Controls Engineering Manager

WHD; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading controls and automation company in the UK is seeking a Controls Manager. This role involves design, implementation, and optimization of control systems. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in controls engineering and project management, leading a team to ensure efficiency and compliance. Responsibilities include supervising engineers, managing projects, and collaborating with various teams to develop integrated automation solutions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in controls engineering or automation.
• At least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Strong experience with PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and troubleshooting of automation systems.
• Manage controls projects from concept to completion.
• Supervise and mentor controls engineers and technicians.

Skills

Controls Engineering

Automation Systems

Leadership

Project Management

PLC Programming

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

SCADA systems

Job description

Job Purpose

The Controls Manager is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of control systems and automation processes. They lead a team of controls engineers and technicians to ensure operational efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement of control systems across the facility or projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, programming, and troubleshooting of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and other automation systems.
• Manage controls projects from concept to completion, including scheduling, budgeting, and reporting.
• Ensure all control systems comply with applicable regulations, safety standards, and internal policies.
• Supervise, mentor, and support controls engineers and technicians.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams (e.g., mechanical, electrical, IT, production) to deliver integrated automation solutions.
• Oversee documentation of control systems including schematics, IO lists, and SOPs.
• Analyze system performance and recommend/implement improvements.
• Support maintenance teams with troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
• Manage vendor relationships and review technical specifications for new equipment.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies in controls and automation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in controls engineering or automation, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Strong experience with PLCs (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens), HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Knowledge of industrial networking (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus).
• Proficient in interpreting electrical and control schematics.
• Familiarity with safety and compliance standards (e.g., NFPA 70E, OSHA, ISO).