Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the automation team and oversee advanced assembly solutions for aircraft manufacturing.
- Company: Join Airbus, a leader in aerospace innovation and manufacturing.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: This role is subject to regulatory approvals and focuses on safety and compliance.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of aerospace technology and drive impactful automation projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering with strong leadership and project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description:
Are you an experienced automation leader ready to drive the future of aircraft manufacturing?
We\’re seeking a Head of Automation to join our Manufacturing Technologies team at our Prestwick plant. This is a pivotal role where you\’ll be instrumental in deploying and supporting cutting-edge automated machinery for the assembly of aircraft wing structures and sub-assemblies. If you\’re passionate about innovation, leading high-performing teams, and optimizing production through advanced automation, we want to hear from you!
Please note: This position is subject to the successful closing of the transaction with Spirit, after obtaining relevant regulatory approvals.
About the Role
As our Head of Automation, you\’ll be at the forefront of defining, developing, and deploying advanced automated assembly solutions. Your work will span a range of machinery, from large Cartesian systems and industrial robots to lightweight and collaborative robots (cobots), all supporting critical processes like drilling, fastening, cold-working, and sealing.
Key Responsibilities Include:
-
Leading the Assembly Automation Team: Provide strong leadership and guidance to a skilled team of automation professionals.
-
Driving Automation Projects: Oversee the entire lifecycle of automated assembly systems, from defining requirements to managing installation, testing, acceptance, and entry into service.
-
Strategic Capital Investment: Manage major capital investment projects (including high-value CapEx projects over €5M), leading multi-functional teams to ensure on-time and on-cost delivery.
-
Ensuring Compliance & Safety: Guarantee all current and future automation assets comply with relevant Health and Safety requirements.
-
Optimizing Performance: Oversee the provision of technical support, ensure robust Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) plans are in place, and continuously monitor Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) to drive improvement.
-
Problem Solving & Expertise: Ensure your team provides timely problem-solving expertise, technical knowledge, and machine data analysis to support production machinery.
-
Asset Strategy: Contribute to and manage the refurbishment and replacement strategy for existing automation assets across the Prestwick plant.
What You\’ll Bring
We\’re looking for a leader with a strong technical background and a proven track record in automation and team management.
Essential Skills & Experience:
-
Education: Degree-level qualification (or equivalent) in Engineering.
-
Leadership: Strong leadership characteristics with a proven ability to task manage teams, whether directly or indirectly (project teams/subcontractors).
-
Stakeholder Management: Ability to pragmatically manage demanding and wide-ranging stakeholders.
-
Team Building: A talent for fostering a positive team spirit and atmosphere.
-
Project Management Acumen: Awareness of project management skills and techniques, including CapEx processes.
-
Data Proficiency: Proficient digital and data analysis skills, with the ability to translate and present complex data meaningfully to non-technical audiences and senior stakeholders.
Beneficial Experience:
-
Direct experience in the fields of automation and/or robotics.
-
General machines and systems knowledge and experience.
-
Project management certification.
Ready to make your mark on the future of aerospace manufacturing?
If you\’re a driven automation leader with a passion for innovation and operational excellence, we encourage you to apply!
#LI-CL1
This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.
Company:
Airbus Operations Limited
Employment Type:
Permanent
——-
Experience Level:
Professional
Job Family:
Manufacturing Engineering
By submitting your CV or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus.
Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.
Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to .
At Airbus, we support you to work, connect and collaborate more easily and flexibly. Wherever possible, we foster flexible working arrangements to stimulate innovative thinking.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Automation employer: Airbus
Contact Detail:
Airbus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Automation
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in automation and robotics, especially in the aerospace sector. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for innovation and your commitment to staying ahead in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the automation and aerospace industries. Attend relevant conferences or webinars, and connect with current employees at Airbus on platforms like LinkedIn. This can provide valuable insights into the company culture and the specific challenges they face.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led automation projects, as this role requires strong team management skills and the ability to drive results.
✨Tip Number 4
Understand the importance of compliance and safety in automation. Be prepared to discuss how you have ensured compliance in past roles, as this is a critical aspect of the Head of Automation position at Airbus.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Automation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in automation and team management. Focus on specific projects you've led, particularly those involving advanced automated machinery or robotics, as this is crucial for the Head of Automation role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for innovation in aircraft manufacturing. Discuss how your leadership style aligns with fostering a positive team spirit and your approach to managing complex stakeholder relationships.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your technical background and project management skills. Mention any certifications you have, especially in project management, and provide examples of how you've successfully managed capital investment projects.
Highlight Problem-Solving Experience: Include specific instances where you've provided problem-solving expertise in automation settings. Detail how your data analysis skills have contributed to optimising performance and compliance with safety standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at Airbus
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Automation, strong leadership is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing teams and how you've fostered a positive team spirit. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led projects and motivated your team.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
This role requires a solid technical background in automation and robotics. Brush up on the latest technologies and be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with various automated systems. Highlight any relevant projects where you implemented innovative solutions.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you manage diverse stakeholders. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated complex technical information to non-technical audiences. Show that you can balance multiple interests while driving projects forward.
✨Discuss Compliance and Safety Knowledge
Given the importance of compliance in this role, be ready to talk about your understanding of health and safety regulations related to automation. Provide examples of how you've ensured compliance in past projects and how you plan to maintain safety standards in future initiatives.