Automation Engineering Manager

Tesco; Hinckley; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading supermarket and technology company is seeking an Automation Engineering Manager for a new state-of-the-art Distribution Centre in Hinckley. In this role, you will oversee engineering operations, manage a significant budget, and lead a multi-skilled team. The ideal candidate has deep automation experience and strong leadership skills, capable of influencing senior stakeholders and driving continuous improvement. Join a company that values flexibility and inclusivity in the workplace.

Benefits

Annual bonus scheme up to 20%

25 days annual leave plus personal day

Private medical insurance

Comprehensive parental leave

Free 24/7 virtual GP service

Qualifications

• Experience in operational management of automation.
• Confidence in engaging with senior stakeholders.
• Proven leadership of multi-skilled engineering teams.
• Excellent skills in coaching and developing teams.
• Ability to manage multi-million-pound budgets.
• Understanding of safety compliance in distribution.

Responsibilities

• Manage the advanced automated Distribution Centre.
• Drive automation improvements and strategic long-term planning.
• Ensure strong maintenance routines and pipeline management.
• Build effective relationships with stakeholders.
• Lead continuous improvement and investment planning.

Skills

Automation expertise

Senior leadership

People leadership

Stakeholder management

Financial acumen

Strategic mindset

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Job description

Tesco UK • Hinkley, Leicestershire • Permanent • Apply by 23-Jan-2026

We're opening a state‑of‑the‑art, high‑spec Distribution Centre in Hinckley, one of the most strategically important logistics locations in the UK - and we're on the lookout for an exceptional Automation Engineering Manager to help bring it to life.

In this pivotal role, you'll lead all aspects of engineering across one of Tesco's most advanced automated sites, while taking full ownership of a multi‑million‑pound budget and shaping the future of our engineering capability.

The Hiring Manager for this vacancy is Iain Spencer

What is in it for you

We're all about the little helps. That's why we make sure our Tesco colleague benefits package takes care of you - both in and out of work. Click Here to find out more!

• Annual bonus scheme of up to 20% of base salary
• Holiday starting at 25 days plus a personal day (plus Bank holidays)
• Private medical insurance
• 26 weeks maternity and adoption leave (after 1 years' service) at full pay, followed by 13 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay or Statutory Adoption Pay, we also offer 6 weeks fully paid paternity leave
• Free 24/7 virtual GP service, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family, free access to a range of experts to support your mental wellbeing

You will be responsible for

• Managing one of Tesco's most technologically advanced automated Distribution Centres, setting and maintaining the highest of engineering standards.
• Playing a key role in Tesco's UK automation engineering team, contributing to long‑term strategy and direction.
• Influencing how automation evolves across the network as we expand our capabilities and modernise our distribution model.
• Ensure strong automation maintenance routines, minimising downtime and managing an effective pipeline of parts, critical spares and repairs.
• Working closely with vendors and contractors to deliver all planned and compliance maintenance activities to the highest standard and within agreed timescales.
• Driving continuous Improvement & Investment Planning -collaborating with senior automation peers to identify where investment is needed and lead the planning and execution of improvement work.
• Oversee capacity planning and workload management, ensuring the team is set up for success through strong, proactive maintenance scheduling.
• Developing trusted, effective relationships across the business and communicate clearly with all stakeholders.

You will need

• Automation & AMR expertise at an operational management level, ideally within a fast‑paced or high‑tech environment.
• Strong senior leadership experience, confident working with senior stakeholders (DCMs, GMs, Directors).
• Proven ability to lead large, multi‑skilled engineering teams, including automation specialists across complex areas like RSU and chilled chambers.
• Excellent people leadership skills, able to inspire, coach and develop high‑performing teams.
• Exceptional stakeholder and relationship management, influencing effectively across the business.
• Solid financial and commercial acumen, with experience managing multi‑million‑pound budgets.
• Engineering degree (or equivalent) with significant experience in highly automated distribution or operational environments.
• Strategic mindset, contributing to long‑term planning and working closely with senior engineering leaders.
• Adaptive, dynamic working style, able to lead both on‑site and remotely.
• Strong understanding of safety, compliance and legal requirements within a distribution centre environment.

About us

You might know us as a supermarket, technology company or even for our award‑winning mobile network. Truth is, we’re all of those things, and much more. Our colleagues work with one goal in mind, helping to make every day a little better for our customers, colleagues and communities all over the world. No two customers are the same, neither are our colleagues.

At Tesco, we champion a balance that lets you thrive both in and out of work. Spend 60% of your week collaborating with colleagues at our office locations or local sites and the rest remotely. Whether you're just kicking off your career, juggling passions, or navigating big life events, we're here to support you. We always welcome a conversation about flexible working, so talk to us throughout your application about how we can support.

We're proud to be an accredited Disability Confident Leader, where everyone's welcome. That's why we commit to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need support with your application, click here for more information. And if you're interested in joining our team but don't tick every box, don't let that hold you back from applying.