Senior Automation Project Manager

B&E Foods; Blacktown; On-site; AUD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

B&E Food Group is seeking an experienced Senior Automation Project Manager to lead major automation projects across our warehouse, distribution and production operations. The role spans concept to handover, with deep knowledge of both hardware and software systems.

You will collaborate with management, engineers, suppliers and software teams to deliver integrated operational solutions. The ideal candidate brings extensive warehouse automation experience and a track record of managing AS/RS,

Qualifications

• Experience leading large automation projects from concept to handover.
• Strong knowledge of automation hardware and software systems.
• Proven ability to coordinate multiple workstreams and contractors.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from concept through procurement, installation and handover.
• Manage warehouse automation including AS/RS, cranes, shuttle systems, conveyors and robotics.
• Review layouts, equipment specs, capacity and throughput calculations.
• Integrate automation requirements into facility design with architects and engineers.
• Coordinate mechanical, electrical, controls and software workstreams.
• Manage SAP, WMS, WCS/WES, PLC, SCADA interfaces and automation equipment.
• Review supplier proposals and interface responsibilities; manage vendors.
• Coordinate FAT, SAT, commissioning and performance testing.
• Identify risks and bottlenecks before delivery; develop maintenance strategies.
• Support training, SOPs and go-live readiness; drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Warehouse automation

Industrial automation

Systems integration

AS/RS

Robotics & AMRs/AGVs

Conveyors

WMS / WCS / WES

SAP integration

PLC and controls

SCADA

Education

Mechatronics, Automation, Electrical, Mechanical, Controls or Industrial Engineering

Tools

SAP

SCADA

PLC

Job description

B&E Food Group is seeking an experienced Senior Automation Project Manager to lead the design, delivery and implementation of major automation projects across our warehouse, distribution and production operations.

This role requires someone who understands automation from initial concept through to commissioning and operational handover, with strong knowledge across both physical automation hardware and software systems.

You will work closely with B&E management, automation consultants, engineers, builders, software teams and equipment suppliers to ensure projects are delivered as fully integrated operational systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from concept design through procurement, installation, commissioning and handover
• Manage warehouse automation projects including AS/RS, pallet cranes, shuttle systems, GTP, conveyors, sortation, robotics and AMRs/AGVs
• Review automation layouts, equipment specifications, capacity modelling and throughput calculations
• Work with architects, builders and engineers to integrate automation requirements into facility design
• Coordinate mechanical, electrical, controls and software workstreams
• Manage integration across SAP, WMS, WCS/WES, PLC, SCADA and automation equipment
• Review supplier proposals, technical submissions, exclusions and interface responsibilities
• Manage automation suppliers, contractors and systems integrators
• Coordinate FAT, SAT, commissioning and performance testing
• Identify project risks, bottlenecks and system integration issues before they impact delivery
• Develop maintenance, critical spare parts and system recovery strategies
• Support operational training, SOP development and go-live readiness
• Drive continuous improvement in automation performance, reliability and efficiency

About You

We are looking for someone with strong experience in warehouse automation, industrial automation, manufacturing automation or systems integration.

Experience across several of the following areas is highly desirable:

• AS/RS and high-bay crane systems
• Shuttle and tote systems
• Conveyors and sortation
• Goods-to-person systems
• Robotics and automated pallet handling
• PLC and controls systems
• SCADA
• WMS / WCS / WES
• SAP or ERP integration
• Cold storage, food manufacturing or temperature-controlled automation

A qualification in Mechatronics, Automation, Electrical, Mechanical, Controls or Industrial Engineering is preferred, although strong practical project-delivery experience will be highly regarded.

What We Are Looking For

The successful candidate will be technically strong, commercially aware and highly practical. You should be comfortable working directly with major automation suppliers, challenging technical designs, troubleshooting complex issues and coordinating multiple contractors and stakeholders.

You do not need to personally program every PLC or software interface, but you must understand how mechanical systems, controls, software, building infrastructure and operations connect together.

This is a significant opportunity to take ownership of major automation projects within a growing national food distribution and manufacturing business.