Automation Project Manager

MBA-Exchange.com; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading e-commerce logistics provider in Cape Town is seeking an Automation Project Manager to drive automation and mechanisation projects in their distribution centres. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, at least 3-5 years of automation experience, and a strong expertise in project management. You will design and implement infrastructural improvements, manage costs, and work closely with diverse teams to maximize operational efficiency. This role promises significant career growth in a cutting-edge environment.

Benefits

Career growth opportunities

Cutting-edge technology access

Inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of automation experience required.
• Previous experience in large-scale, complex operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement mechanisation infrastructure.
• Manage project costs and budgeting.
• Engage stakeholders and suppliers accordingly.

Skills

Excellent problem-solving skills

Understanding of Distribution Centre operations

Strong attention to detail

Good interpersonal skills

Strong communication skills

Project management skills

Working knowledge of complex automation projects

SQL database management

Education

Bachelors Degree / B-Tech Engineering qualification – Mechatronic, Electrical or Mechanical

Tools

PLC implementation and programming

Industrial communication protocols and networking

Job description

Takealot Fulfilment Solutions (TFS), a division of Takealot Online (RF) (Pty) Ltd, is looking for a highly talented Automation Project ManagerCape Town

Join Our Mission at Takealot Fulfilment Solutions | We Are TFS

Revolutionising e-commerce logistics in South Africa with cutting-edge technology and operational excellence. We deliver 30+ million orders annually, empowering businesses and driving economic growth.

Who We're Looking For:

Innovative, ambitious individuals ready to shape the future of e-commerce logistics. At TFS, "Uniquely You" meets "Powerfully Us", where your individuality strengthens our collective mission.

At TFS, your growth is our growth. You'll be joining a team powered by Takealot Group's core values.

This position reports to the Head : Infrastructure and Automation

Purpose of the role

Responsible for the project management of automation and mechanisation projects within the Distribution Centres (DC’s) in the Takealot and TFS network, with reporting responsibility to the Head: Infrastructure and Automation

The function of the role is to evaluate technology, execute the planning, designing and implementation of new systems and automated infrastructure improvements in the DC’s from start to completion, inclusive of hand over to the operational team and distant support thereof. The responsibility will also include TFS fulfilment facilities as well as TFS clients.

The role is required to, on an ongoing basis, evaluate existing processes and infrastructure to ensure that maximum efficiency is extracted through improvement projects. The role manages project expenditures against budget allocation for specific projects, under the guidance of the Head: Strategy and Infrastructure.

Key responsibilities

• Designing and implementing mechanisation infrastructure to either support the business growth or bring optimization to an existing process
• Procurement of equipment to support operations and processes
• Ability to draft request for proposal (RFP) documents
• Analyzing and implementing new automation within the distribution center operations, under the guidance of the Head: Strategy and Infrastructure
• Management and control of costs for specific projects
• Build viability study for new projects, that proves ROI based on elements that will be improved or affected by the project implementation
• Supplier engagement and management in accordance with contractually agreed terms
• Stakeholder engagement with Operational staff

Minimum Required Qualification

• Bachelors Degree / B-Tech Engineering qualification – Mechatronic, Electrical or Mechanical
• Previous experience in a project space in Distribution Centres, production environment or warehousing on a large scale with complex operations
• 3-5 years Automation experience

Skills, knowledge & abilities

• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Understanding of Distribution Centre purpose, function and operation at a detail level
• Responds quickly to changing situations and works well under pressure
• Logical thinker
• Strong attention to detail
• Good interpersonal skills - works well with others, able to motivate a complex team with diverse skills
• Focused, self-motivated and target driven; determined to succeed
• Self-starter able to initiate new projects
• Strong communication skills
• Strong technical knowledge of systems, electrical and mechanical components
• Excellent project management skills, both planning and document control
• Working knowledge of complex automation projects
• Working knowledge, and experience with, PLC implementation and programming
• Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols and networking
• SQL database management and querying experience
• Process mapping experience
• Project cost control and CAPEX budget planning

Why Join TFS

• Purpose-driven impact: Transform lives through logistics innovation
• Advanced technology: Work with cutting-edge systems in a fast-paced environment
• Career growth: Thrive in an agile space that champions continuous improvement
• Inclusive culture: Your unique perspective drives extraordinary results

At TFS, your growth is our growth. You'll be joining a team powered by Takealot Group's core values.

More than just a job, we offer

A culture that celebrates individual uniqueness while championing the strength of togetherness. Be part of creating sustainable, scalable solutions that make a difference across South Africa's e-commerce landscape.

Takealot Fulfilment Solutions (TFS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants from previously disadvantaged groups and people with disabilities will be given preference.