Essentia Protein Solutions is looking for an Automation Manager
Are you ready to take ownership of automation across multiple production sites and make a real strategic impact? If you thrive in a dynamic, international environment and are passionate about shaping the future of industrial automation, this is your opportunity.
Essentia Protein Solutions is a global producer of animal protein solutions for the food and beverage industry. Our animal derived protein solutions will add functionality and nutritional qualities and boost richness and flavor of your food and beverage products. In our seven factories in Europe, we have a constant focus on supply chain excellence. To strengthen this focus we are looking for an experienced Automation Manager to lead and evolve our automation landscape across our factories. In this role, you will define our automation strategy, build a future-ready roadmap, and drive implementation in close collaboration with Operations, IT, and external partners.
In this role you will be reporting directly to the VP Operations, and be a part of the operations management team, so you will be an integrated part of the operations and take part in the realization of our ambitious strategy. In this role you will also get to work closely with the IT Director and the IT team, as digital security and OT security are crucial areas that you will have to deliver upon as the leader of our Automation.
Primary tasks
In this role, you will have the overall responsibility of defining our automation strategy, building a future-ready roadmap, and driving implementation in close collaboration with Operations, IT, and external partners.
- Own and drive the automation strategy across five European factories
- Build and execute a clear, business-aligned automation roadmap
- Lead and prioritize automation projects across sites
- Oversee project delivery and ensure smooth transition to operations
- Standardize automation systems, tools, and processes
- Collaborate with Site Managers, Maintenance, and IT
- Act as key stakeholder in investment projects
- Drive OT security and ensure compliance with NIS2 and industry standards
- Perform risk assessments and ensure safe, reliable operations
- Build and manage relationships with key vendors and partners
- Lead external partners and develop internal capabilities
- Identify and implement automation improvements and innovations
- Stay updated on emerging technologies and industry trends
- Support the design and delivery of a new greenfield factory, to be operational in 2029
The ideal candidate is based in the Graasten area where the head office of Essentia is located, Hobro in Denmark, Stidsvig in Sweden or Tipton in UK.
Personal profile
You have several years of experience within the same field of responsibilities from an international company with a complex automation environment. Furthermore, we expect that you
- Have strong communication skills and a proactive, self-driven mindset
- Thrive in a decentralized, international environment
- Take initiative and ownership of tasks and deliverables
- Have solid experience within industrial automation
- Have proven ability to lead partners and guide teams toward common goals
- Have leadership potential to build and develop a future internal team
- Have strong technical background in industrial networks, PLCs, SCADA, and OT
- Ability to manage stakeholders across functions and locations
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations
- Collaborative mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
- Passion for driving automation strategy and operational excellence
- Can communicate and write in English and Danish
We offer
An exciting job in an international company with a clear vision, mission and strong values, where you will become part of an informal environment with focus on your personal and professional development.
We provide you with a compensation package that includes salary, pension, health insurance, an active staff union with various activities etc.
Process
If you consider yourself as qualified and as a good match, please upload your application and cv via www.essentiaproteins.com no later than Sunday 17. May 2026.
If you have questions in relation to the content of this job position, please contact VP Operations Thor Hansen on phone number. +45 7435 1280.
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Essentia Protein Solutions manufacture and market protein ingredients and taste solutions to the global food industry. Building on customer requirements we develop protein solutions that enhance taste experience, increase nutritional value, strengthen texture and – not least – improve shelf life and quality of the food products.
We market our products in more than 60 countries, and our 600 employees create an annual turnover of 275 million USD. Apart from Denmark, Essentia Protein Solutions have production facilities in Sweden, Germany, Spain, England and USA.
Employees in Essentia Protein Solutions are committed to delivering goal-oriented services and sustainable solutions that contribute to create an even better business for our customers.
For further info, visit essentiaproteins.com
