Group Manager - Automation Operational Technology

Thomas Foods International; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Thomas Foods International, a leading FMCG meat and seafood company, seeks a Group Manager for Automation & Operational Technology. You will develop and drive the group-wide automation strategy, lead a small team, and partner with Operations, Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Projects to raise standardisation, reliability, and efficiency across sites.

The role requires formal qualifications in automation-related fields, deep OT systems knowledge, and proven leadership across multiple sites.

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications in Electrical, Electronics, Automation, Control Systems, Mechatronics, Industrial IT, or a related field.
• Significant experience with industrial automation, controls, SCADA, PLCs, DCS, MES, or OT systems.
• Ability to demonstrate improvements in productivity, safety, energy efficiency, and performance via OT initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder engagement with senior leadership.
• Management experience leading teams across multiple sites and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the group-wide automation and OT strategy across multiple sites, assets, and operations.
• Lead and mentor a small team; provide strategic governance on automation initiatives.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Cybersecurity, Projects, and site leaders to drive standardisation and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to improve safety, productivity, asset performance, and energy efficiency through OT systems.
• Travel and a full Australian driver’s licence are required.

Skills

Industrial automation

SCADA

PLC/SCADA/DCS

Industrial networks

OT cybersecurity

Leadership

Budget & projects

Education

Formal qualifications in Electrical/Electronics/Automation/Control Systems/Mechatronics/Industrial IT

Tools

SCADA systems

MES

Job description

Group Manager - Automation Operational Technology

Family owned since 1988, Thomas Foods International (TFI) is one of Australia's largest food businesses. With teams across Australia, the US, Canada, China, Japan and Europe, the Thomas Foods brands and business partnerships grow, supply, and distribute premium meat and seafood all over the world. TFI is an organisation that truly embodies its values-driven philosophy and positive working culture. Now is the perfect time to join this innovative, growing global business.

Our mission is to feed families globally, through premium quality products, exceptional service and sustainable practices

The Opportunity

As part of our continued growth strategy, a key leadership role has been created and is available for an experienced Automation & Operational Technology (OT) Manager. You will be responsible for developing and executing the organisation’s group-wide automation and operational technology strategy across multiple sites, assets, and operations.

Leading and mentoring a small team, you also will provide strategic leadership, capability development and technical governance across industrial automation, control systems, OT infrastructure, industrial networks, SCADA, PLC/DCS systems, instrumentation, data acquisition, and emerging digital technologies.

You’ll work closely with Operations, Engineering, Cybersecurity, Projects, and site based leaders to drive standardisation, reliability, operational efficiency, automation maturity, and the secure adoption of new technologies. In addition to identifying opportunities to improve safety, productivity, asset performance, energy efficiency, and operational decision-making through automation and connected OT systems across the Group.
What We Are Looking For

Formal qualifications in Electrical, Electronics, Automation, Control Systems, Mechatronics, Industrial IT, or a related field

Significant experience with industrial automation, controls, SCADA, PLCs, DCS, MES, or OT systems

Able to demonstrate tangible improvements in productivity, safety, energy efficiency, and operational performance via effective OT

Strong stakeholder engagement skills with effective communication with senior leadership

Deep knowledge of PLC/SCADA/DCS, industrial networks, instrumentation, robotics, MES, historian systems and OT cybersecurity

Management level experience in leading, mentoring and developing people

Strong commercial acumen with experience in managing budgets, projects and milestones across multiple projects, and multiple sites

Having your experience gained in FMCG or food manufacturing environment is considered highly advantageous

Travel and a full Australian drivers licence is required

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply for the position with a one page cover letter and CV. If you have questions, please contact Craig Hartley on 04164164 .

The successful person will need to complete a pre-employment Medical Examination - including Q fever vaccination, fitness, drug and alcohol testing.

We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time. You must have relevant work rights to be able to work in Australia.

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• What's your expected annual base salary?
• How many years' experience do you have as an Automation Manager?
• Do you have a current Australian driver's licence?
• How many years' experience do you have as an Operational Technology Architect?
• Are you available to travel for this role when required?

TFI is first & foremost a family business. was built from a genuine passion and respect for the land in 1988. Today, TFI produces and processes Australian beef, lamb, mutton and goat, proudly supplying products all around the world. Teams in Australia, US, China, Japan & Europe. TFI brands & business partnerships grow, supply, & distribute premium meat & fresh produce around the world.

Part of the secret behind our success is that we're constantly experimenting & branching out into new markets. Understand the changing demands, whims & tastes of consumers & create new products & new tastes to help our customers meet these expectations

As a family business, we're driven by our strong values

TFI is first & foremost a family business. was built from a genuine passion and respect for the land in 1988. Today, TFI produces and processes Australian beef, lamb, mutton and goat, proudly supplying products all around the world. Teams in Australia, US, China, Japan & Europe. TFI brands & business partnerships grow, supply, & distribute premium meat & fresh produce around the world.

Part of the secret behind our success is that we're constantly experimenting & branching out into new markets. Understand the changing demands, whims & tastes of consumers & create new products & new tastes to help our customers meet these expectations

As a family business, we're driven by our strong values

What can I earn as an Automation Manager