Electrical Controls Engineering Manager

Omega Resource Group; Newport Pagnell; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering recruitment agency seeks an Electrical Controls Engineering Manager to lead multi-site controls strategy within a fast-moving manufacturing environment. This role offers autonomy in shaping best practice while managing automation projects from concept to commissioning. Candidates should have strong PLC programming skills, an engineering degree, and experience in automation and electrical systems. The position is based in the UK, with a salary of £70-80k plus benefits.

Benefits

Bonus and package

Company car

Qualifications

• Proven track record in PLC/HMI programming, AC drives, and control system design.
• Strong electrical and automation background from FMCG or similar high-speed production.
• Experience managing contractors and multi-disciplinary project teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Controls Engineers across sites in Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire.
• Manage automation, PLC, and electrical design projects from concept to commissioning.
• Implement robust control systems and ensure standardisation across sites.

Skills

PLC/HMI programming

AC drives

Control system design

Excellent communication skills

Analytical skills

Leadership skills

Education

HNC/Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Electrical Controls Engineering Manager

Job Title: Electrical Controls Engineering Manager

Department: Central Engineering - Automation & Electrical Systems

Reporting to: UK Head of Engineering

Location: Buckinghamshire & Bedfordshire area, some hybrid

Job Reward: £70 - 80k plus car, Bonus and Package

Hours: Monday to Friday

Please note that this client does not offer Visa sponsorship. Only candidates with full Right to Work in the UK and relevant experience for this role will be considered.

The successful candidate must also have a full UK driving license with access to their own vehicle.

Are you an experienced Electrical Controls or Automation Engineering Leader? Ready to lead multi-site control systems strategy within a fast-moving manufacturing environment? Are you still a hands‑on programmer? A Controls & Automation Lead ready to take your next step?

We're supporting a market‑leading global manufacturer, investing heavily in automation and digital transformation.

This newly created role will encourage you to coach and empower a team of Controls Engineers across two sites, driving reliability, optimisation, and innovation across highly automated production lines.

Are you a proven Controls Engineering leader ready to shape the automation strategy for a high‑performing manufacturing group?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a multi-site controls function - driving innovation, reliability, and optimisation.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Controls Engineers across sites in Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire
• Hands‑on, technically engaging role where leadership directly influences uptime, performance, and safety across highly automated manufacturing lines
• Manage automation, PLC, and electrical design projects from concept to commissioning
• Develop and deliver long‑term reliability, risk, and asset integrity strategies
• Manage all electrical and control changes—from small‑scale modifications to projects
• Implement robust control systems and ensure standardisation across sites
• Drive troubleshooting, root‑cause analysis, and practical solutions to improve reliability
• Manage PLC and control component inventory, promoting consistency and cost efficiency
• Train and mentor site engineers on PLC fault finding and control systems understanding
• Troubleshoot, analyse, and resolve complex control issues
• Drive standardisation of control components and systems across sites
• Support major capital projects
• Train and mentor site teams on PLC fault finding and control system optimisation

Role Requirements

• HNC/Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience
• Proven track record in PLC/HMI programming, AC drives, and control system design
• Strong electrical and automation background – ideally from FMCG, or similar high‑speed production, time‑sensitive and complex manufacturing ideal
• Excellent communication, analytical, and leadership skills
• Confident in writing PLC/HMI code and using AutoCAD
• Experienced in managing contractors and multi‑disciplinary project teams
• A natural problem solver with strong communication and stakeholder management skills

This is a key leadership position within a major international manufacturing group investing heavily in automation, technology, and people development.

You’ll enjoy real influence, autonomy to shape best practice, and the satisfaction of seeing your work translate into tangible operational improvements.

Candidate who are Controls Engineering Manager, Automation & Controls Manager, Electrical Engineering Manager, Automation Systems Engineering Manager, PLC & Controls Manager, Engineering Projects & Automation Manager, Factory Automation Manager, Electrical & Automation Maintenance Manager or Industrial Automation Manager may also be suitable for this role.

Omega is an employment agency specialising in opportunities at all levels within the Engineering, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Automotive, Electronics, Defence, Scientific, Energy & Renewables and Tech sectors.