Automation Project Manager | Job in Somerset

Title: Automation Project Manager Location: South West, United Kingdom

*About the Role *

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Automation Project Manager to join our forward-thinking team in the South West region. In this role, you will be responsible for leading and managing a variety of automation projects from conception through implementation, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and meet or exceed quality standards.

*Key Responsibilities: *

• Develop project plans, including timelines, resource requirements, and milestones, to guide the successful execution of automation projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business requirements and translate them into technical specifications for automation solutions.
• Manage project risks, issues, and changes effectively, ensuring that appropriate mitigation strategies are in place to minimise impact on project delivery.
• Lead the execution of projects, including overseeing development, testing, and deployment phases, and ensuring all deliverables meet quality standards.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, continually seeking ways to optimise automation processes and drive efficiencies within the organisation.
• Monitor project performance against key metrics and report on progress regularly to stakeholders.
• Work closely with IT teams to ensure seamless integration between new automation solutions and existing systems.
• Contribute to thought leadership within the field of automation, staying abreast of industry trends and best practices to guide project strategy.

*Qualifications: *

• Proven experience in a similar role, managing automation projects from conception through implementation.
• Strong technical understanding of automation technologies and their applications in various business contexts.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage diverse teams effectively.
• Exceptional project management skills, including planning, organising, and coordinating resources.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to explain complex technical concepts in easily understandable terms.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, while maintaining focus on key priorities.
• A degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field is preferred. Professional project management certifications such as PMP or Scrum Master are highly desirable. Join our team and help shape the future of automation within our organisation. We look forward to your application!

Skill Set

As an Automation Project Manager in our organization, you will be expected to demonstrate a robust set of technical and soft skills that align with the requirements of this dynamic role.

*Technical Skills: *

• *Automation Tools Proficiency:

Extensive knowledge and experience with various automation tools such as Jenkins, Ansible, Puppet, Chef, etc. Ability to identify the best tool for a given task based on project requirements.

• *Scripting Languages:

Expertise in scripting languages like Python, Perl, Shell Script, etc., is essential for writing custom scripts and automating repetitive tasks.

• *Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD):

Proficiency in implementing CI/CD pipelines using tools such as GitLab, Jenkins, or CircleCI. Experience with containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes is a plus.

• *Agile/Scrum Methodologies:

Strong understanding and experience in applying Agile/Scrum methodologies to manage complex projects effectively.

• *DevOps Practices:

Proficiency in DevOps practices, including infrastructure as code (IaC) using tools like Terraform or CloudFormation.

• *Cloud Services Knowledge:

Familiarity with cloud services such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud is beneficial for managing and deploying automation solutions in the cloud.

• *Monitoring & Analytics Tools:

Experience with monitoring and analytics tools like Nagios, Splunk, Grafana, etc., to ensure system performance and troubleshoot issues efficiently.

*Soft Skills: *

• *Leadership:

Ability to lead a team of diverse automation engineers, motivate them, and guide them towards project goals.

• *Communication:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills to liaise with various stakeholders, including developers, testers, and business users.

• *Problem-Solving:

Strong problem-solving abilities to analyze complex problems, develop solutions, and make data-driven decisions.

• *Adaptability:

Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies, tools, and industry trends in the rapidly evolving field of automation.

• *Project Management:

Proven project management skills with experience in managing budgets, timelines, and resources effectively.

• *Collaborative Approach:

A collaborative approach to work, fostering a culture of teamwork and knowledge sharing within the organization.

• *Business Acumen:

Understanding of business objectives and the ability to align automation initiatives with those goals for maximum impact.

Applicant Requirements

*Introduction *

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Automation Project Manager to join our team in the South West region. In this role, you will be responsible for leading the development, implementation, and management of automation projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with our organisation's strategic goals.

*Key Responsibilities *

• Develop and implement project plans, timelines, and budgets to ensure successful completion of automation initiatives.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, manage resources, and resolve issues that may arise during project execution.
• Collaborate with technology partners to evaluate, select, and integrate appropriate automation solutions.
• Provide regular updates on project progress, risks, and issues to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Lead the testing and validation of automation systems to ensure they meet business requirements and are scalable for future growth.
• Develop and maintain documentation for automation projects, including technical specifications, user manuals, and training materials.
• Continuously improve processes and workflows through the application of automation technologies.
• Contribute to organizational knowledge sharing by presenting project insights, lessons learned, and best practices at team meetings and conferences.
• Collaborate with IT staff to ensure the security, maintenance, and support of automated systems.

*Qualifications *

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees or relevant certifications are preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automation project management, preferably within a fast-paced, dynamic organisation.
• Proven track record of successfully leading complex automation projects from conception to deployment.
• Strong knowledge of current automation technologies and trends, including Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Internet of Things (IoT).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on finding innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage resources efficiently, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall.
• Experience in leading cross-functional teams in a matrix organisational structure is highly desirable.
• Passion for staying current with emerging technologies and their applications within the automation space.

*Working Environment *

Our team values diversity, innovation, and collaboration. We offer a flexible working environment, competitive compensation, and opportunities for professional growth and development. If you are a motivated, results-driven individual looking to make an impact in the automation field we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity!

Hiring Motivation

In our dynamic and forward-thinking organisation we are seeking an exceptional Automation Project Manager to join our team. This is a unique opportunity for a results-driven professional to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of automation within our company. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in project management, automation technologies, and leadership skills. They will be responsible for overseeing the planning, development, and execution of automation projects that drive efficiency, accuracy, and productivity across various departments. As an Automation Project Manager, you will work closely with cross-functional teams to understand business needs, define project scope, establish timelines, and allocate resources effectively. You will lead the implementation of automated solutions, ensuring they are integrated seamlessly into existing systems and processes. Your ability to navigate complex technical landscapes while maintaining a focus on business objectives will be crucial in this role. In addition to your technical expertise we value strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams. You will need to effectively manage stakeholder expectations, mitigate risks, and ensure project success while maintaining a positive, collaborative attitude throughout the process. By joining our team as an Automation Project Manager, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our organisation's operations and contribute to our mission of continuous improvement and innovation. If you are passionate about automation, enjoy working in dynamic environments, and thrive on challenges we encourage you to apply for this exciting role. We value diversity and inclusion at all levels of our organisation and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. If you believe you have the skills and experience we're looking for we would love to hear from you. Apply today to become a part of our team and help us shape the future of automation!