Automation Programme Manager - Manufacturing

Why Greencore?

Following the combination with Bakkavor in January 2026, we're one of the UK's leading creators of convenience food, driven by a simple purpose: to make every day taste better.
As a vibrant and fast-moving business, we're proud to employ over 28,000 talented colleagues across 36 manufacturing sites and 21 distribution depots in the UK and the US. Together, we bring delicious food to life. Our products cover every meal occasion from breakfast through to dinner and dessert, with lunch and snacking in between. In FY25, our shared passion helped us achieve combined revenues of approximately £4bn.
Our extensive direct to store (DTS) network, with 17 depots across the UK, allows us to deliver fresh and frozen food both our own and from trusted partners to thousands of stores every day, ensuring consumers enjoy the very best, whenever and wherever they shop.


What You'll Be Doing
You'll be the driving force behind identifying, designing, and delivering automation projects that enhance efficiency, reduce labour dependency, and meet strict ROI criteria. Working closely with internal teams and external experts, you'll shape the future of our operations through smart, scalable automation.

• Develop comprehensive User Requirement Specifications (URS) and Capital Request documentation.

Scope and design optimal end-of-line automation solutions with internal stakeholders and external specialists.

Maintain a network of key automation and equipment suppliers.

Create bespoke automation solutions in collaboration with strategic partners.

Ensure all designs align with Group standards and automation strategy.

Support project handovers to the Capital Projects Team and future deployments.

Maintain a pipeline of automation initiatives to drive continuous improvement.

Assist in mapping the factory of the future.

Collaborate with Procurement and Opex teams to identify benefits and secure funding.

Provide regular updates through supplier visit reports, trade show insights, and monthly reviews.

Success Measures

Delivery of high-impact automation projects with measurable ROI.

Strong engagement with site SLTs and cross-functional teams.

Effective supplier relationships and solution implementation.

Continuous improvement and innovation across multiple sites.

What We're Looking For

• At Greencore we put our people at the core. We celebrate their differences and help everyone to be themselves at work. Together we make every day taste better.

Degree-level education or equivalent in a relevant field.

3+ years' experience in automation, specifically in end-of-line packing and palletising.

Deep understanding of engineering design, manufacturing techniques, and turnkey equipment suppliers.

Strong commercial acumen and ability to assess cost-effectiveness.

Knowledge of Health & Safety compliance for new equipment.

Experience influencing senior leadership and driving change.

CAD software proficiency (preferred).

Skilled in Microsoft Office and Project tools.

Ability to work collaboratively across all levels of the factory environment.

If this sounds like you, join us and grow with Greencore, and be a part of driving our future success.

What you'll get in return

• Competitive salary and job-related benefits
• Holidays
• Pension up to 8% matched
• Life insurance up to 4x salary
• Company share save scheme
• Greencore Qualifications
• Exclusive Greencore employee discount platform
• Access to a full Wellbeing Centre platform
• Enhanced parental leave and menopause policies
• PMI spouse cover

Car allowance

Bonus

Throughout your time at Greencore, you will be supported with on the job training and development opportunities to further your career.

If you're passionate about automation and want to make a tangible impact, we'd love to hear from you.