Yatala, QLD | FMCG Manufacturing | Wet Site (Raw Protein) At Real Pet Food Company (RPF), we’re serious about feeding pets fresher, more nutritious food — and that starts with world-class manufacturing and automation. We’re looking for an experienced Site Automation Specialist to be the technical custodian and subject matter expert for all critical automation and control systems at our Yatala manufacturing site. This is a hands-on, high-impact role in a fast-paced, short shelf-life FMCG environment, processing raw protein — so comfort working in a wet manufacturing site is essential. This role balances deep technical execution with strategic leadership, ensuring uptime, cyber security, data integrity and future-focused automation across the site. The Role As the Site Automation Specialist, you will own and manage the health, performance and evolution of all site automation and control systems, including: PLC and OT networks Site SCADA systems (e.g. FactoryTalk, Ignition, Citect) MES / OEE systems Automation, AI and digital capability roadmaps aligned to RPF’s group strategy You’ll play a critical role in preventing downtime, enabling reliable production data, and delivering automation projects that keep our operations safe, efficient and future-ready. Key Responsibilities Technical & Operational Own and maintain uptime of critical site automation systems to meet business expectations Rapid diagnosis and troubleshooting of PLC, OT and network issues, working closely with Site Engineering, IT and external vendors Manage and monitor site SCADA, MES, OEE systems to ensure accurate, reliable operational data Execute minor automation capital projects and support larger site and group initiatives Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities across automation, asset reliability and system architecture Manage system lifecycle, spares, obsolescence and risk mitigation Provide automation expertise during planned and unplanned outages Strategy & Leadership Develop and execute the site automation roadmap, aligned to RPF’s group automation strategy Provide coaching and technical leadership to engineers and electrical trades Support feasibility studies, budget estimates and capital planning for automation initiatives Scope and embed advanced technologies including robotics, AI and machine learning where appropriate Stakeholder Management Work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, Safety and Logistics teams Partner with Group Engineering, IT, Digital Transformation, Quality, Safety and R&D Collaborate with MES/OEE/WAGES SMEs to enable consistent data inputs into RPF’s ThingWorx environment Build strong relationships with automation vendors and service providers Promote standardisation, collaboration and best-practice automation processes across the business What You’ll Bring Skills & Capabilities Strong written and verbal communication with the ability to influence across all levels Proven stakeholder management skills in complex, fast-paced environments Highly analytical problem-solver with strong automation and control systems expertise Strategic mindset with the ability to design and execute automation roadmaps Hands-on ownership of automation systems, outages and continuous improvement Ability to work autonomously while thriving in cross-functional teams Technical Knowledge PLC platforms such as Allen Bradley (Logix / Studio 5000) and/or Siemens (TIA Portal) SCADA, MES, OEE systems OT / PLC network architecture and cyber security considerations Electrical distribution, instrumentation and industrial communications Working knowledge of relevant standards including AS3000, AS3008, AS61439, AS4024.1, AS4418, AS1030 and AS3301 Strong Microsoft Office capability (Excel and Microsoft Project essential) Experience & Qualifications Minimum 5 years’ experience in Industrial Automation FMCG manufacturing experience (food or short shelf-life products highly regarded) Proven experience delivering electrical and automation projects from design through to commissioning Experience supporting engineers and trades in automation and control systems Exposure to robotics, AI, machine learning or closed-loop control systems (desirable) Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical, Mechatronics, Software, Computer Science) or Bachelor of IT (desirable) Why Join RPF? Be the site automation authority in a critical, high-volume FMCG operation Work with modern automation, data and digital platforms Influence both site execution and group-wide automation strategy Join a values-led business where your expertise genuinely makes a difference Be part of a team feeding pets real food — safely, efficiently and at scale What’s next? If you're ready to unleash your potential and make a real difference in the booming pet industry, then we want to hear from you! Next steps will include: An initial telephone interview followed by 2 face to face interviews and site visit 2 work references A Pre-Employment Medical We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity’s not a buzzword here, it’s in our DNA. Diverse perspectives shape our culture and make our work better. That’s why we’re committed to building inclusive teams that represent a variety of backgrounds and skills. If you need any reasonable adjustments, accessibility assistance or would like to note which pronouns you use at any stage of our hiring process, just contact us at accommodations: people&culture@realpetfoodco.com.au. We look forward to hearing from you. Please note: NO agencies will be considered during this process. We encourage you to refrain from submitting unsolicited profiles