Enterprise Systems & AI EngineerE Collinson & Co Limited • Catterall, England, United Kingdom
Enterprise Systems & AI Engineer
E Collinson & Co Limited
- Catterall, England, United Kingdom
- Catterall, England, United Kingdom
About
E Collinson & Co Ltd, Catterall, Preston, Lancashire PR3 0HP (office-based)
*Hours*
37.5 hours per week. (7.5 hours a day) Monday to Friday
Flexible start and finish times permitted within core working hours. Typically, start times are between 7:00–8:30am Monday to Thursday (8:00am Friday), with finish times between 4:00–5:00pm Monday to Thursday and 3:00pm Friday, depending on start time.
*Reports To*
Finance and Transformation Director
*Works With*
Business Systems & Compliance Manager, Managing Director, SiloLabs Division Manager, AMP Infosys (during transition)
*Role Purpose*
Design and maintain the digital infrastructure and systems architecture that supports both the SiloLabs division and the wider E Collinson organisation. Ensure reliable integration between business systems, digital platforms, and operational technology.
Lead the responsible implementation of AI and automation across the organisation, building internal capability around Microsoft 365, Azure, and enterprise integration while gradually reducing dependence on external managed IT services.
*Context*
Collinson currently relies on AMP Infosys as an external managed IT provider. This role is designed to bring internal technical leadership and progressively take ownership of Microsoft products and services, system integrations, and digital transformation initiatives across production, design, and office functions (finance, sales, marketing, HR).
You will report to the Finance and Transformation Director, work alongside the Business Systems and Compliance Manager, and be regularly deployed directly by the Managing Director on new strategic initiatives. This is a business transformation role, not a traditional IT support role.
*Core Responsibilities *
*Enterprise Systems Architecture*
* Design and maintain integrations between CRM, ERP/finance systems, engineering and manufacturing tools, customer platforms, and monitoring/data platforms
* Ensure reliable, secure data flows across the organisation
* Map and document system dependencies, data ownership, and integration points
*IT Infrastructure & Governance*
* Progressively take internal ownership of Microsoft 365 and Azure services, reducing dependence on AMP Infosys over time
* Manage cloud services, identity and access management, system security, data protection, and system reliability
* Work alongside external IT providers during the transition period, providing internal technical leadership and direction
* Establish and maintain IT governance standards aligned with Collinson’s 5S principles
*AI & Automation Implementation*
* Lead the implementation of AI systems aligned with Collinson governance principles
* Deploy internal knowledge assistants, document automation, engineering support tools, operational analytics, and workflow automation
* Evaluate AI tools and platforms for suitability, safety, and alignment with business needs
* Establish governance frameworks for responsible AI use across the organisation
*AI Agent Development*
* Develop task-specific AI agents to assist business functions: engineering documentation support, commercial quoting assistance, operational scheduling, internal knowledge retrieval
* Ensure AI tools operate safely within defined governance boundaries
* Train and support staff in the effective use of AI-assisted tools and workflows
*Systems Integration*
* Build and maintain integrations between SiloLabs software platforms, internal business systems, and external partner systems using APIs, automation platforms, data pipelines, and messaging services
* Ensure interoperability across the full digital estate
* Support the Digital Platform Engineer (Role A) with backend integration requirements for SiloLabs products
*Digital Transformation (Cross-Functional)*
* Roll out internal digital initiatives supporting production, design, and office functions
* Identify and implement efficiency improvements through automation and system integration
* Support change management as new digital tools and processes are introduced across departments
*Typical Technical Stack*
Technologies may include:
* Microsoft 365 administration and Azure cloud services
* API integration frameworks and automation platforms (Power Automate, Logic Apps)
* Scripting and automation tools (PowerShell, Python)
* SQL and data platforms
* AI APIs and orchestration frameworks (Azure OpenAI, Anthropic API, LangChain or similar)
* Identity management (Azure AD / Entra ID)
* System monitoring and security tools
* SharePoint administration and development
*Key Skills & ExperienceEssential*
* Strong capability in systems architecture, integration design, and enterprise IT governance
* Experience with Microsoft 365 and Azure administration
* Demonstrated ability to implement automation and improve business processes through technology
* Understanding of AI tools and their practical application in business contexts
* Ability to work across departments, translating business needs into technical solutions
* Experience working within SME or managed service environments — comfortable being the internal technical authority
* Clear communicator who can work with both senior leadership and operational staff
*Desirable*
* Experience migrating from managed IT services to internal ownership
* Background in AI agent development or conversational AI implementation
* Familiarity with manufacturing or industrial business systems
* Experience with CRM/ERP integration in SME environments
* Understanding of data protection, compliance frameworks, and information security
* SharePoint development and Power Platform experience
*How This Role Fits*
This role bridges enterprise IT and business transformation. You are not a helpdesk — you are the internal technical authority who ensures Collinson’s systems work together, data flows reliably, and AI tools are deployed safely and effectively.
You will work alongside the SiloLabs Division Manager, who focuses on building the SiloLabs digital products. Your focus is connecting those products to the wider business and enabling intelligent automation across all departments.
The relationship with AMP Infosys evolves over time. Initially you work alongside them; progressively you take ownership of more services as your internal capability grows. The transition is managed and deliberate.
The Managing Director will deploy you directly on strategic initiatives — expect variety, pace, and direct involvement in shaping how the company operates digitally.
*Working at Collinson*
E Collinson & Co Ltd is a family-owned, multi-generational business and the UK’s leading manufacturer of livestock feed storage silos. SiloLabs is our new digital division, responsible for building the software, data, and intelligent systems that connect our physical products to the digital world.
We operate by five principles: Safety, Sustainability, Scalability, Standardisation, and Simplicity. We value people who think clearly, build carefully, and take ownership of their work.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £45,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Canteen
* Casual dress
* Company events
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
* Flexitime
* Free flu jabs
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Application question(s):
* 1. Microsoft 365 / Azure Ownership
Do you have hands-on experience administering Microsoft 365 and Azure in a business environment?
* 4. Briefly describe a system integration or automation project you have led.
* 5. Location / On-site Requirement
This role is office-based in Catterall, Preston. Are you able to commute to this location daily?
* 2. AI / Automation Experience
Have you implemented AI tools or automation in a business environment?
* 3. Internal Technical Ownership
Have you worked as the primary internal technical authority (with limited reliance on external IT providers)?
Work Location: In person
Languages
- English
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