Automation Implementation Lead – Distribution Ops

Value Apothecaries; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cencora is seeking an experienced Implementation Manager to lead the operational delivery of a major automation implementation programme within our distribution operations. This fixed-term role provides dedicated leadership through installation, go-live and ramp-up to full utilisation.

You will act as the conduit between the project team and the business, coordinating across operations, IT, finance and external supplier teams, and you will design readiness plans, manage risks and drive change to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, operations or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of experience in project management, change management, process improvement or a related field.
• Demonstrable experience leading complex implementation or transformation programmes, ideally involving automation or major operational change.
• Strong integrated planning skills with the ability to coordinate cross-functional and external contributors across multiple workstreams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the confidence to engage at all levels of the business.

Responsibilities

• Deliver end-to-end implementation leadership across all phases of the programme from installation to go-live and ramp-up.
• Develop and maintain an integrated implementation plan covering scope, timelines, budgets and resourcing.
• Serve as the principal operational interface with the automation supplier and manage dependencies and risks.
• Establish fit-for-purpose UAT, cutover, start-up and stabilisation plans with defined criteria.
• Develop and deliver an operational readiness plan covering processes, people, systems, and safety ahead of go-live.
• Identify and manage risks, driving mitigation actions and escalation as needed.

Skills

Project management

Change management

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

MS Office

Planview

Microsoft Project

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, operations or related field

Tools

Planview

Microsoft Project

MS Office

Job description

Cencora is seeking an experienced Implementation Manager to lead the operational delivery of a major automation implementation programme within our distribution operations. This fixed-term role provides dedicated leadership through installation, go-live and ramp-up to full utilisation.

You will act as the conduit between the project team and the business, coordinating across operations, IT, finance and external supplier teams, and you will design readiness plans, manage risks and drive change to