Hands‑On Plant Automation Manager — Lead & Deliver

Nordzucker AG; Sweden; On-site; SEK 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site gym

Massage services

Wellness allowance

parental leave top-up

High-quality meals at favorable price

Job summary

Nordic Sugar is seeking an Automation Manager to lead the local automation department and drive stable, efficient automation solutions in a production environment. You will work hands-on while overseeing project execution and ensuring adherence to central standards across DCS, PLC, and HMI systems.

You will report to the Maintenance & Planning Manager and collaborate with operations, technicians, and external suppliers to deliver reliable automation performance.

Qualifications

• 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.
• May come from Lead Engineer, Senior Engineer or Tech Lead role and be ready for people management or have prior leadership experience.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Implement and execute centrally defined automation strategies, standards and architectures 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.

Skills

Hands-on automation

Project execution

People leadership

Vendor management

IT/OT integration

English proficiency

Scandinavian language

DCS/PLC/HMI systems

Education

Master's degree in automation or electrical engineering

Tools

DCS/PLC/HMI systems

Industrial automation hardware

Job description

Nordic Sugar is seeking an Automation Manager to lead the local automation department and drive stable, efficient automation solutions in a production environment. You will work hands-on while overseeing project execution and ensuring adherence to central standards across DCS, PLC, and HMI systems.

You will report to the Maintenance & Planning Manager and collaborate with operations, technicians, and external suppliers to deliver reliable automation performance.