Automation Technician

Howdens; Runcorn; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading kitchen supplier in Runcorn is seeking an experienced Automation Technician to enhance manufacturing processes through the programming and development of automation and control systems. The role requires a minimum of 5 years in an FMCG environment, with responsibility for continuous improvement projects that boost safety, quality, and productivity. The successful candidate will join a team dedicated to innovation and excellence and will benefit from a competitive salary, bonus, and benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonus scheme

Excellent pension scheme with company contribution

Free daily meal at on-site canteen

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Share save scheme

Exceptional reward and recognition events

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years post qualification work experience in an FMCG environment.
• Experience in fault-finding on industrial communication networks.
• Delivery of change management activities.

Responsibilities

• Organise automation, electrical, and PLC design projects.
• Develop and implement projects to improve manufacturing availability and quality.
• Coach and develop maintenance engineering team on automation systems.

Skills

Fault finding

Programming PLCs & SCADA

Team collaboration

Safety orientation

Education

HNC in Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

PLCs

SCADA systems

Servo drives and inverters

Job description

Howden Joinery is looking for an Automation Technician to join the Engineering Department at our Manufacturing site in Runcorn, Cheshire.

As an Automation Technician, you will be responsible for the programming and development of automation and controls systems to ensure the engineering design is robust and reliable. Acting as the site’s technical lead, the post holder will be well versed in fault-finding while delivering on continuous improvement projects across areas of manufacturing safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.

This is a key role within Howdens, whereby the Automation Technician will work cross-functionally. Therefore, the ability to build trusted working relationships and make decisions that will benefit all concerned is vital to the success of the role.

Shift pattern

• Week 1 – Monday to Friday - 6am-2pm
• Week 2 – Monday to Friday - 2pm-10pm
• Week 3 – Sunday to Thursday - 10pm-6am

What we can offer you as the Automation Technician

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme
• Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
• Free daily meal at on site canteen
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays per year & opportunity to buy extra holidays.
• Share save scheme.
• Exceptional reward and recognition events

What you will be doing as an Automation Technician

• Organising automation, electrical, and PLC design projects by identifying short-term, and long-range issues; preparing timetables, cost estimates, and detailed documentation on project completion
• Develop and implement projects to drive improvement in manufacturing availability, product quality, employee safety and process efficiency.
• Develop knowledge of the manufacturing process and operating sequences of the manufacturing processes and cascade with maintenance teams.
• Develop knowledge and application of automation skills and techniques to drive improvement and cascade with maintenance teams.
• Implement plant / process development opportunities that improve Safety, Quality, Cost and Delivery.
• Coach and develop the maintenance engineering team members’ knowledge of machine control and automation systems.

What are we looking for

• A team player who takes pride in developing own knowledge and sharing it with others
• Motivated to take the lead on technical issues
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• Ability to work alone and in a team
• Self-motivated & Safety Orientated

What do you need to qualify for theAutomation Technician :

• Time served Electrical Engineer, Automation / Controls apprentice or have a minimum of 5 years post qualification work experience within an FMCG environment.
• Minimum of HNC in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
• Ability to fault find and implement program modifications on a range of PLCs & SCADA, Robotics
• Knowledge of parameterisation and commissioning of servo drives and inverters.
• Experience of fault-finding on industrial communication networks
• Experience of designing and modifying control circuits and program logic
• Delivery of change management activities

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. With an ambitious and credible growth plan, we continue to build on our £2.3 billion sales made last year.

There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens – and why we have been named as one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.

We are building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career, then we are keen to hear from you.

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