Automation Manager

John Charles Search; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Car / Car Allowance

Pension

Healthcare

Phone & Laptop provided

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency seeks a Controls Manager to guide controls engineering strategy for automation projects in the UK. The role involves mentoring a team of engineers and ensuring compliance with safety standards while overseeing system design and integration. The ideal candidate has substantial experience in warehouse automation, strong leadership skills, and the ability to resolve complex engineering challenges. This full-time position offers a competitive package and is located in the UK.

Qualifications

• Proven background in controls engineering within warehouse automation or robotics.
• Strong experience with PLC/SCADA platforms.
• Hands-on commissioning experience with automated systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the controls engineering team.
• Oversee system architecture and safety compliance.
• Collaborate with mechanical and software teams for project execution.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to support seamless project execution.
• Drive continuous improvement in controls strategy, standardisation, and system optimisation.
• Act as a technical authority during customer meetings, design reviews, and onsite commissioning activities.

Skills

Controls engineering

PLC/SCADA platforms (Siemens, Allen‑Bradley, Beckhoff, Mitsubishi)

Team management

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Job description

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Base pay range

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John Charles Search has been retained on an exclusive basis by a global leader in warehouse automation and material‑handling technologies to identify a Controls Manager who will lead controls strategy and project delivery across UK automation operations.

Package:

Bonus: 10% (performance-based)

Benefits: Car / Car Allowance, Pension, Healthcare, Phone & Laptop provided

The Role:

As the Controls Manager, you will lead all aspects of controls engineering across multiple automation projects, from concept development through commissioning.

You’ll oversee a growing team of controls engineers, ensuring robust system design, safety compliance, and seamless integration of PLC, SCADA, and motion systems within complex automated environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, develop, and mentor the controls engineering team across multiple UK projects.
• Oversee system architecture, PLC programming standards, safety compliance, and commissioning processes.
• Ensure high‑quality delivery of control systems for conveyors, sortation, AS/RS, and robotic automation solutions.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to support seamless project execution.
• Drive continuous improvement in controls strategy, standardisation, and system optimisation.
• Act as a technical authority during customer meetings, design reviews, and onsite commissioning activities.

About You:

• Proven background in controls engineering within warehouse automation, conveyor systems, robotics, or material handling.
• Strong experience with PLC/SCADA platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen‑Bradley, Beckhoff, Mitsubishi).
• Hands‑on commissioning experience with automated warehouse or logistics systems.
• Demonstrated leadership ability—team management or project lead experience is strongly preferred.
• Excellent problem‑solving and communication skills, with the capability to engage confidently with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Structured, proactive, and able to drive projects to completion within a fast‑paced engineering environment.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Management and Engineering

Industries

Warehousing and Storage, Automation Machinery Manufacturing