At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead automation operations, drive equipment performance, and support team development.
- Company: Join a historic bakery group investing in technology and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced leave, pension scheme, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on automation and operational excellence in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in automated manufacturing and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity to join our Operations team as an ‘Automation Advanced Team Leader’ (ATL) at our Nicholas & Harris site in Salisbury, part of Finsbury Food Group. Nicholas & Harris has over 180 years of heritage in craft baking methods and is entering one of the most exciting periods of investment and growth in its history.
As we continue to enhance our manufacturing capability through automation, technology, and operational excellence, we are looking for a technically strong and forward‑thinking leader to help shape the future of our operation. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role within a highly automated manufacturing environment, combining technical expertise with front‑line leadership.
Working closely with Manufacturing, Engineering and Operational teams, you will be responsible for:
- Driving equipment performance
- Improving reliability
- Developing technical capability
- Supporting the successful integration of future automation technologies
More than simply maintaining equipment performance, this role is about creating a culture of asset ownership, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, helping ensure our manufacturing operation is equipped for the future.
As an ‘Automation ATL’, you'll lead the day‑to‑day automation and asset performance operation on shift, ensuring equipment reliability, operational stability, and the highest standards of asset care. You'll work closely with operational teams to coordinate automation activities, support fault finding, drive autonomous maintenance standards and maximise equipment uptime.
Acting as the technical lead on shift, you'll provide coaching and support to colleagues, helping build capability and confidence across the wider team. You'll play a key role in identifying opportunities to improve reliability, reduce downtime and enhance overall equipment performance.
Through effective use of asset data, root‑cause analysis and continuous improvement principles, you'll help drive sustainable performance improvements across the bakery. As we continue to invest in new technology and manufacturing capability, you'll also support the implementation, commissioning and embedding of new automated equipment and systems, ensuring operational teams are prepared to maximise the benefits of future developments.
Alongside technical leadership, you'll champion Health & Safety, machine safety, Food Safety, and compliance standards, ensuring equipment is operated safely and effectively at all times.
Ideally this is you!
- Experience within an automated manufacturing, FMCG or engineering environment
- Strong understanding of automation, equipment performance and asset reliability
- Experience supporting, coaching, or leading front‑line teams
- Strong fault‑finding and problem‑solving capability
- Knowledge of autonomous maintenance and asset care principles
- Excellent communication and influencing skills
- A proactive approach to continuous improvement and performance optimisation
- Understanding of Health & Safety and Food Safety requirements within manufacturing
The following would be advantageous, but are not essential:
- Engineering qualifications or technical certifications
- CMMS experience
- Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement knowledge
- IOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification
What’s in it for you!
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to allow quality time with your new arrival!
- Enhanced Pension Scheme for our employees
- Free Employee Assistance Programme (open to colleagues and their families)
- Retail discounts accessible via our Benefits Hub platform!
- Refer a Friend Scheme (up to £300 per referral – T&C’s dependant)
- Employee Recognition Awards
- Career progression opportunities across Nicholas & Harris and the wider Finsbury Food Group
Our vision is to be the leading speciality bakery group in the UK, and we want the very best people to help us achieve this. This is an opportunity to join a business investing heavily in its future, where you can influence how automation capability develops, make a genuine impact on operational performance, and build a long‑term career within a growing organisation. If you're passionate about technology, automation and developing high‑performing teams, we'd love to hear from you.
Advanced Team Lead (Automation) - Day Shift in Salisbury employer: Finsbury Food
At Nicholas & Harris, part of the Finsbury Food Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation and employee development. Our commitment to a supportive work culture is reflected in our enhanced benefits, including generous parental leave, a robust pension scheme, and career progression opportunities within a rapidly growing organisation. Join us in Salisbury, where you can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of automation in a highly automated manufacturing environment, all while enjoying a collaborative atmosphere that champions continuous improvement and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Team Lead (Automation) - Day Shift in Salisbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their automation processes and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. Show them you're not just a fit for the role, but for the team too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team at Nicholas & Harris.
We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Team Lead (Automation) - Day Shift in Salisbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Advanced Team Lead role. Highlight your experience in automated manufacturing and any leadership roles you've held, as we want to see how you can contribute to our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about automation and how your background aligns with our goals at Nicholas & Harris. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the role.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've tackled challenges in an automated environment. We’re looking for someone who can drive continuous improvement, so let us know how you've done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Nicholas & Harris!
How to prepare for a job interview at Finsbury Food
✨Know Your Automation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of automation technologies and equipment performance. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've improved reliability or driven performance in an automated environment.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to share instances where you've successfully led a team or coached colleagues. Highlight how you foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence, as this role is all about leading front-line teams effectively.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that test your fault-finding and problem-solving capabilities. Think of scenarios where you've tackled challenges in an automated setting and be prepared to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Understand Health & Safety Standards
Since this role champions Health & Safety, make sure you can discuss relevant regulations and best practices. Show that you understand the importance of safety in manufacturing and how it ties into operational success.
