Automation Manager

Proactive Global; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Proactive Global is seeking an Automation Manager based in Birmingham to lead and optimise the AutoStore operation within a high-volume distribution environment. You will own performance, drive improvements, and manage a team of Team Leaders and Pickers.

You will use data analysis to monitor KPIs, report to the Board, and partner with IT and operations to deliver automation projects, including carton and pallet picking.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams (Team Leaders, Pickers/Operatives) in a high-volume warehouse or distribution environment.
• Strong track record of improving productivity, processes or operational efficiency.
• Proven ability to analyse KPIs and report performance to senior leadership.
• Hands-on experience with warehouse automation technologies and systems.
• Experience diagnosing issues, root-cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day performance, throughput and efficiency of the AutoStore operation.
• Manage and develop approximately 10 Team Leaders and Pickers/Operatives.
• Monitor KPIs and produce regular performance reporting for the Board and Management.
• Identify and implement improvements to productivity, processes, workflows and labour utilisation.
• Investigate picking errors, system issues and recurring operational problems using structured root-cause analysis.
• Diagnose and triage AutoStore issues, minimising downtime and disruption.
• Manage support issues with AutoStore and coordinate with technology partners for improvements.
• Train warehouse teams in AutoStore processes and best practices.
• Collaborate with operations, IT and management to resolve issues and improve performance.
• Support future warehouse automation projects, including carton and pallet picking.

Skills

People management

Data analysis

Process improvement

Root cause analysis

Communication

Tools

AutoStore

Blue Yonder

Kerridge K8

Job description

Automation Manager

Location: Birmingham
Salary: £50,000-£55,000 per annum
Working pattern: Full-time, site-based - minimum 40 hours per week

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Automation Manager to join a growing and successful UK distribution and e-commerce business based in Birmingham.

The business operates a high-volume warehouse and fulfilment operation with a strong focus on product availability, next-day delivery and customer service. As the operation continues to grow, automation is becoming increasingly important to its future development.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, you will take ownership of the performance, optimisation and continuous improvement of the site's AutoStore operation.

This is a hands-on role combining AutoStore expertise, operational leadership, people management, data analysis and process improvement, with the opportunity to become involved in wider automation projects as the business develops.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the day-to-day performance, throughput and efficiency of the AutoStore operation.
• Manage and develop approximately 10 Team Leaders and Pickers/Operatives.
• Monitor operational KPIs and produce regular performance reporting for the Board and Management Team.
• Identify and implement improvements to productivity, processes, workflows and labour utilisation.
• Investigate picking errors, system issues and recurring operational problems using structured root-cause analysis.
• Diagnose and triage AutoStore issues, minimising downtime and operational disruption.
• Manage support issues with AutoStore and work with technology partners to deliver improvements.
• Train and support warehouse teams in AutoStore processes and best practice.
• Work closely with operational, IT and management teams to resolve issues and improve performance.
• Support future warehouse automation projects, including carton and pallet picking.

Essential Experience

• Previous AutoStore experience - essential.
• Experience managing Team Leaders, Pickers, Warehouse Operatives or similar.
• Experience within a high-volume warehouse, fulfilment or distribution environment.
• Strong understanding of operational KPIs and performance data.
• Proven problem-solving and root-cause analysis capability.Experience improving productivity, processes or operational efficiency.
• Strong communication and people-management skills.

Desirable

• Blue Yonder experience.
• Kerridge K8 experience.
• IT, systems or technical background.
• WMS or warehouse systems experience.
• Experience with other warehouse automation technologies such as AMRs, ASRS, robotics or automated picking.
• Lean / Continuous Improvement / Six Sigma experience.

Proactive Global is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.
Proactive Global is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.