Automation Deployment Manager

Company Description

At Frasers Group we’re rethinking retail. Through digital innovation and unique store experiences, we’re serving our consumers with the world’s best sports, premium and luxury brands globally. As a leader in the industry, we’re elevating the retail experience for our consumers through our collection of established brands, including Sports Direct, FLANNELS, USC, Frasers, and GAME.

Over the last 4 years at Frasers we have gone from having highly manual warehouse processes to implementing the most advanced automation technology in the industry within a 2.5m square foot Distribution Centre. We have invested over £200 million, bringing in cutting edge technology including the UK’s first Autostore Blackline, and we are not looking to stop anytime soon.

Why join us?

Our mission- we are building the worlds most admired and compelling brand ecosystem

Our purpose – we are elevating the lives of the many with access to the world’s best brands and experiences

At Frasers Group, we fear less and do more. Our people are forward thinkers who are driven to operate outside of their comfort zone to change the future of retail, embracing challenges along the way. The potential to elevate your career is massive, the experience unrivalled. To be able to make the most of it you need to live and breathe our principles:

• Think without limits - Think fast, think fearlessly, and take the team with you
• Own it and back yourself - Own the basics, own your role and own the results
• Be relevant - Relevant to our people, our partners and the planet

Are you ready to join the Fearless?

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Automation Project Manager to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of automation projects across various departments. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and to the highest standards. Your will drive the successful implementation of automation solutions that optimize business processes, enhance productivity, and reduce costs.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning and Execution:

• Lead the end-to-end project management for warehouse automation initiatives, from concept to completion.
• Coordinate with internal teams (operations, IT, engineering) and external vendors to ensure seamless integration of automation technologies.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, timelines, resources, and budgets, and ensure alignment with organizational goals.

Stakeholder Management:

• Act as the main point of contact for all stakeholders involved in the project, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
• Present project updates, including status reports, risks, and mitigation strategies to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Facilitate decision-making processes, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and aligned with project goals.

Technology Integration:

• Collaborate with 3rd party technology teams and current integrator to select and implement automated solutions (such as robotics, conveyor systems, automated storage and retrieval systems, etc.).
• Oversee system testing, troubleshooting, and adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
• Ensure integration of automation solutions with existing warehouse management systems (WMS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

Performance Monitoring and Optimization:

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of automation systems.
• Continuously monitor project performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement process optimization initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards during the design and implementation of automation systems.

Budget and Risk Management:

• Manage project budgets, ensuring all expenses align with financial forecasts.
• Identify, review, and mitigate risks associated with the project, ensuring proactive problem-solving throughout the project lifecycle.

Team Leadership:

• Mentor and coach team members, fostering a collaborative and performance-driven culture.
• Drive continuous improvement in automation, project management processes and warehouse operations, staying breast of the latest industry trends, technologies, and methodologies.
• Vendor Management: Liaise with third-party vendors and service providers to ensure timely delivery of services and products related to automation projects.
• Allocate resources effectively, balancing workload among team members to optimize productivity and efficiency.
• Maintain clear, consistent, and effective communication with project teams, stakeholders, and senior management. Provide regular status updates and reports.

Qualifications

What we are looking for:

• Level 6 qualification in engineering. Further certifications in project management such as PRINCE2 or Agile are desirable but not essential
• Previous experience of managing multiple automation projects within a warehousing environment.
• Strong understanding and knowledge of automation tools and technologies and how they can be implemented
• Experience leading and managing cross-functional teams demonstrating strong written and verbal communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences

Additional Information

Along with your benefits package we also offer a wide range of perks for our colleagues:

Reward, Recognition and Opportunities

Frasers Champion- Our employees are at the heart of our business and we ensure individuals are recognised every single month for their hard work. Frasers Champion is a peer nominated scheme where 8 winners will receive double their pay for a month where they have thought without limits, owned it or been relevant.

Fearless 1000 – By October 2025, we want our share price to hit £10. If that happens for 30 or more consecutive trading days, all colleagues across the business will receive a bonus! The top 1000 performers in the company will receive unprecedented bonuses, worth from £50,000 to £1million! Senior leaders across the business nominate these performers twice a year for embodying our core values and delivering exceptional performance*.

*subject to terms and conditions

Frasers Festival – an event like no other! Our Frasers Festival is our celebration for Head Office and Retail Staff across the UK and Europe – hosting a MEGA brand village, guest speakers from the world's biggest brands, evening entertainment, the ultimate Frasers Fearless Fitness Challenge and much more.

CEO Sessions – Once a quarter we offer 20 employees the opportunity to attend our “CEO Sessions” ran by our CEO and leadership team. Employees have the chance to connect, network and submit questions around specific topics such as our Sports or Luxury business.

Retail Reconnect – In order to build the planets most admired and compelling brand ecosystem, all employees must understand our business, product and customers. Each financial year, Head Office employees will gain insights by spending two days in one of our stores or the Warehouse. The goal is to learn how the work you do impacts our teams on the frontline, and to bring ideas back to the office which will improve how we work.

Employee Welfare

Frasers Fit – Our Everlast Gyms Team are on a mission to make our workforce the best, and fittest on the planet! We run free gym classes for employees as well as discounted memberships to our clubs. Frasers Fit is our wellbeing programme which aims to support and improve colleagues Physical, Financial & Mental wellbeing. The app is accessible for every employee and includes training, nutrition and lifestyle advice- all completely free.

Retail Trust – We know that its not just about physical health, mental wellness is equally important which is why all of our employees get free access and support from the Retail Trust charity. This includes a 24 hour wellbeing helpline, wellness hub, counselling and financial/legal support.

What’s next?

Our Recruitment Team will be reviewing applications and all candidates will receive a response, whether you are successful or unsuccessful. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to confirm a few key details before being booked in for a first stage interview with the Recruiter- this will be behaviourally focussed and centred around how you align with our Culture and Values. If successful we anticipate two further interview stages with the Hiring Manager/wider team which will be more technically focussed and could include a presentation/task so we can see your skills in action.