Technology & Automation Strategy Manager (m/f/d) fixed-term 12 months

The Role

As the Technology & Automation Strategy Manager, you will help shape the future of automation, digitalisation and manufacturing technology across our global manufacturing network. Working within Global Engineering, you will define strategic priorities, explore emerging technologies and help manufacturing sites translate opportunities into scalable, practical solutions. You will partner closely with Engineering, Operations and Global IT, bringing the technical understanding needed to guide discussions while maintaining a broader, long-term perspective. This is an opportunity to influence how technology is adopted across multiple sites and contribute to the continued development of our manufacturing capabilities.

Principle Accountabilities

• Develop and maintain the global automation and digitalisation strategy, defining strategic priorities and long-term technology roadmaps across manufacturing operations
• Identify and evaluate opportunities to increase automation, digitalisation and Industry 4.0 adoption across the manufacturing network
• Drive alignment of automation standards, concepts and technology solutions across manufacturing sites to improve scalability, operational performance and cost effectiveness
• Partner with Global IT and manufacturing teams to support the deployment, adoption and optimisation of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and connected manufacturing technologies
• Support manufacturing sites in developing business cases and project concepts that improve safety, productivity, quality, sustainability and cost efficiency through technology-enabled solutions
• Assess emerging manufacturing technologies and support the replication of proven automation and digitalisation solutions across different sites and operating environments

Skills and Experience Required

• Understanding of manufacturing automation technologies, including PLCs, SCADA, industrial networks and connected manufacturing systems
• Experience developing or implementing automation, digitalisation or manufacturing technology strategies within an industrial environment
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and the integration of manufacturing technology with IT systems
• Ability to evaluate technologies, understand their potential application and translate them into solutions for different manufacturing environments
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and working effectively with stakeholders across Engineering, Operations, IT, manufacturing sites and/or external technology partners
• Ability to communicate technical topics clearly, influence stakeholders and contribute confidently to strategic discussions across different organisational levels

What We Offer

In return for playing your part in building our future, you will receive a comprehensive compensation package with salary, bonus scheme and further benefits as well inspiring places to work and collaborate with purpose. Here at Imperial we will give you the opportunity to grow and learn, innovate at pace and be a part of our purpose to forge a path to a healthier future for moments of relaxation and pleasure for our consumers.

Everyone Belongs

Everyone belongs in Imperial. We are proud of being a truly inclusive organisation. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, nationalities, disabilities, sexual orientation, religions or beliefs and of neuro divergence. We give fair and equal consideration to all our applicants. Please contact us at recruitment@impbrands.com to let us know if we can provide support in helping you complete an application and/or attend an interview.

About Us

We're a truly international company, fourth largest in our industry and operating across 120 markets. An inclusive, innovative global FMCG business supported by 25,000 employees. As we embrace a new era of growth, we are transforming. Our ways of working and culture are driven by a challenger mindset, constantly questioning the status quo where people can bring their best selves to work. Our agility and collaboration are driving our ambitions, innovation and success all supported by our award-winning development programmes that creates exciting and rewarding career opportunities for all.  Encouraging inclusion at local levels and supporting a developing and robust diversity agenda globally, we’re fully committed to creating and maintaining an environment that celebrates and respects difference.

As a matter of policy, Imperial Tobacco or its subsidiaries never requests or requires payment as part of any recruitment process.