Automation Manager (Local Vietnamese only)

Automation Manager Salary: Competitive and based on experience Location: Ho Chi Minh Keywords: automation strategy, digital transformation, MES implementation, SCADA systems, robotics integration, barcode traceability, data analytics, continuous improvement, team leadership, industrial automation

A leading manufacturing group in Ho Chi Minh is seeking an Automation Manager to drive the next phase of their smart factory journey. This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape and execute a multi-year automation roadmap, champion digital transformation initiatives, and lead a talented team of engineers across four state-of-the-art production sites. You will be at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies such as MES, SCADA, robotics, barcode tracking, and IIoT to elevate productivity, quality, safety, and traceability throughout the entire operation. The organisation values technical excellence, continuous learning, and a collaborative approach—providing you with a platform to make a tangible impact on both people and processes. If you are passionate about industrial automation and thrive in environments that encourage knowledge sharing, innovation, and professional growth, this is your chance to join a forward-thinking business committed to operational excellence.

• Shape the future of smart manufacturing by developing and executing a 3–5 year automation strategy that directly impacts efficiency, quality, and safety across multiple modern factories.
• Lead and nurture a skilled team of Automation Engineers and Digital Transformation specialists while collaborating closely with cross-functional partners in engineering, production, maintenance, quality, planning, IT, and logistics.
• Enjoy a dynamic work environment where your expertise in advanced automation solutions—ranging from PLC/HMI/SCADA management to robotics integration and data analytics—will be recognised and supported through ongoing training opportunities.

What you'll do:

As an Automation Manager based in Ho Chi Minh City’s thriving industrial sector, you will play a central role in shaping the digital transformation agenda across four advanced manufacturing facilities. Your day-to-day responsibilities will see you orchestrating large-scale automation projects—from conceptualising long-term strategies to hands-on execution—while ensuring that every initiative delivers measurable improvements in efficiency and product quality. You will collaborate extensively with both internal teams (engineering leaders, production managers) and external partners (global technology suppliers) to deliver best-in-class solutions. Your ability to mentor engineers through technical challenges while driving continuous improvement efforts will be key to your success. In this role you will also have significant influence over investment decisions related to automation technology adoption—empowering you to leave a lasting legacy on the company’s operational excellence journey.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive 3–5 year automation roadmap aligned with organisational goals for productivity enhancement, quality assurance, safety improvement, and traceability across all manufacturing plants.
• Propose capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects for automation initiatives while standardising technical architectures for PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, MES platforms, robotics solutions, vision inspection systems, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Oversee the management and optimisation of PLC/HMI/SCADA programmes by building code libraries, upgrading control systems, ensuring robust backup protocols, troubleshooting complex issues, and maintaining software change controls.
• Drive full-scale MES deployment throughout the factories by integrating barcode scanning systems (including Zebra devices), establishing real-time data synchronisation with ERP/SAP platforms, and ensuring seamless traceability coverage.
• Lead the implementation of industrial robotics projects—including vision inspection integration—and automate manual processes to optimise servo/motion systems while supporting FAT/SAT activities for new equipment installations.
• Design and maintain production dashboards by connecting data sources from PLCs, SCADA systems, MES platforms; analyse OEE metrics; deploy Power BI or Grafana tools; and apply AI-driven insights to support operational decision-making.
• Manage and develop a high-performing team of Automation Engineers by providing technical training (PLC/SCADA/MES), conducting root cause analysis (RCA) and FMEA exercises, supporting Lean/TPM projects, and fostering multi-skilled capabilities within the group.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders such as Factory Directors, Engineering Heads, Production Managers, Maintenance Managers, Quality Managers, Planning Managers, HSE Supervisors, Procurement teams, Finance departments, IT specialists, Warehouse & Logistics teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Engage with international equipment suppliers (from Germany/Italy/Austria/Denmark/Korea/Taiwan), robot manufacturers (ABB/Fanuc/Yaskawa/KUKA/Universal Robots/Epson), camera vision providers (Cognex/Keyence/Omron/Hikrobot), automation solution vendors (Siemens/Schneider/Mitsubishi/Rockwell/Ignition/Wonderware), technical training organisations (Siemens/Schneider Electric/Rockwell Automation/Mitsubishi Electric/Omron/ABB/Fanuc/Yaskawa/Festo), as well as Lean Manufacturing consultants for strategic guidance.
• Exercise authority over tactical decisions related to automation CAPEX proposals within budget limits; approve technical materials procurement; oversee software licensing; participate in recruitment and performance evaluation of engineering staff; authorise emergency changes to control programmes or system standards when required.

What you bring:

To excel as an Automation Manager in this environment you will bring deep practical experience from fast-moving industrial settings where digital transformation is already underway. Your background should include direct involvement with large-scale automation deployments—spanning everything from PLC programming through MES integration to robotics implementation—with a strong focus on delivering measurable business outcomes. You are adept at navigating complex stakeholder landscapes both internally (across engineering/production/logistics functions) and externally (with global technology partners). Your interpersonal skills enable you to foster collaboration among diverse teams while mentoring junior engineers towards technical mastery. A commitment to ethical conduct combined with resilience under pressure ensures that you can respond effectively during critical incidents or emergencies. Above all else your passion for continuous learning keeps you abreast of emerging trends so that your recommendations always reflect industry best practice.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Automation Engineering or related field; Master’s degree preferred for added depth in technical leadership.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in industrial automation with at least 4 years at Senior Engineer or Automation Manager level within continuous manufacturing environments such as synthetic fibres/polymers/textiles/chemicals/FMCG sectors.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing/upgrading/optimising PLC/HMI/Servo/VFD control systems using platforms like Siemens S7/Schneider/Mitsubishi/Allen-Bradley.
• Advanced proficiency in deploying SCADA/MES/IoT/data collection/dashboard solutions including real-time data integration with ERP/SAP systems.
• Hands-on experience implementing robotics projects (industrial robots/vision inspection/AI vision) with proven results in process automation and error reduction.
• Track record managing CAPEX projects involving machinery investment/vendor management/factory acceptance testing/project commissioning within multinational supply chains.
• Strong analytical skills for interpreting production data/OEE dashboards/business intelligence reports using tools such as Power BI/Grafana or similar platforms.
• Excellent communication abilities for translating complex technical concepts into clear explanations for non-technical stakeholders while nurturing team engagement through coaching/training initiatives.
• Fluency in Vietnamese (native) plus working/business proficiency in English for reading technical manuals/collaborating with international suppliers is essential.
• Relevant certifications highly regarded: CMRP (Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional), SMRP membership; PLC certifications (Siemens S7/Schneider/Allen-Bradley); TPM certification (JIPM); Lean Six Sigma Green Belt; pressure equipment operation certificates.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as one of Vietnam’s most progressive manufacturing groups—renowned for its commitment to operational excellence through technology adoption. With multiple modern factories operating at scale across Ho Chi Minh City they have invested heavily in smart factory infrastructure including advanced MES platforms robotics solutions barcode traceability systems real-time analytics dashboards and more. Employees benefit from a culture that values knowledge sharing teamwork professional development opportunities—including access to world-class training from leading global technology providers—and supportive leadership focused on empowering individuals at every level. The company’s inclusive approach ensures that everyone has a voice in shaping future direction while generous resources are allocated towards both personal growth initiatives and workplace wellbeing. By joining this team you become part of an ambitious journey towards Industry 4.0 maturity where your contributions are recognised celebrated—and truly make a difference.

What's next:

If you are ready to take your career in industrial automation to new heights we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity today!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided—we look forward to discovering how your expertise can help shape the future of smart manufacturing.

Due to the high volume of applications we are experiencing, our team will only be in touch with you if your application is shortlisted.