Workflow Systems Manager

The Workflow Systems Manager is responsible for the ownership, development, support and continuous improvement of Britannia's workflow automation systems, production workflow technologies and associated studio systems.

The role acts as the primary technical owner for workflow-related platforms including Esko Automation Engine, WebCenter and associated production technologies, ensuring the efficient operation of retailer onboarding, automated order processing, variable data template production, workflow automation and production support activities across the business.

The Workflow Systems Manager will work closely with Studio, Operations, Data Solutions, IT and Offshore Teams to ensure workflow systems remain stable, scalable and aligned with business objectives.

The role plays a key part in supporting business growth, reducing operational risk, driving automation initiatives and ensuring continuity of knowledge within critical production systems.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

Workflow Systems Ownership

• Act as the primary owner and administrator of Esko Automation Engine and associated workflow platforms.
• Manage and support Esko WebCenter and related production systems.
• Monitor workflow performance and identify opportunities for optimisation and improvement.
• Ensure workflow systems remain stable, secure and suitable for operational requirements.
• Maintain system architecture documentation and workflow configuration records.
• Develop long-term plans for workflow system enhancement and scalability.

Workflow Development and Automation

• Design, develop and optimise automated workflows to improve efficiency, consistency and operational performance.
• Identify opportunities to reduce manual intervention through automation and process improvement.
• Develop workflow solutions to support retailer onboarding, production requirements and internal business processes.
• Work collaboratively with Studio, Operations, Data Solutions and IT teams to implement workflow improvements.
• Ensure workflow developments align with business requirements, customer expectations and operational capabilities.
• Identify opportunities to improve the interaction between workflow systems, variable data templates and production outputs.
• Support the ongoing development and standardisation of template-related automation processes.

Technical Support and Troubleshooting

• Act as the primary escalation point for workflow-related issues and technical support requests.
• Investigate workflow failures, production issues and system errors.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Support offshore locations with workflow, system and production-related issues.
• Work alongside internal and external technical teams to resolve system and application issues.
• Maintain awareness of recurring issues and implement long-term solutions where appropriate.

Retailer Onboarding and Production Support

• Support the implementation of new retailer programmes within workflow systems.
• Assist with retailer onboarding activities, testing and validation.
• Ensure workflow systems support customer-specific production requirements.
• Support template-related workflows and associated automation requirements.
• Assist with implementation of new products, services and production processes.
• Provide technical guidance during retailer migrations and business change initiatives.
• Support and develop template-related production processes and associated workflow automation requirements.
• Work alongside Template Specialists to understand, support and improve the business's variable data template environment.
• Assist in the implementation, testing and continuous improvement of template-driven production solutions.
• Support the integration between template production processes and workflow automation systems.

Systems Upgrades and Vendor Management

• Plan and coordinate upgrades to Esko, WebCenter and associated systems.
• Liaise with software vendors, service providers and support partners.
• Develop testing and validation plans for software upgrades and system changes.
• Ensure business continuity during upgrade and maintenance activities.
• Maintain awareness of industry developments and emerging technologies.
• Support procurement and evaluation of workflow-related software and services where required.

Documentation, Compliance and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) relating to workflow systems and production processes.
• Create and maintain technical documentation and user guidance materials.
• Support standardisation of workflow processes across the business.
• Promote best practice within workflow management, automation and production systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and process consistency.
• Support compliance requirements through controlled and documented workflow processes.

Knowledge Sharing and Capability Development

• Provide technical guidance and support to Studio personnel and other departments.
• Support the development of Template Specialists and Artwork personnel.
• Assist with succession planning through effective knowledge sharing and documentation.
• Deliver training relating to workflow systems, automation tools and associated processes.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and technical development.
• Develop an understanding of Britannia's template architecture and variable data production environment.
• Work collaboratively with Template Specialists to improve template efficiency, maintainability and scalability.

Relevant Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience within a pre-press, workflow automation, production systems or related environment.
• Strong working knowledge of Esko Automation Engine.
• Experience with workflow management platforms such as Esko WebCenter or equivalent systems.
• Experience within print, packaging, labels, apparel trims or related production industries.
• Strong understanding of production workflows and pre-press processes.
• Experience troubleshooting workflow and production-related issues.
• Experience implementing workflow improvements and automation initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience producing technical documentation and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Exposure to Adobe InDesign within a production or variable data environment.
• Experience supporting template-driven production processes.
• Understanding of variable data composition and automated document generation.
• Experience supporting retailer onboarding programmes.
• Experience within apparel trims, labels, packaging or RFID environments.
• Understanding of ERP, order management or web-to-print systems.
• Knowledge of database-driven production environments.

Role Within the Organisation

This is a specialist technical role responsible for the ownership, support and development of workflow systems, automation technologies and production workflow processes across the business.

The role operates across Studio, Operations, IT and Data Solutions functions and acts as the primary technical authority for workflow automation and associated production systems.

Whilst the role does not carry direct line management responsibility, it is expected to provide technical leadership, mentoring and guidance to Studio personnel and other stakeholders where required.

The role is critical in supporting operational efficiency, retailer onboarding, workflow standardisation, automation initiatives and continuous improvement programmes across the organisation.

Desired Skills

Technical Skills

• Workflow automation and optimisation.
• Process mapping and continuous improvement.
• System troubleshooting and diagnostics.
• Root cause analysis.
• Technical documentation.
• Production systems administration.
• Software implementation and testing.
• Data handling and workflow integration.

Personal Skills

• Excellent organisational abilities.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership.
• Collaborative approach to problem solving.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Personal Qualities:

• Proactive and Solutions-Oriented: Takes initiative to identify issues and implement practical, scalable solutions without waiting to be directed.
• Detail-Focused: Maintains a high standard of accuracy and quality, especially in technical files and workflow execution.
• Calm Under Pressure: Remains composed and focused when managing tight deadlines, last-minute changes, or production issues.
• Collaborative: Works well across departments and geographies, encouraging a team-based approach to problem-solving and innovation.
• Commercially Aware: Understands the impact of studio performance on business goals and operates with cost-efficiency and ROI in mind.
• Accountable: Owns outcomes and is dependable, taking responsibility for studio performance, team development, and client satisfaction.
• Adaptable: Comfortable navigating change, learning new tools, and adjusting to evolving business needs and global demands.
• Ethical and Professional: Operates with integrity, discretion, and professionalism at all levels of the organisation.
• Continuous Learner & Development: Always seeking ways to improve personally and professionally—whether through new technology, industry trends, or leadership development.

Working Conditions

• Some flexibility may be required to support system upgrades, implementations and critical business activities.
• Occasional support outside standard working hours may be required for planned maintenance, software upgrades or business-critical incidents.
• Occasional travel may be required to support business operations, suppliers or offshore locations.