Manager, Automation

The Automation Manager will lead the creation and scaling of ISSC’s automation capability, delivering cost-effective, sustainable solutions that drive operational efficiency, productivity, and service quality. Acting as the central driver for leveraging RPA, AI/ML, Power Platform, advanced analytics, and process standardization, this role will transform manual, repetitive workflows into streamlined, high-value operations. By aligning automation initiatives with ISSC’s continuous improvement and global transformation goals, the Automation Manager will directly contribute to the shift from a cost center to a value-generating hub. Key Objectives: A. Establish a Scalable Automation Capability within ISSC Build the automation function from ground up, including tools, delivery governance, and foundational team structure to support long-term efficiency goals. B. Drive Tangible Productivity & Cost Efficiencies Deliver automation solutions that reduce manual effort, improve turnaround time, and contribute directly to ISSC’s productivity improvement goal and overhead optimization. C. Build & Lead a High-Performing Automation Team Hire and mentor technically strong talent, while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement within the ISSC. D. Convert CI Pipeline into High-Impact Automation Use Cases Partner with functional leaders and the CI program to transform pipeline ideas into automation solutions with measurable business value. E. Accelerate Automation Adoption Across Functions Champion automation mindset across ISSC functions ensuring stakeholder buy-in, change enablement, and solution scale-up. F. Ensure Global Alignment & Strategic Stakeholder Partnering Work closely with global stakeholders to understand their operational challenges, pain points, and strategic priorities, ensuring automation solutions are aligned with business unit needs. Assess, quantify, and clearly report the ROI of each proposed automation to leadership, enabling informed decision-making and strong business case buy-in. Roles and Responsibilities 1. Solution Delivery & Technology Enablement: Identify, design, and implement high-impact AI/ML, RPA, and analytics use cases aligned with ISSC and corporate objectives. Leverage tools like UiPath, Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI), Python, and Advanced Excel to deliver scalable automation and analytics solutions. Implement robust data management practices (extraction, cleaning, merging, ETL) ensuring accuracy and consistency across diverse ERP systems. Develop and maintain automation/data pipelines, ensuring lifecycle management and performance optimization. Assess automation opportunities and recommend the most feasible approach (RPA, AI/ML, Power Platform, process re-engineering, or hybrid models) based on complexity, cost, scalability, and ROI potential. Apply strong technical knowledge to evaluate multiple solution paths and select the one that delivers maximum value with minimum risk. 2 . Project Execution and Technology Governance Manage automation projects end-to-end, from opportunity identification through pilots to scaled deployment. (within-budget completion) Ensure governance for automation initiatives, including compliance with cybersecurity, GDPR, and maritime regulations (IMO standards). Evaluate and select automation/AI tools, platforms, and vendors to optimize delivery quality and cost. Track and report ROI, adoption rates, and operational improvements from automation deployments. 3. Strategic Leadership & Stakeholder Management: Own and deliver the Automation Roadmap for ISSC in alignment with the global transformation strategy. Lead the Automation roadmap to set best practices, standards, and reusability frameworks. Collaborate with global stakeholders to understand operational challenges, design value-driven automation solutions, and ensure global alignment. Partner with IT, Operations, Finance, and other business units to integrate automation into core workflows. 5. Team Management Build, mentor, and manage a team of automation developers & data analysts. Team Size: 3 Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning. Upskill ISSC teams on automation tools and frameworks to increase internal delivery capability. 6. Change Management & Adoption: Develop and execute change management strategies in close collaboration and partnership with all relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth adoption of automation solutions. Establish a framework for continuous improvement (CI) monitoring and reporting, including KPIs, tracking mechanisms, and governance structure. Monitor and report progress on automation adoption and CI initiatives at agreed reporting frequencies to all stakeholders. Create and deliver stakeholder-specific training and enablement programs to build automation literacy. Address adoption resistance through targeted ROI showcases, quick-win case studies, and transparent communication. Education : Bachelor’s/master’s in computer science, Data Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related fields. Experience : A. 8–10 years of experience in automation, digital transformation, or IT program management, with at least 3 years in RPA/Power Platform/Analytics implementation. B. Demonstrated experience in leading automation teams, managing cross-functional stakeholders, and delivering transformation initiatives. 3. Experience in SSC/GBS/GCC is a strong plus. Certifications: PMP, RPA developer certifications (UiPath, Automation Anywhere), AI/ML specializations (Google AI, AWS ML, Azure AI), and certifications in data engineering or change management. Technical & Business Knowledge : Programming: Python, R, SQL, NoSQL, Automation Tools: UiPath, Automation Anywhere, Blue Prism Process & Integration: Process mining, workflow design, API integration Analytics & Visualization: Power BI. Communication, Problem-solving, and Adaptability.