Logistics Automation Project Manager

Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK supermarket chain is looking for an Automation Project Manager to oversee automation projects that enhance operational efficiency. The candidate will lead a dynamic team in driving automation initiatives while collaborating across various business functions. Ideal for professionals with strong project management skills and knowledge of automation technologies. Offers competitive salary, inclusive culture, and comprehensive benefits including discount schemes and flexible working arrangements. Join us to make a meaningful impact!

Benefits

Colleague discount

Pensions scheme

Private healthcare

Performance-related bonus

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in leading automation projects in logistics environments.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical controls.
• Ability to manage diverse stakeholders in complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee automation projects focused on operational efficiency.
• Work with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities.
• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of automation initiatives.

Skills

Knowledge of automation technologies

Project management skills

Collaboration and communication

Creative problem solving

Job description

Salary: Competitive Plus Benefits
Location: London Store Support Centre and Home, London, EC1M 6HA
Contract type: Permanent
Business area: Logistics
Closing date: 22 January 2026
Requisition ID: 400045152

We believe in providing meaningful work and achieving a real work/life balance. Here, you'll find both. Our Supply Chain team is the engine room for getting thousands of products from farms and factories to our millions of customers every day. We leverage insight and data to anticipate customer needs, ensuring they get what they want, when they need it. You'll be part of a team that is data-driven and judgement-focused, always the first to identify and address any issues or ambiguities. A culture of collaboration, customer obsession, and continuous improvement drives us to deliver market-leading product availability and operational excellence, and fuels our innovation. Our Supply Chain team calls for people who champion change, are customer-obsessed, data-driven, and excel at collaborating and communicating effectively - because those people can go a very long way.

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.

What you’ll do

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.

Who you are

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)
• Relevant experience in successfully project managing automation enabled e-fulfilment or logistic solutions.

We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer so you’ll be welcomed whoever 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. Here are some of them:

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 wellbeing 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 pay day) 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.

Please see www.sainsburys.jobs for a range of our benefits (note, length of service and eligibility criteria may apply).