The Challenge
An Edmonton-based manufacturing company serving the energy sector faced an urgent need to modernize their production capabilities through robotics and automation to address both labor shortages and cost competitiveness pressures. The organization sought a Director of Robotics Integration who could lead a multi-year transformation program introducing advanced automation technologies to a facility with a traditional, craft-oriented workforce. The challenge was particularly complex because the ideal candidate needed to bridge two very different cultures: they required deep technical expertise in industrial robotics, machine learning applications in manufacturing, and systems integration, while also possessing the change management capability to bring along a workforce that viewed automation with suspicion as a potential threat to their livelihoods. The company’s location in Edmonton added complexity, as advanced manufacturing and robotics talent tends to concentrate in major technology hubs rather than resource-oriented cities. Additionally, the existing workforce included many long-tenured skilled tradespeople whose expertise was essential during the transition; the new leader would need to design automation programs that augmented rather than simply replaced human capabilities.
The Solution
Lock Search Group’s Edmonton and Calgary offices collaborated on a search strategy that addressed both the technical requirements and the cultural challenges inherent in this manufacturing transformation role. We recognized that candidates from heavily automated industries might lack experience managing change in traditional manufacturing cultures, so we prioritized change management capability alongside technical robotics expertise. Our search targeted four candidate pools: robotics and automation engineers from advanced manufacturing sectors including automotive and aerospace who had experience with workforce transition programs; engineering managers from oil and gas who had implemented technology transformations in Alberta’s distinct industrial culture; academics and applied researchers from Alberta’s technical institutions who might be attracted to industry leadership roles; and automation consultants with manufacturing specialization who were seeking operating positions. Our assessment approach evaluated candidates across technical competencies including robotics programming, systems integration, and industrial engineering, as well as leadership dimensions including change management philosophy, communication style with skilled trades workers, and ability to design automation that enhances human capabilities. We arranged facility tours for finalist candidates to observe the current workforce culture and understand the starting point for transformation.
The Outcome
The Alberta-focused search identified 31 candidates whose backgrounds suggested relevant robotics and automation leadership experience. Through comprehensive assessment including technical evaluations and change management scenario discussions, we presented four finalists representing different approaches to manufacturing transformation. The successful candidate was a former Automation Engineering Manager from an Alberta oil and gas equipment manufacturer who had led a five-year program introducing robotics to their fabrication operations while maintaining workforce engagement and retention. His experience in Alberta’s industrial culture proved invaluable, as he understood how to communicate with skilled tradespeople and position automation as capability enhancement rather than replacement. His approach of involving workers in automation design decisions, providing retraining opportunities, and protecting employment through attrition rather than layoffs aligned with the client’s values. Within his first year, he implemented two robotic welding cells developed with input from the existing welding team, established a cross-functional automation steering committee including worker representatives, and developed a comprehensive training program that had already upskilled 15 employees to work alongside robotic systems. The facility’s workforce retention during the transformation exceeded industry benchmarks, validating the emphasis on change management capability in the search criteria.