Automation Specialist

Job Responsibilities

The Automation Specialist is a P1-level individual contributor responsible for analysing project workflows across the Apple SQ39 program, identifying optimisation opportunities, and designing and implementing AI-driven and automation-based solutions. This is a blended role: the Specialist participates fully in assigned project workflows at the same standard expected of any specialist, while progressively applying technical expertise to streamline and automate those workflows over time. In the early stages, the majority of the Specialist's time is dedicated to active project work, building direct knowledge of the workflows they will later optimise. As program familiarity grows and automation opportunities are identified, the balance shifts toward AI and automation development. This role is designed to be deployable across multiple SQ39 projects (e.g. Video, Music, Sports, Books, Maps). Project-specific requirements are documented in the relevant Project Addendum.

Roles and responsibilities not limiting to:

Workflow Participation

Execute content review and operational tasks to the same standard expected of any specialist on the assigned project, in line with project-specific quality standards, guidelines, and SLAs.

Undergo onboarding training to develop a thorough working knowledge of the assigned project's workflows and Client priorities.

Maintain quality and throughput targets consistent with specialist-level performance benchmarks for the assigned project.

Analysis & Optimisation

Independently analyse workflow data and operational performance to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and automation opportunities.

Document identified opportunities within project workflows; maintain a prioritised backlog and contribute to continuous intake as the automation share of the role grows.

Translate analytical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for VPMs and program leadership.

Monitor the effectiveness of implemented solutions, iterating based on performance data and stakeholder feedback.

Automation & AI Development

Design, develop, and deploy automation and AI-assisted tools using approved platforms (including proprietary Client tools and similar), under the guidance of the VPM.

Apply scripting or programming skills (Python, JavaScript, or equivalent) and familiarity with automation platforms to build robust, maintainable solutions.

Deliver proofs of concept initially, building toward a steady cadence of solutions and ongoing maintenance as the role matures.

Create and maintain documentation for all automation tools, including technical specifications and usage guides accessible to non-technical stakeholders.

Provide knowledge-sharing and enablement to the wider team on deployed solutions, supporting adoption.

Research emerging AI and automation tooling; evaluate and recommend relevant innovations to the team.

KPIs / Success Measures

This role operates on a blended model. In the early months, the primary measure of success is effective integration into the assigned project as a fully contributing specialist. Automation deliverables will emerge organically as project knowledge develops.

KPI scale with the workload split — as the automation share increases, targets move up with it. Full ownership of cost-reduction targets sits at P2; at P1, efficiency impact is tracked as a directional, internal indicator.

KPI / Success Measure Target / Indicator

Specialist Duties — existing Apple project metrics apply

• Task completion rate Meets project SLA targets, consistent with peer benchmarks
• Quality score on project workflows Meets quality score targets as set by VPMs and management for the assigned project.
• Training milestone adherence All onboarding and project certifications completed within agreed timelines

Automation & AI Duties — scales with workload split as automation share grows

• Opportunities identified Automation/AI opportunities documented within project workflows; baseline backlog established at start, moving to continuous intake as automation share grows
• Solutions delivered Automation/AI solutions designed and deployed under guidance; starting with a proof of concept, building to a steady cadence plus ongoing maintenance
• Efficiency impact (directional, internal) Manual hours saved / cycle-time reduction on targeted workflows; tracked as a trend once solutions are live — not a client-facing commitment
• Quality & reliability Pass/success rate and rework rate of delivered automations; meeting an agreed threshold and kept stable
• Adoption & enablement Uptake of solutions by the wider team; quality of documentation and knowledge-sharing
• Capability ramp Training milestones on AI/automation tooling, progressing from core to advanced toward self-directed work within scope

Additional Job Details:

Education

No minimum degree requirement. Relevant technical certifications or demonstrable equivalent experience will be considered.

Experience

No minimum years of experience required; candidates are assessed on demonstrated skills and capability. Practical experience with automation tools, scripting, or AI-assisted workflows in a professional or project setting is an advantage. Background in data operations, content review, localisation, or a related field is preferred.

Skills & Knowledge

Proven analytical capability — able to examine complex workflows, identify root causes, and develop structured solutions independently. Proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language (Python, JavaScript, or equivalent). Familiarity with automation platforms and AI tooling; experience with prompt engineering is an advantage. Advanced spreadsheet skills, including macros, formulas, and data models. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English (native or business-level proficiency); able to present technical findings to non-technical audiences. Organised and self-directed, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. Proactive, flexible, and comfortable navigating ambiguity as project needs evolve. Proficiency in one or more additional languages at business level is preferred.

Work Environment Requirements

Comfortable maintaining focus in a stationary role with extended computer use. Willingness to work in a high-volume, evolving environment where priorities may shift. This role may involve exposure to content that could be considered sensitive (e.g. content related to health, adult themes, violence, or other mature topics) as part of standard project workflows.

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