and constructively challenge supplier findings.
Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for system and inventory issues, coordinating corrective and preventive actions with the relevant technical and operational owners
Support system enhancements, master data accuracy, and process standardization in collaboration with the technical manager, IT, Engineers and external suppliers

Reporting, Training and Communication

Support smooth operations through effective communication, decision-making, and documentation.
Produce accurate daily, weekly, and monthly inventory and KPI reports, highlighting trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
Monitor and report on inventory KPIs, including accuracy, stock losses, adjustments, and service level performance
Train and support end users on correct system and inventory processes, acting as a subject matter expert (SME)
Maintain and improve training documentation and training matrices; support end-user coaching and competency development.
Provide structured feedback and improvement recommendations to Operations, Systems, and Suppliers
Produce clear incident documentation and shift handovers, including open exceptions, containment measures, operational impacts and required follow-up actions.
Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including clear written descriptions of issues, evidence and requested supplier actions.
Role model safety-first behaviors and support the implementation of Health, Safety, and Environmental policies within warehouse operations

KEY EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Essential
3+ experience in relevant experience in inventory control, warehouse/logistics operations, warehouse systems support or a comparable operational/technical environment; candidates from either operational (with technical apptitude) or systems backgrounds are encouraged.
Strong planning and problem-solving skills and ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively manage business relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Advance ability to analyze operational/system data and present meaningful findings
Demonstrates logical thinking and effective problem-solving approaches
Pro-actively seeks continuous improvements and operational efficiencies methods
Strong technical aptitude and willingness to learn WCS/ERP processes, automation behavior, system interfaces, diagnostics and approved recovery procedures
Ability to interpret technical documentation and diagnostic information following training, and to work collaboratively with engineering, IT and supplier support teams.
Practical, floor-based and team-oriented approach; willingness to support operational tasks when required to keep product moving.
Ability to work independently on rotating 24/7 shifts, make decisions within agreed authority and escalate matters appropriately.
Organisation skills and attention to detail
Take initiative and provide complete follow-through on areas of responsibility

Desirable
Experience in cold storage or food distribution environment
Familiarity with automated warehouse systems or yard management systems Experience as a WCS/WMS/ERP key user or with ASRS, robotics, conveyors, interface/API logs or other automation diagnostics.
Experience executing system change validation, test plans, defect recording or user acceptance testing.
Knowledge of Power BI or similar reporting and business intelligence tools.
Basic knowledge of compliance and audit processes.

Working Conditions
Temperature ‑controlled work environment maintained between 0–2°C
Moderate noise levels due to AGVs, robotic systems, and material‑handling equipment (MHE)
Ability and willingness to wear mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE), including hearing protection and cold‑environment PPE

Hilton Foods Canada is committed to building a culture of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees. At Hilton Foods Canada, we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the HR representative. All requests for an accommodation and the accommodation measures will be handled in a confidential manner at all time.