Project Engineering Manager

Automation & Engineering| JD Heerlen DC

Responsibilities 

Project Delivery & Engineering

• Lead automation and engineering projects from concept through to operational handover. 

• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, resources, risks, and stakeholder communication. 

• Develop technical specifications and support system design activities. 

• Coordinate internal teams, suppliers, contractors, and system integrators throughout project delivery. 

• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), commissioning, and performance validation. 

• Ensure projects achieve operational KPIs, SLA requirements, and business objectives. 

• Deliver complete project handover documentation, including training, spare parts strategy, maintenance requirements, and operational readiness. 

Technical Engineering Leadership

• Provide advanced fault diagnosis and technical support across all production systems. 

• Act as the escalation point for complex or recurring engineering issues. 

• Promote engineering best practices in maintenance, reliability, and asset management. 

• Support the transition from reactive maintenance towards preventive and predictive maintenance strategies. 

• Analyse system and maintenance data to identify improvement opportunities and drive performance enhancement. 

Automation & Systems Integration

• Oversee the integration and optimisation of automated systems including conveyors, sortation systems and robotics.  

• Support commissioning and ramp-up activities to ensure successful system implementation. 

• Troubleshoot integration and performance issues alongside contractors and site engineering teams. 

• Ensure systems meet design requirements for throughput, uptime, reliability, and accuracy. 

Leadership & Development

• Provide technical leadership across multiple projects and engineering initiatives. 

• Coach and mentor engineers and key stakeholders to develop technical capability. 

• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

• Support the development of engineering standards, maintenance strategies, and operational best practices. 

• Work collaboratively with engineering and operational teams to improve equipment performance, reduce downtime, and optimise process flow. 

Deputy to Head of Automation & Engineering

• Act as delegate for the Head of Automation & Engineering when required. 

• Support strategic planning, decision-making, and departmental performance management. 

• Assist with supplier management, contract discussions, budgeting, and KPI governance. 

• Ensure continuity of engineering leadership and operational support. 

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) activities and implement effective corrective and preventive actions. 

• Identify and deliver initiatives that improve reliability, efficiency, and operational performance. 

• Drive continuous improvement projects across engineering and warehouse operations. 

• Remain current with emerging technologies through supplier engagement, industry events, and professional development. 

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and engineering regulations. 

• Ensure project activities comply with applicable EU legislation and company standards. 

Key Relationships 

• Head of Automation & Engineering 

• Engineering and software support Teams. 

• Operations Leadership and Control Room Teams 

• External Suppliers, OEMs, and System Integrators 

• Finance, Procurement, and Legal Functions 

• JD- UK project teams and managers 

Skills & Experience 

Technical Expertise 

• Minimum 5 years' experience delivering automation or engineering projects within logistics, manufacturing, or industrial environments. 

• Strong understanding of automated material handling systems and warehouse automation technologies. 

• Experience with: Complex mechanical systems, CAD design (2D/3D) and technical drawing interpretation 

• Technical specifications and contractor management 

• Commercial and contract management activities 
• PLC and industrial control systems 
• Strong problem-solving capabilities across mechanical, electrical, and control systems. 

• Experience using operational and maintenance data to drive engineering improvements. 

Project & Leadership Skills 

• Strong project management capability covering planning, risk management, budgeting, and delivery. 

• Experience working with leading automation suppliers and system integrators. 

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all organisational levels. 

• Strong supplier, contractor, and stakeholder management skills. 

• Excellent communication and presentation skills. 

Qualifications 

Essential 

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Automation Engineering. 

• Minimum 5 years' experience delivering engineering or automation projects in an operational environment. 

Desirable 

• Engineering apprenticeship or equivalent technical qualification. 

• CAD and design engineering experience. 

• Project Management certification (PRINCE2, PMI, Agile, or equivalent). 

Personal Attributes 

• Proactive and solutions-oriented. 

• Strong technical curiosity and commitment to continuous learning. 

• High level of ownership and accountability. 

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills. 

• Adaptable, resilient, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment. 

• Effective communicator with excellent stakeholder engagement skills. 

• Able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 

• Projects delivered on time and within budget. 

• Improvement in system uptime, reliability, and throughput. 

• Achievement of engineering KPIs and SLA targets. 

• Reduction in operational downtime and repeat failures. 

• Successful implementation of continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Safe and compliant engineering delivery with zero safety incidents. 

Working Conditions 

• Combination of office-based and warehouse-based activities. 

• Support of a 24/6 automated operation. 

• Flexibility required during commissioning, project go-lives, and critical operational periods. 

• Occasional travel to suppliers, OEMs, industry exhibitions, and other JD sites 

WHAT DOES JD GROUP OFFER YOU?

• Amazing benefits: Fixed salary, Employee Discount on all JD Group Brands, NS Business Card, 24 Vacation Days per year, access to the ''Benefits at work'' discount app, career and personal development plans, Pension Scheme.