Automation Manager

Nordic Sugar Örtofta; Eslövs kommun; On-site; SEK 750,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Nordic Sugar Örtofta is seeking an Automation Manager who will lead the local Automation Department. In this hands-on role, you will ensure the efficiency of automation systems in a complex production environment.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical focus, taking responsibility for project execution and creating operational stability. You will collaborate closely with teams and uphold central standards while managing personnel and work environment responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Several years of hands-on experience working with industrial automation systems in a production environment.
• Ability to work in a structured, pragmatic, and hands-on way, close to daily operations.
• Vendor management experience, including contract handling.

Responsibilities

• Implement and execute centrally defined automation strategies at local level.
• Act as a hands-on operational manager involved in automation systems.
• Lead and participate in automation projects from implementation to handover.

Skills

Hands-on experience with industrial automation systems

Strong technical understanding of electrical engineering

Experience from project-based work

Fluent in English and a Scandinavian language

Education

University or master’s degree in automation or electrical engineering

Job description

We are looking for a hands‑on Automation Manager who enjoys being close to operations and turning plans into tangible results. This is a highly operational role where you play a key part in ensuring stable, efficient and well‑functioning automation systems in a complex production environment.

You will have a clear mandate to lead execution at local level, working close to the plant, the people and the systems. With centrally defined automation strategies, standards and architectures from Nordzucker’s Digitalisation & Technology Services (DTS) as your foundation, you ensure successful implementation, follow‑up and delivery in daily operations and projects.

As Automation Manager at Nordic Sugar, you lead the local Automation Department consisting of instrument technicians, automation technicians and automation engineers. Together, the team is responsible for maintaining high availability and operational reliability of automation and process control systems within production and packaging.

The role offers a strong technical focus with high system involvement, where your contribution is visible every day. You will combine operational leadership with hands‑on automation work, take responsibility for project execution and closure, and create real value through structure, presence and reliable delivery. This position is ideal for someone who wants an operational management role with clear responsibility, close collaboration with the organization, and the satisfaction of seeing solutions work in practice. The position is permanent employment and reports to the Maintenance & Planning Manager.

Main responsibilities:

• Implement and execute centrally defined automation strategies, standards and architectures from Nordzucker DTS at local plant level.
• Act as a hands‑on, operational manager with daily involvement in automation systems, troubleshooting and follow‑up.
• Work in a project‑driven environment with strong focus on execution, delivery and project closure.
• Lead and participate in automation projects from implementation to handover into operations.
• Ensure a stable, reliable, and efficient automation environment within DCS, PLC, and HMI systems.
• Coordinate and collaborate closely with technicians, operators, maintenance, production and external suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with central standards, cybersecurity requirements and lifecycle management principles.
• Personnel and work environment responsibility for the department, with focus on engagement, collaboration, and a healthy workplace.
• Maintain close collaboration with other Nordzucker factories and with DTS.

Your background:

• University or master’s degree in automation, electrical engineering or equivalent technical field.
• Several years of hands‑on experience working with industrial automation systems in a production environment.
• You may come from a Lead Engineer, Senior Engineer or Tech Lead role and be ready to take on your first formal people management position or already have experience in an operational leadership role.
• Strong technical understanding of industrial systems, electrical engineering, automated production and instrumentation.
• Experience from project‑based work with focus on implementation, execution and delivery.
• Ability to work in a structured, pragmatic and hands‑on way, close to daily operations.
• Knowledge of batch and continuous processes, and system architecture (IT/OT integration & control systems)
• Vendor management experience, including contract handling, FAT and SAT.
• Fluent in English and a Scandinavian language, spoken and written.

Who Are You?

You are a pragmatic and execution‑oriented leader who enjoys being close to operations and turning plans into results. You thrive in a hands‑on environment where daily work, ongoing issues and project delivery are part of your leadership role, and you take pride in creating stable and well‑functioning operations. You bring structure and clarity through clear priorities and consistent follow‑up, and you lead by example in your way of working. With a collaborative and present leadership style, you build trust across the organization and communicate decisions and improvement ideas in a clear and engaging way. You are proactive and responsible, with the ability to balance a strong delivery focus with a holistic perspective. You act in the best interests of the organization, drive improvements forward, and work effectively with many stakeholders through openness, humility and strong communication skills.

Please note that Nordic Sugar has a zero‑tolerance policy regarding drugs and alcohol. Drug testing is conducted in connection with employment, and a background check is carried out as part of the recruitment process.

Nordic Sugar AB