• Work Close to Home in a STABLE and GROWING Industry

• Hands on Role within a Busy Manufacturing Environment

• If you have a passion for Automation and Process Improvement this role is for you!

About the role

We are excited to be looking for a hands-on and strategic Site Automation Specialist to be our Ingleburn site ‘subject matter expert’ responsible for managing critical automation and control systems, software systems, and the execution/delivery of the site automation strategy. This site is known as a 'wet' site, so you must be comfortable working in a busy, noisy site that processes raw protein including meat.

The Specialist is responsible for ensuring these critical automation and control systems are online/healthy and are safe or free from external or internal threats from a cyber security and a system access point of view.

Being the site lead and custodian of such systems, the Specialist is also responsible for the establishment and execution of short- and long-term automation/AI roadmaps.

You will be part of a team that is passionate about where they work and what they do. This is a team that is collaborative and engaging and will celebrate your success- even better if you love your pets!

What you’ll do

• Manage and troubleshoot PLC/OT networks and plant SCADA systems to ensure operational uptime and reliable data outputs, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to minimise disruptions.
• Identify and implement improvements in site operations and asset performance, execute minor automation projects, and contribute to capital planning for automation upgrades and risk mitigation.
• Provide coaching and leadership to engineers and trades in automation and control systems, while facilitating meetings with internal and external experts to drive automation initiatives and improvements.
• Oversee the life cycle management of control and network systems, mitigating risks and obsolescence, while aligning site automation efforts with the broader corporate strategy and integrating advanced technologies like robotics and AI.
• Foster a collaborative culture among shifts and stakeholders, both internal and external, to promote effective relationships and align outcomes with organisational objectives.
• Engage and influence stakeholders to standardize processes across sites while providing technical expertise in automation and control for capital projects, ensuring adherence to group standards throughout the project lifecycle.

What will help you succeed

• Knowledge of the development, management, programming and troubleshooting of site OT/PLC networks, SCADA and MES/OEE/WAGES systems.
• Knowledge in Allen Bradley software (Logix, Studio 5000 etc), Siemens (TIA).
• Preferably FMCG experience in the food and manufacturing environment or in automation experience from design, projects and/or consultancy.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Industrial Automation.
• Demonstrated experience and capability in supporting other engineers and trades personnel with electrical and automation systems.

• Demonstrated experience & capability in design and delivery of electrical and automation projects.
• Demonstrated experience & capability working on various OT/PLC networks and SCADA systems as well as robotics and automation.
• Desirable experience also in machine AI / machine learning and management of closed loop control systems.
• Desirable: Sound knowledge of relevant compliance standards (AS3000, AS3008, AS61439, AS4024.1) and automation standards (AS4418, AS1030, AS3301).

You are unashamedly passionate about engineering, automation and innovation in mechanics. 

You are excited by the opportunity to work with hi-tech and are excited to be part of a business that is all about how we can improve with systems that we have created ourselves and systems we have implemented.

What we’re about

Welcome to RPF, where we believe in keeping it Real.

Since 1994, we have been Australia and New Zealand’s pioneers in fresher dog and cat nutrition. Our story is one of passion for a better way to care for pets, a belief in fresher nutrition, and an unwavering commitment to delivering this to pet parents and pets worldwide.

We're dedicated to fostering authentic partnerships, encouraging real ambition, and providing real career opportunities for our employees to make a difference.

Real means fresher ingredients and fresher methods. We'll never stop expanding, innovating, and trying new things. We compete in every pet category and channel, creating favourite brands such as Ivory Coat, Nature’s Gift, V.I.P. Petfoods, and Love ‘Em & Fussy Cat!

Since the establishment of RPF, we have grown to over 900 people across Australia and New Zealand, China, Southeast Asia and Europe.

With the pet industry growing rapidly (a $15 billion industry!) and pets becoming increasingly important in our lives and homes, this is a unique opportunity to be a part of our remarkable growth story and advance your career.

Why join us?

Do work that matters. We’re pioneering in a new area of pet food, always striving for fresher. We’re restless, creating a better life for our pets.

Make an impact and change the game. You won’t be another ‘cog in the wheel’ here. We give full trust and autonomy for you to do your best work – and to make a real difference. Do you have a great idea for a new product or system improvement? We’re all ears!

Growing and global. We’re growing fast! We now have global presence across APAC, and Europe regions and we’re only getting started!

Work with a pack of awesome, genuine people who are passionate about what they do.

Grow your career with us. We’re big believers in lifelong learning. You’ll be given access to LinkedIn Learning, plus opportunities for internal mobility and leadership training to fast-track your career.

Pets our part of our family:  access our Pawrental leave when you adopt a new cat or dog, pet carer and compassionate leave.

Generous perks including day off for your anniversary, product discounts, volunteering days to help the community, novated leases, a rewards program and parental leave.

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
• 2 work references
• Pre Employment Medical
• A Site Visit

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