Group Manager - Automation Operational Technology

About Thomas Foods International

Family owned since 1988, Thomas Foods International (TFI) is one of Australia's largest food businesses. With teams across Australia, the US, Canada, China, Japan and Europe, the Thomas Foods brands and business partnerships grow, supply, and distribute premium meat and seafood all over the world. TFI is an organisation that truly embodies its values-driven philosophy and positive working culture. Now is the perfect time to join this innovative, growing global business.

Our mission is to feed families globally, through premium quality products, exceptional service and sustainable practices

The Opportunity

As part of our continued growth strategy, a key leadership role has been created and is available for an experienced Automation & Operational Technology (OT) Manager. You will be responsible for developing and executing the organisation’s group-wide automation and operational technology strategy across multiple sites, assets, and operations.

Leading and mentoring a small team, you also will provide strategic leadership, capability development and technical governance across industrial automation, control systems, OT infrastructure, industrial networks, SCADA, PLC/DCS systems, instrumentation, data acquisition, and emerging digital technologies.

You’ll work closely with Operations, Engineering, Cybersecurity, Projects, and site based  leaders to drive standardisation, reliability, operational efficiency, automation maturity, and the secure adoption of new technologies. In addition to identifying opportunities to improve safety, productivity, asset performance, energy efficiency, and operational decision-making through automation and connected OT systems across the Group.

What We Are Looking For

• Formal qualifications in Electrical, Electronics, Automation, Control Systems, Mechatronics, Industrial IT, or a related field
• Significant experience with industrial automation, controls, SCADA, PLCs, DCS, MES, or OT systems
• Strong project management, strategic planning, vendor management
• Able to demonstrate tangible improvements in productivity, safety, energy efficiency, and operational performance via effective OT
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with effective communication with senior leadership
• Deep knowledge of PLC/SCADA/DCS, industrial networks, instrumentation, robotics, MES, historian systems and OT cybersecurity
• Management level experience in leading, mentoring and developing people
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in managing budgets, projects and milestones across multiple projects, and multiple sites
• Having your experience gained in FMCG or food manufacturing environment is considered highly advantageous
• Travel and a full Australian drivers licence is required

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply for the position with a one page cover letter and CV. If you have questions, please contact Craig Hartley on 0428271164.

The successful person will need to complete a pre-employment Medical Examination - including Q fever vaccination, fitness, drug and alcohol testing.

We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time. You must have relevant work rights to be able to work in Australia.