THE POSITION IN QUESTION

The company is looking for a Manager Automation Services and the position is based at European HQ in Rotterdam. This position is a new role in the company which is changing its organization from a decentralized- to a more centralized structure. The position is responsible to participate in the creation and execution of a holistic and best practice approach to delivering end-to-end Automation services for operational assets. The position drives value through a premium service offering of reliable automation, harmonizing and modernizing the service offering, while ensuring IT costs are optimized. In addition, the automation service manager drives for adherence to compliance policies (for example through timely patching and life cycling) and ensures addressing of audit risks when identified.
The jobholder will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing automation systems and managing efficient, effective, and consistent maintenance practices related to asset automation. Responsible for overseeing the ongoing operation and future direction of automation systems within processing assets, storage facilities and port terminals throughout EU/FSU. The assets of the company are located in UK, The Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Poland, Czech republic, Hungary, Serbia, Rumania, Ukraine and Russia (total of 37 assets).

Key Responsibilities


•    Regularly consults with operations stakeholders, assets management teams, operations management, ITC and industry contacts to lead the development, implementation, and support of strategic and tactical plans related to automation.
•    Own the establishment of end to end service in alignment with service management strategy and capability including roadmap creation and management in partnership with enterprise process and portfolio strategy.
•    Actively consult with Business(es)/Functions in the appropriate use and deployment of service solution capabilities and IT services (e. g. inputs to business plans, advice on overall cost management opportunities).
•    Assist in the definition, documentation and activation of a service catalog with service level requirements for IT business services and manage service agreements/contracts.
•    Manages risk by ensuring the existence of standardized practices and processes within the automation infrastructure and leads the ongoing improvement to automation standards within the EU organization.
•    Directs the development of automation strategies to ensure the consistent analysis of business and operating practices, approaches, and procedures to determine potential best Practices.
•    Plans work activities of staff and associated project teams to complete system development and installation for various projects and to monitor performance to ensure the achievement of planned results.
•    Manages supplier relationships to achieve productivity gains and improvement in the supply of goods and services related to automation, ensuring continuous improvement process & operational leadership performance in alignment with expectations of the business.
•    Negotiates, manages, and evaluates the services of contracted automation resources.
•    Maintains an up-to-date knowledge of trends within associated industries. Evaluates the performance of all equipment and components relative to company requirements and recommends utilization as appropriate.
•    Develops, coordinates, and implements automation system training strategies and initiatives.
•    Directs the development and management of both the automation department operating and capital budgets. Participates in strategic and directional planning processes, establishing objectives and goals for the department.
•    Develops and submits regular and ad hoc reports outlining work unit achievements, challenges, and opportunities congruent with business unit, divisional, and corporate administrative procedures.
•    Hires, promotes, disciplines and discharges staff with Human Resources and within corporate policies. Ensures the development and motivation of staff through implementation of training, development and performance management processes.
•    Creates an environment which fosters teamwork, results, and continuous improvement. Implements proactive Safety, Health, Environment, and security programs under the functional guidance of the company's HSE team.
•    Performs other duties as required.


POSITION IN THE ORGANISATION
The Manager Automation Services reports directly to the Technical Director EU/FSU and has several indirect reports (Automation Engineers located at the assets) reporting to him/her.

CANDIDATE PROFILE
In order to be successful, it is important that the ideal candidate meets the following requirements:

Education
The best background would be one including a technical discipline (Computer Science, Electrical/Industrial Engineering) in higher education. Preferably with additional studies in business administration.

Background and Experience

The ideal candidate would have strong overall smart manufacturing experience within the oilseed industry. He/she should be able to accelerate operational intelligence with more connected ways of working; better visibility and insight into data and analytics; innovative technologies that solve the operational asset challenges. A minimum of 10 years’ experience in automation preferably in the oilseed industry. Knowledge of digital technologies enabling value to operations. The jobholder should be technically orientated in a practical way and have good people- and influencing skills.


Skills/Knowledge

•    Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in automation management, related to oilseed industry.
•    Experience managing the delivery of services in a matrixed environment with a diverse portfolio of suppliers both internal and external.
•    Strong knowledge of IT Service management processes and practices.
•    Strong background in ITIL (preferred) or similar process oriented framework.
•    Knowledge of infrastructure technologies and business applications in the automation domain.
•    Candidates must be trained in Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems including installations and operation experience.
•    Proven knowledge of facility construction and maintenance methods, practices, and standards.
•    Proven knowledge in the selection, implementation, and function of hardware and software of PLC and HMI systems.



Personal Attributes
•    Proven ability to direct and effectively manage a team-based environment.
•    Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a broad range of internal and external contacts is required.
•    Highly developed leadership, team participation, communication, and innovation skills and abilities are required.
•    A strong business orientation within the cooperative environment and a commitment to superior customer service is essential.
•    A strong drive to continuously improve assets in automation and to develop people in automation skills.
•    Traveling to the assets is part of the job, the frequency of which depends on the requirements.