At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of GBS processes through automation and AI to enhance efficiency.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce, a leader in innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, retirement savings, life assurance, and share ownership opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diverse perspectives and offering excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of automation and make a lasting impact on global processes.
- Qualifications: Experience in enterprise-scale automation and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
GBS is seeking an experienced transformation leader to drive GBS enterprise-wide automation, AI and emerging agentic capabilities, reshaping how our core processes operate. This role will lead the move from fragmented automation activity to a process-led, outcome-focused automation model that improves efficiency, controls and service performance. The role is a 12-month secondment, reporting into the SVP GBS Strategy and Service Management.
This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of automation in GBS and deliver lasting enterprise-wide value.
What you will be doing:
- Work with Global Process Owners to reimagine and transform priority GBS processes including, but not limited to, Procure-to-Pay, Order-to-Cash, Hire-to-Retire, Record-to-Report and Service Management.
- Embed automation, AI and agentic capabilities into process design, leveraging platforms and technologies such as ERP, ServiceNow and Power Platform to transform how work is performed.
- Lead the GBS automation and AI strategy, demand pipeline and investment prioritisation.
- Work with global teams to define and embed the required workforce capabilities and skills.
- Identify, prioritise, develop and scale high-value AI use cases that improve employee experience, decision-making, productivity and service delivery across GBS.
- Deliver measurable improvements in cycle time, exception rates, cost-to-serve, straight-through processing and control effectiveness.
- Establish clear governance, risk and control frameworks for automation.
- Partner with senior leaders across GBS, IT, Finance, HR and Procurement to deliver sustainable transformation.
Preferred qualifications:
- A degree or equivalent experience in a relevant technical discipline.
Preferred requirements:
- Proven senior leadership experience in enterprise-scale automation, digital transformation or process improvement.
- Strong understanding of process design, enterprise systems, integration, controls and service management.
- Experience of working with multidisciplinary teams across automation, data, technology or engineering.
- Knowledge of Generative AI technologies and how these can be used to transform business processes.
- Experience defining and implementing AI-enabled transformation strategies, translating emerging technologies into scalable business outcomes and measurable value.
- The ability to influence at executive level, simplify complexity and drive change across organisational boundaries.
What success looks like:
- Priority GBS processes improved and automated in partnership with Global Process Owners.
- Reduced manual effort, rework, exceptions and cycle times.
- Improved audit outcomes and stronger controls.
- Automation embedded as a core part of the GBS operating model.
- A sustainable pipeline of automation and AI opportunities established, prioritised and governed through a clear value-realisation framework.
At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere. By joining Rolls-Royce, you'll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength, and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high-performance culture.
Regional benefits:
- Generous Annual Leave
- Retirement Savings through the Rolls-Royce Retirement Savings Trust
- Group Life Assurance provides for a lump sum benefit if you die whilst employed by Rolls-Royce
- Group Income Protection provides an income in the event that you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Your Shares: Matched is a simple way to own Rolls-Royce shares and invest in our future, together. Buy one share, get one free!
Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.
Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.
Please be aware that the priority will be given to employees identified as being at high risk. The professional level and salary of the position will be dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate but is anticipated to be Level B. This job is advertised at the grades shown, and this is the desired operating level for this role. We encourage applications from candidates with relevant experience from any grade. It is advised that you inform your current manager of your application for this role.
Closing date: Midnight 6th August 2026
Job Category: Digital
Posting Date: 24 Jul 2026; 00:07
Posting End Date: 06 Aug 2026
VP, GBS Automation Programme in Derby employer: Rolls-royce
At Rolls-Royce, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in our Bristol/Hybrid location. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that shape the future of technology. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our collective success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VP, GBS Automation Programme in Derby
✨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 Rolls-royce!
✨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 VP, GBS Automation Programme position at Rolls-royce, 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 Rolls-royce 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 VP, GBS Automation Programme role at Rolls-royce!
We think you need these skills to ace VP, GBS Automation Programme in Derby
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 Rolls-royce 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 Rolls-royce
✨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 Rolls-royce.
✨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 Rolls-royce, 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.
