Head of Automation and Engineering

Head of Automation and Engineering

Kingsway Distribution Centre

Reporting to: JD UK & ROI Supply Chain Director
Department: Group Logistics and Supply Chain
Location: Kingsway Distribution Centre, Rochdale

 

Role Overview

Kingsway Distribution Centre is a c.1 million sq. ft. highly automated logistics facility with over 2 million sq. ft. of operational space. The site operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and incorporates multiple advanced automation technologies, including Rotapick systems, multiple crane-based storage solutions, Goods-to-Person (GTP) stations, dual sortation systems, conveyor networks, and multiple Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).

The Head of Automation and Engineering has full accountability for the leadership, performance, and continuous improvement of all automation and engineering operations across the site. This role leads a multidisciplinary engineering function of approximately 90 colleagues and plays a critical role in ensuring safety, operational excellence, cost control, system reliability, and future-proofing of the distribution centre.

The site is entering a significant period of transformation, focused on optimising automation capabilities and preparing the operation for future growth. This role is instrumental in ensuring that automation strategy, design, implementation, and operational delivery are executed successfully. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the role requires strong collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes across the operation.

 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define, develop, and communicate a clear automation and engineering strategy aligned to business objectives and long-term growth plans.
• Own the technical roadmap for automation, engineering standards, and system evolution.
• Act as a senior contributor to group-wide logistics and supply chain transformation initiatives.

Engineering & Automation Leadership

• Lead the on-site, in-house engineering and automation teams, ensuring high standards of performance, safety, and engagement.
• Set and maintain engineering governance, standards, and best practices across all automation and technical systems.
• Ensure system reliability, availability, and performance across hardware, software, and automation platforms.

Operational Excellence

• Hold full accountability for engineering service delivery in a complex, high-volume, 24/7 environment.
• Drive continuous improvement using structured methodologies (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma) to improve safety, productivity, cost, and reliability.
• Ensure Operational SLAs are consistently met or exceeded for both service and cost performance.

Change, Projects & Optimisation

• Lead large-scale automation optimisation and transformation programmes from concept through to delivery.
• Oversee project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and benefits realisation.
• Ensure all automation investments deliver measurable commercial and operational value.

Stakeholder & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with senior stakeholders across Logistics, Supply Chain, IT, HR, Finance, and external partners.
• Provide clear, concise communication to senior management, translating technical complexity into business outcomes.
• Support the identification and integration of multi-site logistics opportunities alongside the Group Logistics and Supply Chain Director.

 

Financial & Commercial Accountability

• Own and manage engineering and automation cost budgets, ensuring robust control against forecasts while maintaining service excellence.
• Deliver demanding financial, quality, and people targets, including accountability for P&L performance.
• Ensure resources and investment plans are aligned to profitable growth, operational sustainability, and future capacity requirements.
• Regularly review operational and financial performance, driving corrective actions where required.

 

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with all UK legal, regulatory, and company standards relating to health & safety, quality, technical, environmental, hygiene, waste management, and data protection.
• Foster a strong safety culture across all engineering and automation activities.
• Ensure site operations remain safe, compliant, and resilient always.

 

People & Talent Leadership

• Build, develop, and coach a high-performing engineering and logistics leadership team.
• Create a strong “One Team” culture aligned to core values and operational excellence.
• Lead workforce engagement initiatives, ensuring a motivated and committed workforce.
• Maintain robust succession planning to ensure leadership continuity and support JD’s position as an employer of choice.
• Provide leadership for peak-period operations, overseeing large-scale workforce environments with significant budget accountability.

 

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Essential Experience

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within a complex, fast-paced retail or FMCG logistics environment.
• Significant experience leading automation, engineering, and technology-driven operations at scale.
• Demonstrated success in managing large, diverse teams through periods of sustained change.
• Strong background in process optimisation, system implementation, and operational transformation.

Capabilities & Competencies

• High-impact leadership style with the ability to influence at all organisational levels.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to link operational decisions to financial outcomes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly organised, resilient, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a demanding environment.
• Strong analytical mindset with attention to detail and data-driven decision-making.
• Deep understanding of health & safety requirements within large-scale automated facilities.
• Proven change management expertise.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).