Automation Specialist

At Frasers Group we’re rethinking retail. Through digital innovation and unique store experiences, we’re serving our consumers with the world’s best sports, premium and luxury brands globally. As a leader in the industry, we’re elevating the retail experience for our consumers through our collection of established brands, including Sports Direct, FLANNELS, USC, Frasers, and GAME. Why join us? Our mission- we are building the worlds most admired and compelling brand ecosystem Our purpose – we are elevating the lives of the many with access to the world’s best brands and experiences At Frasers Group, we fear less and do more. Our people are forward thinkers who are driven to operate outside of their comfort zone to change the future of retail, embracing challenges along the way. The potential to elevate your career is massive, the experience unrivalled. To be able to make the most of it you need to live and breathe our principles: Think without limits – Think fast, think fearlessly, and take the team with you Own it and back yourself – Own the basics, own your role and own the results Be relevant – Relevant to our people, our partners and the planet Are you ready to join the Fearless? Job Description The Automation Specialist plays a vital role in identifying, developing, and delivering electrical, mechanical, and process-related improvements across the automated warehouse environment. This role supports the Engineering Department by driving initiatives that enhance machine performance, reduce waste, improve safety compliance, and generate cost savings. The role reports directly to the Asset and Reliability Manager and will actively support the delivery of both new and ongoing reliability projects, continuous improvement initiatives, and automation upgrades. The Automation Specialist will collaborate closely with shift-based engineering teams, making effective use of their expertise and availability to deliver projects. This position will also involve documenting, tuning, and potentially changing conveyor timing parameters to improve system flow and performance, as well as creating reports and dashboards to track improvements and measure their impact over time. Key Responsibilities Identify and deliver automation improvement projects across electrical, mechanical, and process domains. Perform corrective maintenance and improvement projects on automated equipment and systems including conveyors, robotics, sorters, and AS/RS. Analyse machine performance and failure data to target inefficiencies and waste. Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for recurring issues. Diagnose and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and control issues in real-time to maintain workflow efficiency. Ensure adherence to safety regulations and standard operating procedures while performing all tasks. Propose and implement solutions for in-house repairs of high-spend or frequently replaced parts. Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, IT and Health & Safety teams to deliver improvement initiatives. Support the Asset and Reliability Manager in executing new and existing reliability and CI projects. Utilise shift engineering teams to assist with modifications and improvement execution. Document and adjust conveyor timing parameters to improve equipment performance. Create reports and dashboards to track improvement activities and provide visibility of performance gains. Maintain technical documentation and update the CMMS after modifications. Train and assist automation engineers in the proper use and basic troubleshooting of automated systems as well as guidance on current PM process, and new procedures. Promote a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement. Qualifications Required: Technical certification in Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, Electrical Engineering, or related field. 3 years of hands-on experience in automation maintenance or a similar technical role. Strong knowledge of PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), HMIs, VFDs, sensors, and industrial networking. Proficiency with tools for electrical and mechanical diagnostics, calibration, and repair. Ability to read electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and system diagrams. Excellent troubleshooting, organizational, and communication skills. Willingness to work flexible shifts, including nights, weekends, or on-call as needed. Preferred Qualifications: Certification in PLC programming, robotics maintenance, or industrial automation. Experience with warehouse management systems (WMS/WCS), SCADA, or MES platforms. Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles or Six Sigma methodologies. Additional Information Along with your benefits package we also offer a wide range of perks for our colleagues: Reward, Recognition and Opportunities Frasers Champion – Our employees are at the heart of our business and we ensure individuals are recognised every single month for their hard work. Frasers Champion is a peer nominated scheme where 8 winners will receive double their pay for a month where they have thought without limits, owned it or been relevant. Fearless 1000 – By October 2025, we want our share price to hit £10. If that happens for 30 or more consecutive trading days, all colleagues across the business will receive a bonus! The top 1000 performers in the company will receive unprecedented bonuses, worth from £50,000 to £1million! Senior leaders across the business nominate these performers twice a year for embodying our core values and delivering exceptional performance*. *subject to terms and conditions Frasers Festival – an event like no other! Our Frasers Festival is our celebration for Head Office and Retail Staff across the UK and Europe – hosting a MEGA brand village, guest speakers from the world\’s biggest brands, evening entertainment, the ultimate Frasers Fearless Fitness Challenge and much more. CEO Sessions – Once a quarter we offer 20 employees the opportunity to attend our “CEO Sessions” ran by our CEO and leadership team. Employees have the chance to connect, network and submit questions around specific topics such as our Sports or Luxury business. Retail Reconnect – In order to build the planets most admired and compelling brand ecosystem, all employees must understand our business, product and customers. Each financial year, Head Office employees will gain insights by spending two days in one of our stores or the Warehouse. The goal is to learn how the work you do impacts our teams on the frontline, and to bring ideas back to the office which will improve how we work. Employee Welfare Frasers Fit – Our Everlast Gyms Team are on a mission to make our workforce the best, and fittest on the planet! We run free gym classes for employees as well as discounted memberships to our clubs. Frasers Fit is our wellbeing programme which aims to support and improve colleagues Physical, Financial & Mental wellbeing. The app is accessible for every employee and includes training, nutrition and lifestyle advice- all completely free. Retail Trust – We know that its not just about physical health, mental wellness is equally important which is why all of our employees get free access and support from the Retail Trust charity. This includes a 24 hour wellbeing helpline, wellness hub, counselling and financial/legal support. What’s next? Our Recruitment Team will be reviewing applications and all candidates will receive a response, whether you are successful or unsuccessful. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to confirm a few key details before being booked in for a first stage interview with the Recruiter- this will be behaviourally focussed and centred around how you align with our Culture and Values. If successful you will be invited to a final interview, on-site, with the team.41bf1e1f-b16b-4260-a40a-17c77a06fd15