Automation and Optimisation Manager

Woolworths Supermarkets; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration package

Team discounts across Woolworths Group

Career progression opportunities

Wellbeing programs (Sonder app)

Job summary

Woolworths Group in Melbourne North seeks a dedicated automation leader to run daily operations, lead a technical team, and push continuous improvement across a 24-hour fulfillment center. You will partner with major automation suppliers and shape a high-performing culture focused on safety, reliability and efficiency.

The role requires proven leadership in automated fulfillment environments, strong data analysis, and exceptional stakeholder management to deliver robust throughput and business

Qualifications

• Direct automation experience with systems and major suppliers like Vanderlande, Dematic, Schaeffer, Swisslog, Knapp or Witron.
• Proven technical leadership experience from an automated large scale fulfillment, FMCG, distribution or continuous processing environment.
• Continuous improvement expertise utilised lean methodologies, with Six Sigma certification highly desired.
• Analytical skills to interpret large, complex datasets, drive data led insights, and write business case documents.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and negotiation skills to effectively influence cross functional internal and external teams.
• Operational adaptability to thrive and deliver results in a fast-paced, continuously changing 24-hour environment

Responsibilities

• Drive uptime and performance by managing site physical attributes, technology infrastructure and overall automation reliability.
• Lead root cause analysis and day to day problem solving to maximise site performance and develop continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage partnerships through the electro mechanical and IT contractual management of our automation providers.
• Champion safety and culture by coaching technical specialists and ensuring quality control across all operational areas.
• Execute strategic planning to meet required throughputs and develop robust business continuity plans for a 24 hour operation.
• Optimise systems through testing, operational readiness and commissioning activities, while documenting complex SOPs.
• Deliver data-led insights and improve reporting to help teams seamlessly monitor site throughput and performance.

Skills

Automation leadership

Lean methodologies

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

24/7 ops adaptability

Education

Six Sigma certification

Job description

• Play a pivotal role in the operational readiness and commissioning activities of our new site in Broadmeadows
• Take the reins on recruiting, developing and shaping the culture of a highly skilled team
• Take immediate ownership of the continuous improvement project register to optimise cutting-edge automation systems

We are Woolworths Group

We are Woolworths Group. 200,000+ bright minds, passionate hearts, and unique perspectives across Australia and New Zealand. Connected by a shared Purpose - 'to create better experiences together for a better tomorrow'. That Purpose fuels our ambition to explore new ideas, make brave commitments, and innovate better ways to meet the food and everyday needs of more than 24 million customers every week.

If you're excited to turn today's blue-sky thinking into a better tomorrow for future generations, you'll find yourself supported and enriched in a dynamic, inclusive, and empowering workplace. With a culture of genuine care, a flexible approach to work, and opportunities across the group to grow your career and make a meaningful impact, the possibilities for what we can achieve together are endless.

What you’ll do

We are seeking a dedicated leader to manage the day to day automation operational functions at our Melbourne North Automated Customer Fulfillment Center, leading a technical team to continuously improve productivity and customer outcomes.

• Drive uptime and performance by managing site physical attributes, technology infrastructure and overall automation reliability.
• Lead root cause analysis and day to day problem solving to maximise site performance and develop continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage partnerships through the electro mechanical and IT contractual management of our automation providers.
• Champion safety and culture by coaching technical specialists and ensuring quality control across all operational areas.
• Execute strategic planning to meet required throughputs and develop robust business continuity plans for a 24 hour operation.
• Optimise systems through testing, operational readiness and commissioning activities, while documenting complex SOPs.
• Deliver data-led insights and improve reporting to help teams seamlessly monitor site throughput and performance.

What you’ll bring

• Direct automation experience with systems and major suppliers like Vanderlande, Dematic, Schaeffer, Swisslog, Knapp or Witron.
• Proven technical leadership experience from an automated large scale fulfillment, FMCG, distribution or continuous processing environment.
• Continuous improvement expertise utilising lean methodologies, with Six Sigma certification highly desired.
• Analytical skills to interpret large, complex datasets, drive data led insights, and write business case documents.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and negotiation skills to effectively influence cross functional internal and external teams.
• Operational adaptability to thrive and deliver results in a fast-paced, continuously changing 24-hour environment

What you’ll experience

• An attractive remuneration package
• Team discounts across our range of Woolworths Group brands
• A global business with endless career possibilities
• A range of programs to help you prioritise and manage your wellbeing, including a competitive leave policy and 24/7 access to the Sonder app.
• Opportunity to Salary Sacrifice

Endless possibilities with Woolworths Group

We’re a proud part of the Woolworths Group – 200,000+ bright minds, passionate hearts and unique perspectives working together connected by a shared Purpose – ‘to create better experiences together for a better tomorrow.’

Here you’ll be supported and empowered to explore new ideas, make brave commitments and innovate better ways to meet the food and everyday needs of more than 24 million customers every week. Backed by a culture of genuine care, a flexible approach to work and the support to grow your career and make a meaningful impact, the possibilities for what we can achieve together are endless.

Everyone belongs at Woolworths Group

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are key to realising our purpose of better together for a better tomorrow. We recognise the value our team’s diversity brings to our business, customers, and communities and that teams with diverse experiences and backgrounds enrich our group and are better able to innovate and solve problems. As one of the largest employers in Australia and New Zealand, we aim to create a truly inclusive workplace where everyone feels that they belong, can be their best selves, and reach their full potential.