Head of Automation

Bis Henderson; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company in the UK is seeking a Head of Automation to lead their automation strategy across the warehouse network. You will manage end-to-end automation programmes and oversee the design and integration of automated systems. Ideal candidates will have proven leadership in automation within logistics and a strong track record of managing large budgets. The role requires excellent stakeholder management and strategic thinking skills. Applications are invited from individuals with an unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in automation leadership within logistics, warehousing, or manufacturing.
• Strong track record in delivering complex automation programmes across multiple sites.
• Deep understanding of warehouse automation technologies (e.g., robotics, AS/RS, conveyor systems).
• Commercial acumen and experience managing large CapEx budgets.
• Excellent stakeholder and supplier management skills.
• Strategic thinker with hands‑on delivery capability.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the automation strategy across the warehouse network.
• Lead end-to-end automation programmes—from concept through to delivery.
• Oversee solution design, implementation, and integration of automated systems.
• Build and manage relationships with key automation technology providers.
• Manage a substantial capital investment budget for automation projects.
• Collaborate closely with operations, IT, engineering, and procurement teams.

Skills

Proven experience in automation leadership within logistics

Strong track record in delivering complex automation programmes

Understanding of warehouse automation technologies (e.g., robotics, conveyor systems)

Commercial acumen

Excellent stakeholder and supplier management skills

Strategic thinker with hands‑on delivery capability

Job description

Are you ready to lead the future of warehouse automation?

We're a leading logistics company with a national footprint and a bold vision for innovation. With multiple operational sites and a significant capital expenditure budget, it's investing heavily in cutting‑edge automation to transform its supply chain capabilities. It's seeking a strategic and delivery‑focused Head of Automation to spearhead this transformation.

Head of Automation

As Head of Automation, you'll be responsible for :

Strategy & Roadmap

Defining and executing the automation strategy across our warehouse network.

Programme Leadership

Leading end‑to‑end automation programmes—from concept through to delivery.

Design & Delivery

Overseeing solution design, implementation, and integration of automated systems.

Supplier Management

Building and managing relationships with key automation technology providers.

CapEx Oversight

Managing a substantial capital investment budget to deliver high-impact automation projects.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Working closely with operations, IT, engineering, and procurement teams.

Experience

• Proven experience in automation leadership within logistics, warehousing, or manufacturing.
• Strong track record in delivering complex automation programmes across multiple sites.
• Deep understanding of warehouse automation technologies (e.g., robotics, AS/RS, conveyor systems).
• Commercial acumen and experience managing large CapEx budgets.
• Excellent stakeholder and supplier management skills.
• Strategic thinker with hands‑on delivery capability.

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All applicants must have an unrestricted right to work in the UK as our client will not support visa sponsorship for this role.