Electrical & Automation Manager in Bradford

Princes Group PLC is a leading force in the food and drink manufacturing industry, renowned for its rich heritage and unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability.

As a key member of the Site Engineering team reporting to the Projects & Utilities Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our operations and delivering exceptional value to millions of customers. You will be responsible for the planning, execution and governance of automation and electrical compliance activities across the Bradford site, ensuring the site remains electrically compliant with statutory and Princes Group requirements. You will also be the principal custodian for the manufacturing automation layer, to ensure high levels of machine availability.

• Site Electrical Duty Holder
• Responsible for availability, operation & maintenance of HV / LV networks through contract partners
• Responsible for Princes site staff electrical (and automation) competency authorisation
• Ensure compliance with Princes Group Standards, EAWR, CDM, DSEAR, and all relevant regulations.

• Responsible for availability, operation & maintenance of automation systems & networks through leadership of a dedicated automation team
• Drive standardisation of electrical automation specifications and machine platform obsolescence across the site, while ensuring machine programs are current and resiliently backed up.
• Implement best‑practice compliance methodologies and continuous automation improvement principles.
• Provide expert automation support to ensure production assets run to optimal efficiency.

• Support end‑to‑end delivery of electrical and automation engineering projects, from concept to commissioning.
• Support the development of project scopes, budgets, timelines, and risk assessments.
• Manage contractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure high‑quality outcomes.
• Identify opportunities for efficiency, cost reduction, and asset optimisation across the site.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and support complex engineering projects.
• Skilled in project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and risk management.

• Solid understanding of manufacturing engineering, ideally within food, beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical or FMCG environments.
• Advanced knowledge of automation, utilities, and electrical compliance.
• Advanced knowledge of electrical principles for Power, Automation & Control with proficient automation networking expertise.

• Proficient knowledge of relevant engineering legislation.
• Ability to lead safe systems of work and ensure robust contractor management.
• To maintain product Food Safety, Legality, Integrity, Authenticity and Quality standards by ensuring all associated policies and procedures are adhered to.

• Ability to evaluate business cases in your core electrical field, negotiate contracts with suppliers, and manage budgets - both capital projects and revenue.
• Experience delivering cost‑effective solutions without compromising quality or safety.

• Able to deputise for your line manager if required and lead cross‑functional teams without direct authority.
• Confident decision‑maker with accountability.
• Excellent communicator who builds strong relationships across operations and engineering teams.
• Able to translate technical concepts into clear business language.
• Problem‑Solving & Critical Thinking.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to develop practical solutions.
• Comfortable managing ambiguity and balancing competing priorities.
• Drive for Results.
• Delivers in your electrical field, projects to agreed timelines and standards.
• Demonstrates resilience, urgency, and a continuous improvement mindset.

• HND/HNC calibre individual with an Electrical Apprenticeship foundation.
• Extensive hands‑on technical experience problem solving, working efficiently and confidently with electrical control systems, with an added natural flair for innovation.
• Demonstratable track record achieving incremental increases in machine Availability and Performance, managing change, up‑skilling, mentoring and skill sharing with others.
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of electrical automations operations within a complex fast moving manufacturing environment, preferably Food/FMCG.
• Experience of delivering results against service levels and electrical safety standards.
• Proficient with Siemens, Asi, Profinet, Ethernet, Profibus & Wonderware Automation Platforms.
• Proficient understanding of CDM regulations, Electricity at Work Act 1989, and current H&S legislation.
• Technical understanding of process plant and automation equipment within an automated environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience of managing and motivating people.

• Professional registration, IET.
• Suitable candidate for appointment of HV authorised person (awareness / operational safety).
• Low voltage safety qualifications BS7671, C&G2391 etc.
• Previous role, ideally an Electrical Automation Supervisor managing electrical compliance and automation improvements.
• Demonstrated engineering experience within food manufacturing, FMCG or chemical / pharmaceutical with a proven track record of improving asset performance.

• 25 Days Annual Leave plus Birthday off
• 14.5% Pension – 5% employee opt in / 9.5% employer
• Flexible Holiday Option - Buy 5 Additional Days
• Enhanced Family Friendly & Carers Policies
• Life Assurance Cover
• Private Medical Insurance
• Critical Illness Cover
• Learning & Development Opportunities

Country: United Kingdom

Location: Bradford

Business Area: Operations

Workplace Type: Onsite

The Princes Group has over 7,000 employees with offices and production sites in the UK, Netherlands, Italy, Poland, France and Mauritius. Princes manufactures 350 different food and drink products responsibly sourced and enjoyed by consumers every day. None of this would be possible without striving to be an employer of choice, where our colleagues are proud to represent our business.