Group Manager Automation Operational Technology

PURPOSE & SCOPE OF POSITION
The Group Automation & Operational Technology (OT) Manager is responsible for developing and executing the organisation’s group-wide automation and operational technology strategy across sites, assets, and operations.
The role provides strategic leadership and technical governance across industrial automation, control systems, OT infrastructure, industrial networks, SCADA, PLC/DCS systems, instrumentation, data acquisition, and emerging digital technologies.
Working closely with Operations, Engineering, Cybersecurity, Projects, and site leadership teams, the role will drive standardisation, reliability, operational efficiency, automation maturity, and the secure adoption of new technologies across the Group.
The position will play a key role in identifying opportunities to improve safety, productivity, asset performance, energy efficiency, and operational decision-making through automation and connected
OT systems.
The role provides governance, mentoring, capability development, and technical leadership to the sitebased automation and control resources.

SUCCESS IN THE ROLE

Improved reliability and availability of critical OT and automation systems.
Implementation of productive and AI tool.
Execution of machine learning, and standardization of learning across all plants
Increased standardisation across sites and reduction in technology complexity.
Improved OT cybersecurity maturity and risk management.
Successful delivery of automation and digital transformation initiatives.
Measurable improvements in productivity, safety, energy efficiency, and operational performance.
Effective lifecycle and obsolescence management of critical OT assets.
Strong technical capability and collaboration across site and Group teams.

Delivery of a clear, prioritised Group automation and OT roadmap.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: 

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, Electronics, Automation, Control Systems, Mechatronics,
Industrial IT, or a related field.

15+ years in industrial automation, controls, SCADA, PLCs, DCS, MES, or OT systems, including management experience.
Strong project management, strategic planning, vendor management, and communication with senior leadership.
PLC/SCADA/DCS, industrial networks, instrumentation, robotics, MES, historian systems, and OT cybersecurity.
Experience managing engineers, technicians, contractors, budgets, projects, and multiple sites.
Experience within livestock processing, food manufacturing, FMCG, rendering, or similar heavy processing industries.