Head of Automation Engineering Design

Tesco; Welwyn Garden City; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retailer in Welwyn Garden City is seeking an experienced Head of Automation Engineering Design to lead innovative automation projects. You will manage complex automation systems across our distribution network while collaborating with various teams. The role offers a competitive benefits package, including an annual bonus scheme and hybrid working options.

Benefits

Annual bonus scheme up to 45% of base salary

Car Cash Allowance

25 holidays plus personal day

Private medical insurance

Retirement savings plan

Maternity and paternity leave

Qualifications

• Experience in leading complex automation projects.
• Strong technical knowledge in automation systems.
• Ability to develop functional design specifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning & design of automation projects.
• Manage a team to deliver conceptual designs.
• Develop relationships with senior partners for project delivery.

Skills

Experience in AMR, AGV, Conveyor & Sortation systems

Data analysis & interpretation

Project design and delivery

Understanding of industry standards

CE compliance, PUWER and AutoCAD proficiency

Job description

Tesco UK • Shire Park, Kestral Way, Welwyn Garden City • Apply by 10-Oct-2025

Overview

Tesco is on a journey to transform through innovative automation and intelligent design. We're looking for an experienced Head of Automation Engineering Design to lead the design and development of innovative automation solutions across our warehousing and distribution network.

What is in it for you

We're all about the little helps. That's why we make sure our Tesco colleague benefits package takes care of you - both in and out of work. Click Here to find out more!

• Annual bonus scheme of up to 45% of base salary
• Car Cash Allowance
• Holiday starting at 25 days plus a personal day (plus Bank holidays)
• Private medical insurance
• Retirement savings plan - save between 6% - 10% and Tesco will contribute 1.5 times this amount
• 26 weeks maternity and adoption leave (after 1 years' service) at full pay, followed by 13 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay or Statutory Adoption Pay, we also offer 6 weeks fully paid paternity leave

Responsibilities

• Leading the planning & design of multiple complex, large-scale Automation projects that span across the Tesco estate working with Distribution & Fulfilment, Engineering, Maintenance, Property, IT, Technology teams.
• Leading a team of Automation Engineering Managers to analyse data, deliver conceptual designs, review RFIs, proposals, contracts and testing of on site delivery.
• Develop functional design specifications and user requirements to support the project team in commercial tendering and contract discussions.
• Support development for strategic projects for new builds and retrofit of automation to existing sites.
• Understand fundamental Mechatronic and Software technologies to reduce Cost To Serve of automating sites.
• Understand industrial engineering principles to develop automation systems based on operational data.
• Demonstrating technical knowledge, new technology insights and automation Network to deliver innovative automation solutions.
• Developing productive relationships senior partners to enable the change programme and ensure projects are delivered to the agreed specification, times and budget.

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Requirements

• Experience in AMR, AGV, Conveyor & Sortation systems
• Data analysis & interpretation to design process improvements.
• Experience of project design and delivery, writing specifications in this sector.
• Good understanding of industry standards.
• Proficient in CE compliance, PUWER and AutoCAD
• A detailed understanding of automation plant and systems within the sector.
• Experienced in specification, design, procurement, project management, installation assurance and maintenance of automation equipment

About us

You might know us as a supermarket, technology company or even for our award-winning mobile network. Truth is, we're all of those things, and much more. Our colleagues work with one goal in mind, helping to make every day a little better for our customers, colleagues and communities all over the world. No two customers are the same, neither are our colleagues.

At Tesco, we champion a balance that lets you thrive both in and out of work. Spend 60% of your week collaborating with colleagues at our office locations or local sites and the rest remotely. Whether you're just kicking off your career, juggling passions, or navigating big life events, we're here to support you. We always welcome a conversation about flexible working, so talk to us throughout your application about how we can support.

We're proud to be an accredited Disability Confident Leader, where everyone's welcome. That's why we commit to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need support with your application, click here for more information. And if you're interested in joining our team but don't tick every box, don't let that hold you back from applying