Automation Engineer (Make.com / API Integrations / Finance & Operational Workflows / Manila-Based)

Job Description
Company: Priority Haulage Limited
Job Title: Automation Engineer
Job Type: Gig
Job Hours: ~20 Hours Per Week
Job Location: Remote (Manila-based candidates only)
Reports to: Financial Controller
Start Date: Late June

About Priority Haulage
Priority Haulage is a reputable and reliable heavy machinery and equipment transport business based in Auckland, New Zealand. We specialise in the safe and efficient transportation of a wide range of civil machinery and heavy access equipment.

Our company motto, “Your Assets, Our Priority”, reflects our commitment to the secure and dependable movement of our clients’ valuable machinery. We take pride in delivering a high level of client satisfaction through trusted service and operational excellence.

Job Summary
Priority Haulage is seeking an experienced automation specialist or workflow integrator to support the review, validation, design, and implementation of operational workflow automations, initially focused on areas of highest leverage across finance and operations.

The role requires dependable availability, independent execution, and consistent delivery within agreed timeframes. It is best suited to candidates with proven experience delivering workflow automation or systems integration projects of comparable complexity and operational importance.

This role will not suit candidates balancing significant competing commitments or those without demonstrated experience independently delivering similar projects end-to-end.

Project Overview
We are planning two initial automation projects: a mailbox management automation and an invoicing automation initiative using ---------- to streamline workflows across our core operating systems, including Xero, Notion, MyTrucking, ChatGPT, and Xero.

The initial projects are intended to serve as foundational, production-grade automations designed to deliver immediate operational value while establishing scalable orchestration capability for future workflow initiatives across the business.

Role Overview
You will support the design, implementation, testing, and optimisation of multi-step operational automations using ---------- and related platforms.

Responsibilities will include:
• Mapping and documenting system-to-system workflows and data flows.
• Building, testing, and iterating automation scenarios within ---------- .
• Managing API integrations, payload handling, and JSON/data transformations.
• Advising on workflow structure, limitations, exception handling, monitoring, and optimisation.
• Conducting testing and validation in collaboration with internal stakeholders, applying sound reliability and security practices.
• Providing practical input on scalability, maintainability, and future automation opportunities across the business.
• Liaising closely with the Financial Controller, who will act as the primary process owner and workflow orchestrator.

Required Experience & Capability
Applicants should demonstrate proven experience operating within structured, deadline-driven operational or finance environments, including the following:

• Minimum 5 years’ proven experience working in workflow automation, systems integration, or related automation-focused roles.
• Proven, hands-on experience building and maintaining automation workflows within ---------- .
• Strong working knowledge of REST APIs, including testing and troubleshooting integrations (experience with Postman advantageous).
• Solid understanding of JSON structures, field mapping, data transformations, and webhook handling.
• Demonstrated experience working with complex operational and financial datasets.
• Experience operating within fast-moving, process-intensive environments, with the ability to quickly understand and adapt to operational workflows.
• Proven experience integrating OpenAI models into operational workflows, including practical working experience with the OpenAI platform and API environment.
• Proven experience working with Xero integrations, accounting systems, or comparable financial platforms such as QuickBooks.

Preferred Experience
• Experience working with New Zealand or Australian-based businesses.
• Experience working within SaaS, automation, or technology-focused businesses.
• Exposure to commercial operational environments, ideally within transport, logistics, or fleet-based industries.

Ways of Working
You’ll likely be a good fit if you:

• Are an independent, highly capable problem-solver.
• Are comfortable working with ambiguity and developing structure.
• Can translate operational requirements into practical, working solutions.
• Communicate clearly and pragmatically to ensure deliverables are met.
• Prefer building and delivering outcomes over theory.

Environment & Culture
We operate in a system-driven performance-based environment, with a culture that is:

• Practical and execution-focused
• Structured, with clear goals and task management
• Low bureaucracy, high ownership
• No micromanagement, autonomy is expected and respected

Required Equipment and Setup
• Quiet, distraction-free home office suitable for video calls and focused work.
• Desktop PC or laptop with minimum Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM (16GB preferred), Windows 10/11 compatibility, and a stable high-speed internet connection (minimum 10 Mbps upload/download).
• Dual monitors, or a laptop paired with an external monitor.
• Noise-cancelling headset for clear communication during virtual meetings where operating outside a fully quiet workspace.
• High-quality external or integrated webcam for video calls.
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) or generator ensuring at least 3 hours of operational uptime during outages.
• Secondary internet connection (e.g., mobile data or alternative wireless) for uninterrupted connectivity.

Next Steps
If you believe your experience and skillset are well aligned with this role, please provide:

• A brief introduction and your CV.
• Clear examples of API-driven ---------- automations you have built, including the business outcomes achieved.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial interview session for further discussion, including a walkthrough of relevant automation work they have personally implemented.