Automation Process Improvement & Vendor Management Specialist

• Work with the world's leading site automation, systems & robotic technology
• Be a part of an organisation that values diversity, work-life balance & offers a rewarding career
• This role offers a high level of support and autonomy allowing you to succeed and make it your own

Are you someone who is passionate about innovation, data-led solutions, continuous improvement and operational excellence? There has never been a better time to join Woolworths as we grow and transform our offering to customers.

Want to know what it’s like to have a career with us? Check out this video interview with Ben Cooksey, Automation Optimisation Manager - your future leader

About Us: Endless possibilities

Primary Connect is the most extensive food and retail supply chain network in Australia and New Zealand. Our 10,000-strong team are an essential part of the expansive Woolworths Group, which encompasses Woolworths Supermarkets and Metro stores, BIG W, Countdown NZ, Pet Culture, Quantium, and more. With us, your possibilities are not limited to a single opportunity.

We’re delivering to more than 3,000 retail stores every day (stores like Woolworths, BIG W, Dan Murphy’s, and BWS), but at Primary Connect, we’re more than just a supply chain business. We’re a big team, but every individual plays a pivotal role and leaves a distinctive impact.

Our extensive reach opens up boundless opportunities for learning, growth, and professional development. By raising your hand, fostering relationships, and seizing the moment, you can take control of your own unique path.

Everything we do is driven by a culture of care for our team, customers, and community.

• We create a thriving team experience through a culture of belonging that champions safety and wellbeing for our people and partners.
• We’re a team-first organisation. We’ll equip you with the necessary training for success in your role, and provide continuous career development and learning opportunities.
• We offer competitive remuneration and access to a number of employee benefits.
• We prioritise sustainability, striving to contribute to a greener, better future. Check out our most recent Sustainability Report to find out how we do it.

The Opportunity

Due to a successful career move, we have an opportunity for a Process Improvement & Vendor Management Specialist to join our Automation Optimisation team. You will play a critical role in effectively identifying, investigating, recommending and closing out opportunities to improve the overall performance of automation and operations that have been impacted or degraded through product packaging and/or vendor supply issues and non-conformance.

You will be joining a supportive and engaged team who value working collaboratively and always improving.

Your time will be spent on site collaborating with the operations team to understand the operational impact of product packaging and vendor supply issues, ensuring successful project delivery, as well as:

• Collecting the error rates in different areas of the automation, applying root cause analyses, determining where the problem originates from ( if operational-related or vendor-related issue), and establishing internal or external communications accordingly.
• Taking analytical data, compiling problem statements and opportunities and subsequently presenting in a manner that resonates with relevant stakeholders both internal and external to Woolworths Group.
• Being the site representative for product packaging issues, collaborating with vendors regarding the opportunities, and providing continuous support to them on possible solutions.
• Reviewing and optimising layer-picking errors by working collaboratively with the operation team on a weekly basis.
• Searching for new opportunities to improve the packaging to keep the fully automated product volume at its best. Improving the packaging can be requesting the vendors for a pallet pattern change, cardboard grade update, artwork change, labelling or barcoding upgrade etc.
• Supporting all team members to understand the effect of bad quality products in automation and coaching to aid with quality non-conformance inputs.
• Keeping team members posted on the latest updates and issues.
• Working within the optimisation team and collaborating with many internal and external stakeholders such as operations, systems, vendor liaising teams, and all suppliers.
• Conducting audits to find auto-suitable products from other DCs to ramp up the MSRDC volume.
• Drive continuous improvement and efficiency through packaging solutions.

What’s in it for you?

• Team member discounts across all Woolworths Group and partner businesses, access to discounts in novated leases, share purchase plans, lifestyle and other attraction discounts
• Generous parental leave policy, with 4 weeks paid leave for all secondary carers, and all full and part-time roles can access Parental Leave from their first day
• Career development sessions, internal networking events and mentorship/leadership programs to grow your career
• Wellbeing benefits that support your mental, financial, social and physical health, with support that can be accessed on your mobile phone
• Access to a digital platform that offers personalised programs for working parents, carers and people leaders through our partner in Gender Equality and Parental Leave support
• We’re recognised as a great employer:
  • Woolworths Group 2nd in LinkedIn's Top 25 Companies Australia 2022
  • WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality
  • Work180 Endorsed Employer for all women
  • Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQ workplace inclusion

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for a motivated & data-driven Continuous Improvement Process Analyst, someone with a curious mindset who actively looks for opportunities and questions the status quo.

You are someone who is comfortable with product assessment, reviewing the data, investigating the solutions and confidently interacting with both internal and external vendors.

You will bring:

• Operational experience working in Supply Chain or FMCG packaging manufacturing environments
• Proven experience with product assessment, process continuous improvement, and project management.
• A background in Quality Assurance and / or packaging technology would be advantageous but not a prerequisite.
• Strong analytical, planning and problem-solving capabilities with a focus on data-driven decision-making
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams & drive change in a complex & large environment
• High level of exposure and understanding of Automation processes.

We are driving inclusion and diversity as Ways of Working. If you meet a number of the requirements (and not all), we encourage you to submit your application.

If this sounds like you and you want to be part of one of the most exciting journeys in Australian retail, apply now to speak to our Talent team. #work180

Grow with the Group

As an inclusive, team-first company, our people are at the core of everything we do.

We care deeply about creating a workplace where our team members feel valued, respected and empowered. We are committed to providing equal opportunity regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or life stage. We are proud to be recognised as a Gold Tier Employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQ+ inclusion and as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.

As our Group continues to evolve, innovate and support our communities, we encourage our team members to do the same with their own careers, by providing ongoing opportunities to grow and make a real difference.

We value flexibility, and encourage our team members to work in ways that meet their work/life commitments and support their wellbeing.

We work hard to create a safe and inclusive environment for all, and most importantly, we're all about creating better experiences – for our customers and for each other.

We’d love to hear from You

If you meet a number of the requirements, but not all, we encourage you to submit your application. You can learn more about working with us on LinkedIn or via www.wowcareers.com.au. #LI #work180.

Our Talent Acquisition Team and Hiring Leaders kindly request no unsolicited resumes or approaches from Recruitment Agencies. Woolworths Group is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.