Overview
The Control Room Manager plays a critical role in ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient operation of the automated warehouse environment at Portbury. The role spans two phases:
- Project Phase (Pre-Go-Live): Supporting design, testing and commissioning activities as the business transitions to new automated systems.
- Operational Phase (Post-Go-Live): Managing real-time system performance, resolving issues, analysing data and maintaining effective communication across operational and technical teams.
Project Phase (Pre-Go-Live)
- Participate in project planning sessions and provide operational input for system design and configuration.
- Work with SAP EWM specialists and automation vendors to validate system integration.
- Support FAT, SAT and UAT testing cycles.
- Help develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the control room.
- Provide feedback on system performance during commissioning and prepare for operational handover.
Operational Phase (Post-Go-Live)
Control Room Management
- Monitor material flow and system performance using WMS/EWM dashboards and automation interfaces.
- Act as first-line support for operational teams, resolving system or process-related issues quickly.
- Maintain accurate incident logs and escalate unresolved items to Engineering or IT.
System Performance & Issue Resolution
- Ensure automated systems operate within the expected performance parameters.
- Collaborate with Engineering and IT to diagnose and fix technical faults.
- Implement safe temporary workarounds during downtime.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Produce accurate reports for DMS and SIC processes.
- Analyse downtime, incidents and system trends to identify root causes and opportunities for improvement.
- Work with the Continuous Improvement Manager on enhancement initiatives.
Stakeholder Communication
- Act as the link between Operations, Engineering, IT and Project teams.
- Provide timely and clear updates on system status and incident resolution.
Skills & Qualifications
- Strong understanding of automated warehouse systems and material flow processes.
- Experience working with SAP EWM and system integration environments.
- Excellent analytical, troubleshooting and problem‑solving capability.
- Confidence working under pressure in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.
- Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools (Excel, BI dashboards).
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Essential
- Due to the location, a driving licence and access to your own transport are essential.
Preferred
- Experience in cold store or temperature‑controlled operations.
- Knowledge of Continuous Improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).
Key Competencies
- Analytical thinking and sound decision‑making under pressure.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross‑functionally.
- Adaptability and resilience in periods of change or system challenges.
Benefits
- Competitive salary - accredited Living Wage employer.
- 33 days holiday per year, including bank holidays.
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year.
- Discretionary annual bonus scheme.
- Pension scheme – employer matched contributions up to 4%.
- Life assurance scheme worth at least 1x annual salary.
- Free meals, snacks and beverages on site.
- Free parking.
- Free turkey or voucher at Christmas.
- apetito perks scheme including salary sacrifice options and retail discounts.
