A globally established automation and process solutions specialist is launching its UK operation — and is seeking a commercially driven leader to build it from the ground up.
This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a new market entry, with the autonomy to shape strategy, develop key partnerships, and establish a high-performing UK team.
Rather than a purely technical hire, we’re looking for someone who understands the industry, knows the key players, and can turn relationships into revenue.
Automation Business Lead - UK Expansion
£60-100k+ - Flexible Structure
Uncapped Bonus (expected earning £150k+)
Equity/Performance Based Options Considered
Home based - South West/West Midlands/North West England
International Travel Required (20-30%)
Office will be agreed on dependent on candidate location
Ref: 22345
As UK Business Lead, you will be responsible for establishing and growing the company’s presence across the UK. This will involve developing customer relationships, identifying opportunities, and building a scalable team to deliver projects.
You’ll act as the bridge between the global organisation and the UK market — defining how the business grows locally while leveraging international engineering capability.
Automation Lead - The Role:
- Lead the launch and growth of the UK business unit
- Develop and execute a go-to-market strategy within FMCG, Food & Beverage, and Pharma sectors
- Leverage your network to generate new business opportunities and partnerships
- Build, lead, and develop a UK-based team over time
- Act as the primary point of contact for UK clients and key stakeholders
- Collaborate with international engineering teams to deliver solutions
- Contribute to commercial strategy, pricing models, and long-term growth plans
- Travel internationally for training, collaboration, and client engagement
Automation Lead - The Person:
We're looking for someone with the drive and personality to build something - not just manage it
- 5–10 years’ experience in FMCG, Food & Beverage, or Pharmaceutical automation
- Background of industrial automation, preferably batch processing
- Proven ability (or strong ambition) to develop business and manage commercial activity
- Experience leading, mentoring, or building teams
- Strong network of industry contacts (clients, engineers, partners, or decision-makers)
- Confident, charismatic, and able to represent the business externally
- Able to bring ideas on how to grow both revenue and team capability in the UK
- Willingness to travel internationally (20–30%)
Sponsorship is not available for this position, you must be eligible to live and work in the UK. EU passports very helpful for ease of travel.
This is not a traditional engineering role — it’s an opportunity to take a leading position in building a UK business within a respected global company. If you’re commercially minded, well-connected, and ready to take ownership of something meaningful, this could define your next career move.
The role will begin as a home based position, with plans for a physical office within and around either the South West, the West of the West Midlands or the North West of England. We are seeking an Engineer who is either already within the area, or would relocate locally in the near future. Location will be settled upon depending on where the Lead Engineer resides.
For a confidential discussion, call Sarah Clarke
Available on: 01902212000 or 07519122547
Or email: sarah.clarke@automationexperts.co.uk