Automation Manager

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

Job summary

Proactive Global, based in Birmingham, seeks an Automation Manager to lead AutoStore operations within a high-volume warehouse. You will own performance, drive improvements, and manage a team of Team Leaders and operatives.

Reporting to senior leadership, you will analyse data, optimise workflows and contribute to broader automation initiatives. Strong communication and problem-solving are essential for success.

Qualifications

• AutoStore experience is essential.
• Experience managing Team Leaders, Pickers, or Warehouse Operatives.
• Experience in high-volume warehouse, fulfilment or distribution environments.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day performance, throughput and efficiency of AutoStore.
• Manage and develop ~10 Team Leaders and Pickers/Operatives.
• Monitor KPIs and report performance to Board/Management.
• Identify and implement productivity and process improvements.
• Investigate errors and system issues using root-cause analysis.
• Diagnose and triage AutoStore issues, minimise downtime.
• Collaborate with IT and partners to deliver improvements.
• Train warehouse teams in AutoStore processes and best practices.
• Support future automation projects including carton/pallet picking.

Skills

AutoStore

Team Leadership

KPIs

Data analysis

Process improvement

Communication

Root cause analysis

Tools

Blue Yonder

Kerridge K8

WMS

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