Automation Engineering Manager

We’re opening a state‑of‑the‑art, high‑spec Distribution Centre in Hinckley, one of the most strategically important logistics locations in the UK — and we’re on the lookout for an exceptional Automation Engineering Manager to help bring it to life.

In this pivotal role, you’ll lead all aspects of engineering across one of Tesco’s most advanced automated sites, while taking full ownership of a multi‑million‑pound budget and shaping the future of our engineering capability.

The Hiring Manager for this vacancy is Iain Spencer

You will be responsible for:

Managing one of Tesco’s most technologically advanced automated Distribution Centres, setting and maintaining the highest of engineering standards.
Playing a key role in Tesco’s UK automation engineering team, contributing to long‑term strategy and direction.
Influencing how automation evolves across the network as we expand our capabilities and modernise our distribution model.
Ensure strong automation maintenance routines, minimising downtime and managing an effective pipeline of parts, critical spares and repairs.
Working closely with vendors and contractors to deliver all planned and compliance maintenance activities to the highest standard and within agreed timescales.
Driving continuous Improvement & Investment Planning – collaborating with senior automation peers to identify where investment is needed and lead the planning and execution of improvement work.
Oversee capacity planning and workload management, ensuring the team is set up for success through strong, proactive maintenance scheduling.
Developing trusted, effective relationships across the business and communicate clearly with all stakeholders.

You will need:

Automation & AMR expertise at an operational management level, ideally within a fast‑paced or high‑tech environment.
Strong senior leadership experience, confident working with senior stakeholders (DCMs, GMs, Directors).
Proven ability to lead large, multi‑skilled engineering teams, including automation specialists across complex areas like RSU and chilled chambers.
Excellent people leadership skills, able to inspire, coach and develop high‑performing teams.
Exceptional stakeholder and relationship management, influencing effectively across the business.
Solid financial and commercial acumen, with experience managing multi‑million‑pound budgets.
Engineering degree (or equivalent) with significant experience in highly automated distribution or operational environments.
Strategic mindset, contributing to long‑term planning and working closely with senior engineering leaders.
Adaptive, dynamic working style, able to lead both on‑site and remotely.
Strong understanding of safety, compliance and legal requirements within a distribution centre environment.

What's in it for you:

We’re all about the little helps. That’s why we make sure our Tesco colleague benefits package takes care of you – both in and out of work. Click Here to find out more!

Annual bonus scheme of up to 20% of base salary
Holiday starting at 25 days plus a personal day (plus Bank holidays)
Private medical insurance
26 weeks maternity and adoption leave (after 1 years’ service) at full pay, followed by 13 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay or Statutory Adoption Pay, we also offer 6 weeks fully paid paternity leave
Free 24/7 virtual GP service, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family, free access to a range of experts to support your mental wellbeing

About us:

Our vision at Tesco is to become every customer's favourite way to shop, whether they are at home or out on the move. Our core purpose is 'Serving our customers, communities and planet a little better every day'. Serving means more than a transactional relationship with our customers. It means acting as a responsible and sustainable business for all stakeholders, for the communities we are part of and for the planet.

We are proud to have an inclusive culture at Tesco where everyone truly feels able to be themselves. At Tesco, we not only celebrate diversity, but recognise the value and opportunity it brings. We're committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued, and make sure that all colleagues are given the same opportunities. We're a big business with diverse working patterns and many business areas which means that we can find something that works for you. Everyone is welcome at Tesco.

We have recently announced that we will be moving towards a more blended working week – combining office and remote working. Our offices will continue to be where we connect, collaborate and innovate. Please talk to us to about how this can work for you.

NOTE: Should you be successful in your application, your offer will be subject to and conditional upon you providing your bank account details on your agreed start date.

We're proud to have been accredited Disability Confident Leader and we're committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer, please visit https://www.tesco-careers.com/accessibility