Automation Programme Manager - End Of Line Packing

Greencore; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in the UK is seeking an Automation Project Leader to drive automation projects that enhance efficiency. You will collaborate with internal teams and external experts to design innovative end-of-line solutions. The ideal candidate has a degree in a relevant field and over 3 years of experience in automation. This role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary and job-related benefits

Pension up to 8% matched

Life insurance up to 4x salary

Company share save scheme

Access to Wellbeing Centre

Enhanced parental leave

Car allowance

Bonus

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience in automation, specifically in end‑of‑line packing and palletising.
• Deep understanding of engineering design and manufacturing techniques.
• Experience influencing senior leadership and driving change.

Responsibilities

• Identify, design, and deliver automation projects.
• Scope and design optimal end‑of‑line automation solutions.
• Maintain a pipeline of automation initiatives.

Skills

Automation expertise

Engineering design

Commercial acumen

Health & Safety knowledge

CAD software proficiency

Microsoft Office tools

Collaboration skills

Education

Degree in a relevant field

Job description

Why Greencore?

We're a leading manufacturer of convenience food in the UK and our purpose is to make everyday taste better. We're a vibrant, fast-paced leading food manufacturer. Employing 13,300 colleagues across 16 manufacturing units and 17 distribution depots across the UK. We supply all the UK's food retailers with everything from Sandwiches, soups and sushi to cooking sauces, pickles and ready meals, and in FY24, we generated revenues of 1.8bn. Our vast direct-to-store (DTS) distribution network, comprising of 17 depots nationwide, enables us to make over 10,500 daily deliveries of our own chilled and frozen produce and that of third parties. Location is flexible as you will be covering multiple sites across Greencore.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll be the driving force behind identifying, designing, and delivering automation projects that enhance efficiency, reduce labour dependency, and meet strict ROI criteria. Working closely with internal teams and external experts, you’ll shape the future of our operations through smart, scalable automation.

• Develop comprehensive User Requirement Specifications (URS) and Capital Request documentation.
• Scope and design optimal end‑of‑line automation solutions with internal stakeholders and external specialists.
• Maintain a network of key automation and equipment suppliers.
• Create bespoke automation solutions in collaboration with strategic partners.
• Ensure all designs align with Group standards and automation strategy.
• Support project handovers to the Capital Projects Team and future deployments.
• Maintain a pipeline of automation initiatives to drive continuous improvement.
• Assist in mapping the factory of the future.
• Collaborate with Procurement and Opex teams to identify benefits and secure funding.
• Provide regular updates through supplier visit reports, trade show insights, and monthly reviews.

Success Measures

• Delivery of high‑impact automation projects with measurable ROI.
• Strong engagement with site SLTs and cross‑functional teams.
• Effective supplier relationships and solution implementation.
• Continuous improvement and innovation across multiple sites.

What We’re Looking For

At Greencore we put our people at the core. We celebrate their differences and help everyone to be themselves at work. Together we make every day taste better.

• Degree‑level education or equivalent in a relevant field.
• 3+ years’ experience in automation, specifically in end‑of‑line packing and palletising.
• Deep understanding of engineering design, manufacturing techniques, and turnkey equipment suppliers.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to assess cost‑effectiveness.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety compliance for new equipment.
• Experience influencing senior leadership and driving change.
• CAD software proficiency (preferred).
• Skilled in Microsoft Office and Project tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively across all levels of the factory environment.

What You’ll Get in Return

• Competitive salary and job‑related benefits
• Holidays
• Pension up to 8% matched
• Life insurance up to 4x salary
• Company share save scheme
• Greencore Qualifications
• Exclusive Greencore employee discount platform
• Access to a full Wellbeing Centre platform
• Enhanced parental leave and menopause policies
• PMI spouse cover
• Car allowance
• Bonus

Throughout your time at Greencore, you will be supported with on‑the‑job training and development opportunities to further your career. If you’re passionate about automation and want to make a tangible impact, we’d love to hear from you.