Agentic & Automation Solutions Manager

Overview

Based in St Albans (AL1 2RE), this permanent, full-time position at Premier Foods offers an exciting opportunity to lead the development and implementation of automation and intelligent AI solutions. The role involves shaping the strategy, prioritising impactful initiatives, and delivering end-to-end automation projects across various business functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Head of Insight & Automation to craft and implement a multi-year automation and Agentic AI strategy aligned with business goals.
• Maintain and evaluate a robust pipeline of automation use cases, balancing value potential, feasibility, risks, and complexity.
• Drive solution design including detailed architectural documentation ensuring scalability, security, and compliance with AI governance.
• Lead and mentor the Agentic AI and Automation team to enhance capabilities and promote best practices such as code reviews and continual improvement.
• Champion responsible AI deployment by focusing on privacy, security, bias mitigation, and comprehensive data management.
• Oversee partnerships with third-party vendors to ensure quality, timeline adherence, and compliance with Premier's standards.
• Manage capital expenditures, forecasts, and total cost of ownership aspects related to automation initiatives.
• Effectively communicate project progress, risks, and delivered value to stakeholders, including senior leadership.

Candidate Profile and Skills

• Proven experience as a solutions architect specializing in Agentic AI and automation within complex organisations.
• Strong proficiency in tools such as UI Path, Power Automate, Microsoft Power Platform, and Microsoft Copilot technologies.
• Practical knowledge of intelligent automation components including workflow automation, RPA, AI/ML concepts, and process analytics.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and build trusted relationships across multiple departments and senior executives.
• Leadership experience with the ability to coach team members and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Commercial acumen covering vendor management, budgeting, business case development, and value measurement.
• Understanding of machine learning, generative AI, advanced analytics, SAP, enterprise platforms, and AI governance regulations.
• Beneficial experience in FMCG, manufacturing, logistics, sales, marketing, or trade, along with exposure to operating model design and change management.
• Additional advantageous skills include responsible AI deployment, risk management in production AI, SQL, data modelling, and SAP Agentic features.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus framework.
• Up to 7.5% pension contribution.
• Private medical insurance and life assurance.
• Hybrid working arrangement balancing office and home.
• Participation in a sharesave scheme and options to purchase extra holiday.
• Comprehensive opportunities for learning and professional growth.
• Access to a broad employee discount programme.

Additional Information

Premier Foods values inclusion, authenticity, and individuality, providing equal opportunities and encouraging employees to bring their authentic selves to work. The company is a Disability Smart employer committed to accessible recruitment processes and reasonable adjustments to support candidates with disabilities.