Logistics Automation Project Manager

Sainsbury’s Group; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK retail company is seeking an Automation Project Manager to oversee automation initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness. In this pivotal role, you will manage project planning, execution, and delivery, working closely with various teams to identify automation opportunities. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management skills, knowledge of automation technologies, and a proven track record in leading cross-functional teams. This position offers a supportive work environment focused on innovation and personal growth, with a range of employee benefits to promote well-being.

Benefits

Colleague discount of up to 15%

Pensions scheme and life cover

Performance-related bonus up to 20%

Annual holiday allowance

Private healthcare

Interest-free car loan up to £10k

Season ticket loans

Qualifications

• Experienced in leading automation projects within logistics and retail.
• Understanding of automation methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage automation projects for operational efficiency.
• Coordinate planning, execution, and delivery of automation initiatives.
• Identify automation opportunities and develop project plans.

Skills

Project management

Knowledge of automation technologies

Mechanical and electrical understanding

Stakeholder management

Creative problem solving

Education

Professional qualification in project management

Job description

Responsibilities

Here you will be responsible for overseeing and managing automation projects within the organisation. This role will involve leading and coordinating the planning, execution, and delivery of automation initiatives to drive operational efficiency and effectiveness across various business functions. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams to identify automation opportunities, develop project plans, allocate resources, monitor progress, and ensure successful implementation of automation solutions. Additionally, you will be tasked with identifying key project risks, issues, and dependencies, and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure project success. Your role will be pivotal in driving the adoption of automation technologies to streamline processes, improve productivity, and enhance overall business performance at Sainsbury's.

Qualifications

You will be a seasoned professional with a track record of successfully leading automation projects to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. You possess strong project management skills, a strategic mindset, and a deep understanding of automation technologies and methodologies. Your ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams, drive project delivery, and adapt to changing requirements enables you to achieve project milestones and drive continuous improvement within the organisation. With a focus on innovation and delivering tangible results, you play a pivotal role in driving automation initiatives that optimise operations and deliver value to the business.

Essential skills needed

• A detailed level of knowledge of the end‑to‑end processes and systems that support the operation of a logistics distribution or fulfilment centre gained through direct industry experience, with strong preference from within a multi temperature grocery environment.
• Knowledge of a range of automation technologies and their capabilities gained through extensive experience in solution development, implementing or operating relevant automation projects. (essential)
• A working understanding of mechanical, electrical and controls and considerations and pitfalls for them within a successful automation project working closely with the Engineering Project Manager to supplement this knowledge. (essential)
• Demonstrable experience in successfully leading a matrix of supplier, internal and external stakeholders and contractors in the design, integration and implementation of complex logistics / fulfilment type automation projects, ideally with some experience in multi temperature food, singles and case pick environments.
• An ability to think outside the box and use your marketplace knowledge and experience to develop new thinking and creative problem solving to develop world class solutions. (essential)
• Professional qualification in project management desirable.
• Relevant experience in successfully project managing automation enabled e‑fulfilment or logistic solutions.

Company Overview

At Sainsbury's, we offer a unique opportunity to join a forward‑thinking organisation at the forefront of innovation and technology. As an Automation Project Manager, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to driving automation initiatives that enhance efficiency and customer experience. With a strong focus on collaboration, continuous learning, and personal development, you will have the chance to lead impactful projects that shape the future of retail. Join us to be part of a supportive and inclusive environment where your skills and ideas are valued, and where you can make a real difference in a company that values work‑life balance and fosters a culture of growth and success.

We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer so you will be welcomed whatever you are and wherever you work. Around here, there’s always the chance to try something new – whether that’s as part of an evolving team or somewhere else across the business – and we take development seriously and promise to support you. We also recognise and celebrate colleagues when they go the extra mile and, where possible, offer flexible working. When you join our team, we’ll also offer you an amazing range of benefits.

Benefits

Starting off with colleague discount, you’ll be able to save 10% on your shopping online and instore at Sainsbury's, Argos, TU and Habitat, and we regularly increase the discount to 15% at points during the year. We’ve also got you covered for your future with our pensions scheme and life cover. You’ll also be able to share in our success as you may be eligible for a performance‑related bonus of up to 20% of salary, depending on how we perform. Your well‑being is important to us too. You’ll receive an annual holiday allowance, and you can buy up to an additional week’s holiday, and we provide private healthcare. We also offer other benefits that will help your money go further such as season ticket loans, interest‑free car loan of up to £10k, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, salary advance (where you can access some of your pay before payday) as well access to a great range of discounts from hundreds of other retailers. And if you ever need it there is also an Employee Assistance Programme. Moments that matter are as important to us as they are to you which is why we give up to 26 weeks’ pay for maternity or adoption leave and up to 4 weeks’ pay for paternity leave.