Controls Engineering Manager

Mpac Group PLC; Tadcaster; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automation solutions provider in Tadcaster seeks a Controls Engineering Manager to lead and manage both electrical and software engineering teams. The role includes planning resources, ensuring delivery of quality engineering outputs, and driving performance improvements. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in managing cross-disciplinary teams, along with strong backgrounds in electrical systems design and PLC programming. The position offers a dynamic work environment focused on innovation and collaboration.

Benefits

Collaborative work culture

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading Electrical and Software Engineering teams within industrial automation.
• Strong background in electrical systems design and motion control.
• Experience managing cross-disciplinary engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage both Electrical and Software Engineering teams.
• Monitor departmental utilisation and balance workloads.
• Ensure engineering teams maintain compliance with standards.

Skills

Leadership in Electrical Engineering

Software Engineering Management

Electrical Systems Design

PLC Programming

HMI Development

Risk Management

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Controls Engineering

Software Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Siemens TIA Portal

Microsoft Project

Job description

To lead and manage the Controls Engineering department, overseeing both electrical and software engineering teams, by planning and allocating resources, ensuring the delivery of high-quality engineering outputs, and driving the performance, efficiency, and continuous improvement of the team. The role ensures that projects are properly supported, milestones are achieved, engineering standards are upheld, and departmental performance metrics, including utilisation, quality, and process adherence, are monitored and improved. Working closely with Project Management and Mechanical leadership, the Controls Engineering Manager ensures strong cross-functional alignment and contributes to the successful delivery of organisational strategic initiatives.

Department Responsibilities

• Lead and manage both Electrical and Software Engineering teams, providing strategic direction, resource planning, performance monitoring, and operational management.
• Allocate resources effectively across both the Electrical and Software engineering teams, ensuring capacity is aligned with project needs and skill sets are utilised efficiently.
• Monitor departmental utilisation, balancing workloads across teams, identifying capacity constraints, and optimising resource deployment to ensure projects are completed on time.
• Drive the improvement of engineering processes, from design to implementation, ensuring that electrical and software teams follow established best practices, adhere to regulatory standards, and deliver high-quality outputs.
• Ensure that engineering teams maintain a focus on functional safety, compliance with relevant standards (e.g., IEC, ISO, CE), and proper documentation of designs, test procedures, and commissioning activities.
• Oversee the management of electrical and software non-conformances and cost-of-poor-quality (COPQ), ensuring timely corrective actions are taken and root-cause analysis is completed.
• Support pre-sales process by reviewing and optimising lead times for prospective projects.
• Lead the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives within the department to improve engineering practices, efficiency, and quality.
• Foster a high-performing, collaborative team culture, providing mentorship and leadership to Controls and Software Team Leaders to support their development and that of their teams.

Project & Delivery Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Project Responsible Engineers (PREs) to ensure project milestones, engineering plans, and resource allocation are aligned with project requirements.
• Monitor and ensure timely delivery of electrical and software engineering components to meet project timelines and milestones.
• Work closely with Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, and Controls teams to ensure integrated delivery and seamless coordination across all engineering functions.
• Provide technical leadership and decision-making in the resolution of complex engineering problems, ensuring that all electrical and software issues are addressed quickly and effectively.
• Work with the team to track and manage project risks, resource constraints, and changes to scope, ensuring that any challenges are escalated and managed appropriately.
• Collaborate with the Project Management team to ensure that electrical and software engineering outputs are integrated within the overall project schedule, with clear visibility and communication of progress.
• Oversee and support the commissioning, FAT, SAT, and handover phases of projects, ensuring that electrical and software deliverables meet customer specifications and compliance requirements.
• Provide clear, accurate, and timely updates on departmental performance, project progress, and utilisation to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading or managing Electrical and Software Engineering teams within an industrial automation or complex engineered systems environment.
• Strong background in electrical systems design, PLC programming, HMI development, and motion control for automation or machinery.
• Extensive experience managing cross-disciplinary engineering teams, including both electrical and software engineers, and aligning their work to meet project objectives.
• Demonstrable ability to allocate resources effectively, manage workloads, and monitor team performance to achieve project milestones and departmental goals.
• Strong understanding of engineering governance, functional safety, and relevant regulatory standards (e.g., IEC 61131-3, ISO 13849, IEC 62061, CE marking).
• Experience with departmental performance management, including tracking utilisation, non-conformances, and cost-of-poor-quality metrics.
• Proven ability to drive continuous improvement and implement best practices within engineering teams.
• Strong problem-solving, risk management, and decision-making capabilities in a fast-paced project environment.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Extensive experience in PLC programming, HMI development, motion control, and safety system design for industrial applications.
• Familiarity with electrical design software tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN) and software development platforms for automation (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000, Beckhoff).
• Strong understanding of relevant engineering standards, such as IEC 61131-3 (PLC programming), IEC 60204 (electrical safety), and ISO/EN standards for automation equipment.
• Proficient in using version control systems for software development and configuration management.
• Competence in using project management and reporting tools to track departmental performance, resource allocation, and project progress (e.g., Jira, Microsoft Project).

Mpac is a global leader in automation and packaging solutions, known for combining advanced engineering with a people-focused, collaborative culture. With over a century of innovation, the company designs and supports integrated automation systems that help customers stay competitive across industries such as food, beverage, healthcare, and clean energy.