Automation Manager

ODIN RECRUITMENT GROUP LIMITED; Bolton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Holiday benefits

Training & development

Career progression

Job summary

ODIN RECRUITMENT GROUP LIMITED is seeking an Automation Manager to lead the automation and controls function across multiple projects in a technically focused environment. The role covers PLC software, robotics, vision, motion control and machine automation.

You will work closely with project, electrical and mechanical teams, customers and suppliers to ensure safe, efficient project delivery and high technical standards.

Qualifications

• Senior automation/controls or software engineering experience in industrial automation/machine-building.
• Strong PLC programming across Siemens and Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Experience leading automation projects or teams.
• Exposure to robotics, vision systems and motion control.
• Engineering qualification (HNC/HND/BEng) or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the automation and controls function across multiple projects.
• Own automation software development and control system architecture.
• Develop and maintain PLC software on Siemens/Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Provide technical leadership across PLC, HMI/SCADA, robotics, vision and motion control.
• Ensure designs meet safety standards and project specifications.
• Mentor automation team and coordinate with project mechanical/electrical teams.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes and documentation.

Skills

Senior automation leadership

PLC programming

Ladder logic

Structured text

HMI/SCADA

Robotics integration

Vision systems

Motion control

Project leadership

Education

HNC/HND/BEng or equivalent

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

ABB robotics

KUKA robotics

FANUC robotics

Yaskawa robotics

Keyence vision

Wenglor vision

Job description

Automation Manager

Our client is a well-established and technically focused industrial automation company specialising in the design, development and delivery of bespoke automated machinery and control systems.

We are looking for an experienced Automation Manager to lead the automation and controls function across a varied portfolio of industrial automation projects.

This is a senior technical and leadership position, responsible for providing direction across PLC software, robotics, vision, motion control and machine automation. You will work closely with project, electrical and mechanical engineering teams, customers and suppliers to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high technical standard.

The company's control platforms are predominantly Siemens and Allen-Bradley, with robotics from ABB, KUKA, FANUC and Yaskawa, and vision systems predominantly from Keyence and Wenglor.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the automation and controls engineering function across multiple projects.
• Take technical ownership of automation software development and control system architecture.
• Develop, review and maintain PLC software using Siemens and Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Establish and maintain software standards, programming practices, reusable libraries and engineering procedures.
• Provide technical leadership across PLC, HMI/SCADA, robotics, vision, motion control and industrial communications.
• Support the integration of industrial robots including ABB, KUKA, FANUC and Yaskawa.
• Oversee the integration and development of industrial vision systems, predominantly Keyence and Wenglor.
• Provide technical leadership on advanced automation applications, including specialist robotic systems and bin-picking applications.
• Ensure automation designs meet project specifications, customer requirements and relevant safety standards.
• Produce and review functional specifications, software design documentation, test procedures and commissioning documentation.
• Plan and oversee software testing, system integration, FAT, SAT and site commissioning activities.
• Work closely with project managers, mechanical and electrical engineering teams to coordinate project delivery.
• Liaise directly with customers and suppliers on technical matters, providing solutions and resolving issues throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support engineers with complex technical problems and provide mentoring and development to the automation team.
• Manage priorities, resources and engineering workloads to ensure projects are delivered on time and to the required standard.
• Drive continuous improvement across automation engineering processes, software quality, documentation and project delivery.
• Identify new technologies and opportunities to improve the company's automation capabilities.

What Youll Bring

• Proven experience in a senior automation, controls or software engineering role within an industrial automation or machine-building environment.
• Strong PLC programming experience, ideally across both Siemens and Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Strong understanding of PLC programming principles, including Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems and industrial communication networks.
• Strong practical understanding of machine control, sequencing, fault handling, diagnostics and commissioning.
• Experience leading automation projects or providing technical leadership to a controls/automation team.
• Industrial robotics experience would be highly advantageous, particularly with ABB, KUKA, FANUC or Yaskawa.
• Experience with industrial vision systems, particularly Keyence and/or Wenglor, would be advantageous.
• Experience with servo systems, motion control, drives and automated material handling.
• Experience integrating multiple automation technologies into complete automated machines or production systems.
• Exposure to specialist robotic applications such as bin picking would be advantageous.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to engineering, testing and commissioning.
• Ability to interpret electrical drawings and work effectively with mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively with engineers, project managers, customers and suppliers.
• Strong technical documentation and software development practices.
• Relevant engineering qualification such as HNC, HND, BEng or equivalent industry experience.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to customer sites when required.

Whats on Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience and technical capability.
• The opportunity to lead the automation function within a growing and technically focused engineering business.
• A varied project portfolio involving bespoke industrial automation, robotics and machine vision.
• Exposure to leading automation technologies including Siemens, Allen-Bradley, ABB, KUKA, FANUC, Yaskawa, Keyence and Wenglor.
• The opportunity to influence automation standards, engineering processes and future technology development.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Opportunities for career progression and increased technical and management responsibility.
• A collaborative and technically driven engineering environment.
• Company pension and holiday benefits.
• Regular opportunities to work on challenging, bespoke automation projects for a range of industrial customers.