Automation Project Manager at takealot.com

Purpose of the role:

• Responsible for the project management of automation and mechanisation projects within the Distribution Centres (DC’s) in the Takealot and TFS network, with reporting responsibility to the Head: Infrastructure and Automation
• The function of the role is to evaluate technology, execute the planning, designing and implementation of new systems and automated infrastructure improvements in the DC’s from start to completion, inclusive of hand over to the operational team and distant support thereof. The responsibility will also include TFS fulfilment facilities as well as TFS clients.
• The role is required to, on an ongoing basis, evaluate existing processes and infrastructure to ensure that maximum efficiency is extracted through improvement projects. The role manages project expenditures against budget allocation for specific projects, under the guidance of the Head: Strategy and Infrastructure.

Key responsibilities: (What are you directly responsible to achieve within the scope of your role)

• Designing and implementing mechanisation infrastructure to either support the business growth or bring optimization to an existing process
• Procurement of equipment to support operations and processes
• Ability to draft request for proposal (RFP) documents
• Analyzing and implementing new automation within the distribution center operations, under the guidance of the Head: Strategy and Infrastructure
• Management and control of costs for specific projects
• Build viability study for new projects, that proves ROI based on elements that will be improved or affected by the project implementation
• Supplier engagement and management in accordance with contractually agreed terms
• Stakeholder engagement with Operational staff

Minimum Required Qualification:

• Bachelors Degree / B-Tech Engineering qualification – Mechatronic, Electrical or Mechanical
• Previous experience in a project space in Distribution Centres, production environment or warehousing on a large scale with complex operations
• 3-5 years Automation experience

Skills, knowledge & abilities:

• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Understanding of Distribution Centre purpose, function and operation at a detail level
• Responds quickly to changing situations and works well under pressure
• Logical thinker
• Strong attention to detail
• Good interpersonal skills - works well with others, able to motivate a complex team with diverse skills
• Focused, self-motivated and target driven; determined to succeed
• Self-starter able to initiate new projects
• Strong communication skills
• Strong technical knowledge of systems, electrical and mechanical components
• Excellent project management skills, both planning and document control
• Working knowledge of complex automation projects
• Working knowledge, and experience with, PLC implementation and programming
• Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols and networking
• SQL database management and querying experience
• Process mapping experience
• Project cost control and CAPEX budget planning