At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise the AutoStore operation in a high-volume warehouse.
- Company: Join a thriving UK distribution and e-commerce business in Birmingham.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on role, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of exciting future automation projects and improve operational performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on automation and efficiency in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must have AutoStore experience and strong leadership skills.
Location: Birmingham
Salary: £50,000-£55,000 per annum
Working pattern: Full-time, site-based - minimum 40 hours per week
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Automation Manager to join a growing and successful UK distribution and e-commerce business based in Birmingham. The business operates a high-volume warehouse and fulfilment operation with a strong focus on product availability, next-day delivery and customer service. As the operation continues to grow, automation is becoming increasingly important to its future development.
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, you will take ownership of the performance, optimisation and continuous improvement of the site's AutoStore operation. This is a hands-on role combining AutoStore expertise, operational leadership, people management, data analysis and process improvement, with the opportunity to become involved in wider automation projects as the business develops.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the day-to-day performance, throughput and efficiency of the AutoStore operation.
- Manage and develop approximately 10 Team Leaders and Pickers/Operatives.
- Monitor operational KPIs and produce regular performance reporting for the Board and Management Team.
- Identify and implement improvements to productivity, processes, workflows and labour utilisation.
- Investigate picking errors, system issues and recurring operational problems using structured root-cause analysis.
- Diagnose and triage AutoStore issues, minimising downtime and operational disruption.
- Manage support issues with AutoStore and work with technology partners to deliver improvements.
- Train and support warehouse teams in AutoStore processes and best practice.
- Work closely with operational, IT and management teams to resolve issues and improve performance.
- Support future warehouse automation projects, including carton and pallet picking.
Essential Experience
- Previous AutoStore experience - essential.
- Experience managing Team Leaders, Pickers, Warehouse Operatives or similar.
- Experience within a high-volume warehouse, fulfilment or distribution environment.
- Strong understanding of operational KPIs and performance data.
- Proven problem-solving and root-cause analysis capability.
- Experience improving productivity, processes or operational efficiency.
- Strong communication and people-management skills.
Desirable
- Blue Yonder experience.
- Kerridge K8 experience.
- IT, systems or technical background.
- WMS or warehouse systems experience.
- Experience with other warehouse automation technologies such as AMRs, ASRS, robotics or automated picking.
- Lean / Continuous Improvement / Six Sigma experience.
Proactive Global is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Proactive Global is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
Automation Manager in Birmingham employer: Proactive Global
Join a dynamic team where your hard work and dedication as a Goods In Operative will be truly valued. Our company fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth, offering training and development opportunities to help you advance in your career. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a rewarding environment with competitive benefits, ensuring that every team member feels appreciated and motivated to contribute to our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Manager in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Proactive Global!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Automation Manager position at Proactive Global, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Proactive Global is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Automation Manager role at Proactive Global!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Proactive Global and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Proactive Global
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Proactive Global.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Proactive Global, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
