At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead automation projects to transform manufacturing efficiency and operational performance.
- Company: Join a family-run business known for quality and innovation in the food industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health support, employee discounts, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving automation and sustainability in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in automation and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58540 - 71548 £ per year.
We're looking for an ambitious and forward-thinking Head of Automation to join our Food to Go division and play a pivotal role in transforming the way we operate across our manufacturing sites.
Working at the forefront of innovation, you'll lead major automation and transformation programmes that drive efficiency, increase capacity, enhance operational performance and support the future growth of the business.
This is a highly visible leadership role, partnering with senior stakeholders across Operations, IT, Finance, Procurement, Manufacturing Excellence and Site Leadership Teams to identify, develop and deliver automation solutions that create lasting business value.
Key
Responsibilities: Leading large-scale automation and transformational projects across the Food to Go category.
Identifying opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, productivity and operational performance through automation initiatives.
Developing detailed project plans, business cases, milestones, budgets and resource requirements.
Managing project delivery from concept through to implementation, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget.
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive successful adoption of new technologies and systems.
Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislative, regulatory and operational requirements throughout project delivery.
Embedding sustainability considerations into automation and capital investment decisions.
Multi-site role covering Melton Foods, Manton Wood and Bradgate Bakery.
Regular travel between sites is required.
About You We believe success comes from collaboration and diverse perspectives.
At Samworth Brothers, we value team players who are driven to achieve great results together.
You'll bring the following skills and experience: Extensive experience leading automation, engineering, capital investment or transformation projects.
Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at senior leadership level.
Excellent commercial awareness and the ability to balance operational performance with business objectives.
Outstanding programme and project management capability.
The ability to lead change and engage teams through transformation.
A collaborative approach and a passion for continuous improvement.
Strong decision-making skills and the confidence to challenge constructively when required What We Offer We're building a workplace where different ways of thinking are not just welcomed but supported, with clear communication, flexible processes, and a commitment to continuous improvement so everyone can thrive.
Company pension scheme Access to health and well-being support, such as healthcare, optical and dental discounts Employee discount scheme Experience annual pay reviews Profit related pay Opportunity for extended leave Free on-site parking Unlock your potential through training and growth opportunities About Us Samworth Brothers is a fourth-generation family business, trusted by many of the UK's best-known retailers to produce high-quality own-label products.
Alongside these, we're proud to craft and deliver our own iconic brands, including Ginsters, Soreen, Higgidy, Dickinson
Head of Automation employer: Samworth Brothers Limited
At Samworth Brothers, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where every team member is valued. Our night shift Skilled Production Operatives enjoy competitive benefits, opportunities for personal growth, and the chance to be part of a dedicated team that celebrates diversity while working together to achieve common goals. Join us in a supportive environment that not only prioritises productivity but also fosters camaraderie and enjoyment in the workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Automation
✨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 Samworth Brothers Limited!
✨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 Head of Automation position at Samworth Brothers Limited, 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 Samworth Brothers Limited 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 Head of Automation role at Samworth Brothers Limited!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Automation
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 Samworth Brothers Limited 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 Samworth Brothers Limited
✨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 Samworth Brothers Limited.
✨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 Samworth Brothers Limited, 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.
