Advanced Team Lead (Automation) - Day Shift

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Operations team as an ‘Automation Advanced Team Leader’ (ATL) at our Nicholas & Harris site in Salisbury, part of Finsbury Food Group. Nicholas & Harris has over 180 years of heritage in craft baking methods and is entering one of the most exciting periods of investment and growth in its history. As we continue to enhance our manufacturing capability through automation, technology, and operational excellence, we are looking for a technically strong and forward-thinking leader to help shape the future of our operation. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role within a highly automated manufacturing environment, combining technical expertise with front-line leadership. Working closely with Manufacturing, Engineering and Operational teams, you will be responsible for driving equipment performance, improving reliability, developing technical capability, and supporting the successful integration of future automation technologies. More than simply maintaining equipment performance, this role is about creating a culture of asset ownership, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, helping ensure our manufacturing operation is equipped for the future.

This is what you’ll actually do! As an ‘Automation ATL’, you’ll lead the day-to-day automation and asset performance operation on shift, ensuring equipment reliability, operational stability, and the highest standards of asset care. You’ll work closely with operational teams to coordinate automation activities, support fault finding, drive autonomous maintenance standards and maximise equipment uptime. Acting as the technical lead on shift, you’ll provide coaching and support to colleagues, helping build capability and confidence across the wider team. You’ll play a key role in identifying opportunities to improve reliability, reduce downtime and enhance overall equipment performance. Through effective use of asset data, root cause analysis and continuous improvement principles, you’ll help drive sustainable performance improvements across the bakery. As we continue to invest in new technology and manufacturing capability, you’ll also support the implementation, commissioning and embedding of new automated equipment and systems, ensuring operational teams are prepared to maximise the benefits of future developments. Alongside technical leadership, you’ll champion Health & Safety, machine safety, Food Safety, and compliance standards, ensuring equipment is operated safely and effectively at all times.

• Experience within an automated manufacturing, FMCG or engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of automation, equipment performance and asset reliability.
• Experience supporting, coaching, or leading front-line teams.
• Strong fault-finding and problem-solving capability.
• Knowledge of autonomous maintenance and asset care principles.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and performance optimisation.
• Understanding of Health & Safety and Food Safety requirements within manufacturing.

The following would be advantageous, but are not essential:

• Engineering qualifications or technical certifications
• CMMS experience
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement knowledge
• IOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification

• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to allow quality time with your new arrival!
• Enhanced Pension Scheme for our employees
• Death in Service Benefit
• Free Employee Assistance Programme (open to colleagues and their families)
• Retail discounts accessible via our Benefits Hub platform!
• Refer a Friend Scheme (up to £300 per referral - T&C’s dependant)
• Employee Recognition Awards
• Extensive Learning & Development opportunities
• Career progression opportunities across Nicholas & Harris and the wider Finsbury Food Group

Our vision is to be the leading speciality bakery group in the UK, and we want the very best people to help us achieve this. This is an opportunity to join a business investing heavily in its future, where you can influence how automation capability develops, make a genuine impact on operational performance, and build a long-term career within a growing organisation. If you’re passionate about technology, automation and developing high-performing teams, we’d love to hear from you. True