Head of Automation & Engineering - THG Fulfil

THG Ingenuity; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

THG Ingenuity is looking for a Head of Automation & Engineering in Manchester. This role involves leading the strategy, delivery, and performance of automation and engineering across the global fulfilment network. Responsibilities include managing large-scale projects, leading engineering teams, and ensuring operational readiness for new clients. The successful candidate will have proven leadership experience in warehouse automation and a strong track record in project delivery.

Join us to shape the future of THG Fulfil's warehouse network with innovative technology and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in warehouse automation and engineering environments.
• Experience with complex automation project delivery.
• Ability to manage suppliers and contracts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute automation and engineering roadmap.
• Lead large-scale automation projects across warehouses.
• Support new client onboarding with automation solutions.

Skills

Leadership in automation and engineering

Project management of automation and robotics

Commercial acumen

Problem-solving

Stakeholder influence

Job description

Overview

THG Ingenuity is a fully integrated digital commerce ecosystem designed to power brands without limits. Our global end‑to‑end tech platform comprises three products: THG Commerce, THG Studios, THG Fulfilment. THG Fulfil is seeking a Head of Automation & Engineering to lead strategy, delivery, and performance of automation, engineering and facilities operations across our global fulfilment network.

Key Responsibilities

Automation Projects

• Develop and execute THG Fulfil's automation and engineering roadmap.
• Lead the delivery of large‑scale automation and robotics projects across multiple warehouses.
• Manage automation suppliers, systems integrators, and engineering partners.
• Oversee project governance, budgets, timelines, and operational readiness.
• Identify and implement technologies that improve productivity, scalability, and customer experience.

Engineering & Maintenance Leadership

• Lead engineering teams across the fulfilment network.
• Drive world‑class standards in maintenance, reliability, and asset performance.
• Implement preventative and predictive maintenance strategies to maximise uptime.
• Develop engineering capability, succession plans, and leadership talent.

New Client & Operational Readiness

• Support pre‑contract and implementation activities for new client onboarding programmes involving automation solutions.
• Coordinate readiness activities across operational, technical, legal, and commercial functions.
• Ensure fulfilment sites are prepared for successful go‑live and operational handover.
• Act as the key point of accountability for implementation success.

Hands‑On Problem Solving

• Step into delivery challenges when projects are at risk.
• Resolve issues directly where ownership gaps exist.
• Take a pragmatic approach focused on outcomes rather than process for process's sake.
• Maintain project momentum through proactive intervention and decision‑making.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience within warehouse automation, logistics, engineering, manufacturing, or material handling environments.
• Track record of delivering complex automation and robotics projects across multiple sites.
• Experience leading engineering, maintenance, and facilities teams in operational environments.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing suppliers, contracts, and capital investment.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead through change.
• A hands‑on, pragmatic leader who combines strategic thinking with operational execution.

Benefits

This is an opportunity to lead automation and engineering across a fast‑growing global fulfilment business, delivering cutting‑edge robotics and automation projects while building the operational foundations that support long‑term growth. You will have significant influence over technology investment, operational performance, and the future direction of THG Fulfil's warehouse network.

EEO Statements

THG Ingenuity is proud to be a Disability Confident committed employer. If you are invited to interview, please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to the recruitment process that will enable you to perform to the best of your ability.

THG Ingenuity is committed to creating a diverse & inclusive environment and hence welcomes applications from all sections of the community.