Automation Manager

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

Job summary

Proactive Global is recruiting an Automation Manager in Birmingham to own the AutoStore operation, drive performance and continuous improvement in a hands-on leadership role.

You will manage ~10 team leaders and warehouse operatives, analyse KPIs, and work with IT and operations to optimise productivity and throughput across a high-volume fulfilment environment.

Qualifications

• AutoStore experience is essential.
• Experience leading a team of supervisors and operatives.
• Experience in a high-volume warehouse or distribution environment.
• Strong understanding of KPIs and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of 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 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 with operational, IT and management teams to resolve issues and improve performance.
• Support future warehouse automation projects, including carton and pallet picking.

Skills

Team leadership

People management

Data analysis

Tools

AutoStore

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.