Senior Automation Manager

Michael Page; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus and benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking a Senior Automation Manager based in Manchester to lead automation, controls, and digitalisation initiatives across manufacturing operations.

The role is a key leadership position responsible for reliability, performance, and future development of control systems, while driving operational excellence, productivity improvements, and cost reduction through innovative automation solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the site's automation and controls strategy aligned with business goals.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of automation and controls engineers.
• Manage automation projects from concept through design, commissioning, and handover.
• Ensure optimal performance and reliability of PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, and industrial network systems.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, efficiency gains, and manufacturing innovation.
• Support troubleshooting and root cause analysis of complex control system issues.
• Drive Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing, and smart factory technologies.

Job description

Senior Automation Manager role based in Manchester. Working for an industry leading manufacturing company.

Client Details

Our client is a growing manufacturing company based in Manchester.

Description

We are seeking an experienced and driven Senior Automation Manager to lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automation, controls, and industrial digitalisation initiatives across our manufacturing operations.

This is a key leadership position responsible for ensuring the reliability, performance, and future development of our manufacturing control systems, while driving operational excellence, productivity improvements, quality enhancement, and cost reduction through innovative automation solutions.

The successful candidate will lead a team of engineers and technicians, manage capital automation projects, and work closely with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to support business objectives with automation engineering practices.

• Develop and execute the site's automation and controls strategy aligned with business goals.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of automation and controls engineers.
• Manage automation projects from concept through design, commissioning, and handover.
• Ensure optimal performance and reliability of PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, and industrial network systems.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, efficiency gains, and manufacturing innovation.
• Support troubleshooting and root cause analysis of complex control system issues.
• Drive implementation of Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing, and smart factory technologies.
• Manage relationships with system integrators, contractors, and equipment suppliers.
• Develop and maintain controls standards, documentation, and engineering best practices.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Support capital investment planning and budget management for automation projects.
• Lead cybersecurity initiatives relating to operational technology (OT) systems.
• Monitor emerging technologies and recommend solutions that enhance operational performance.

Profile

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in an automation, controls, or industrial engineering role within a manufacturing environment.
• Previous leadership or management experience in this role.
• Strong knowledge of PLC programming, preferably Siemens, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, or Mitsubishi platforms.
• Experience with HMI, SCADA, DCS, and industrial communication protocols.
• Proven track record of delivering automation and continuous improvement projects.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and operational excellence methodologies.
• Experience with industrial networking, OT infrastructure, and cybersecurity principles.
• Strong project management and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical capabilities.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of robotics, machine vision, automated material handling, or warehouse automation.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement qualifications.
• Experience implementing Industry 4.0 technologies and data-driven manufacturing solutions.
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards professional accreditation.

Job Offer

£80,000 to £100,000 depending on current salary and experience, plus bonus and benefits

About You

You are a proactive and commercially minded engineering leader who is passionate about automation and manufacturing excellence. You combine strong technical expertise with excellent leadership skills and enjoy delivering innovative solutions that improve productivity, quality, safety, and operational performance.