Automation Manager

Odin Recruitment Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Odin Recruitment Group is seeking an Automation Manager to lead the automation and controls function across a portfolio of industrial automation projects in the UK. The role requires senior technical leadership across PLC software, robotics, vision, motion control and machine automation, working with Siemens and Allen-Bradley platforms.

You will collaborate with project, electrical and mechanical engineering teams, customers and suppliers to ensure safe, efficient and high-quality project

Qualifications

• Proven senior automation/controls or software engineering experience in industrial automation.
• Strong PLC programming across Siemens and Allen-Bradley platforms.
• HMI/SCADA systems and industrial networks knowledge.
• Experience leading automation projects and teams.
• Robotics experience with ABB/KUKA/FANUC or Yaskawa is advantageous.
• Vision system experience with Keyence or Wenglor is advantageous.
• Ability to interpret electrical drawings and work with multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the automation and controls engineering function across multiple projects.
• Own automation software development and control system architecture.
• Develop and maintain PLC software using Siemens and Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Set software standards, practices, and reusable libraries.
• Provide technical leadership across PLC, HMI/SCADA, robotics, vision and motion control.
• Support robotics integrations (ABB, KUKA, FANUC, Yaskawa).
• Oversee vision systems from Keyence and Wenglor and system commissioning.
• Ensure designs meet specifications, safety standards and customer needs.
• Produce design docs, tests, FAT/SAT and commissioning plans.
• Coordinate with project managers and other engineering disciplines.

Skills

Senior automation leadership

PLC programming

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI/SCADA

Industrial robotics

Industrial vision systems

Project management

Technical mentoring

Education

Engineering qualification (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.
• 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.

What You’ll 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.
• 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