Automation Business Lead

Manchester
10 months ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Technical Director - CIO Level

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Controls Engineer

Warehouse Operative

Panel Wireman

Established international business who have experience high levels of success rapidly down to word of mouth are now looking to open a UK software house to support UK and EU projects. We need immediately a driven Engineer with good business sense who is also keen to hire and train their own team.

PCS7 OR PlantPax - Batch Process

Automation Business Lead

£55 - £85k + Performance Bonus, Sales Bonus, Referral Bonus, Site Payments

Option for car allowance post-probation

Salary is Negotiable with Experience & Bonus Structure

Options for Lower Base with Higher Bonus OR Higher Base with Lower Bonus

Bonus is Uncapped - expect to earn c£150k+

Home based - South West/West Midlands/North West

Office will be agreed on dependent on candidate location

Ref: 22345

A unique and exciting opportunity for a Lead Automation Engineer who is ready to take on the challenge of launching an established business into the UK. You will begin as the sole UK based Engineer with EU & International support, developing software for blue-chip customers in the FMCG sector alongside actively developing the business.

Automation Business Lead - The Role:

Design and program automation control system hardware and software which use Siemens DCS, PLC, HMI & SCADA
Develop technical documentation for control systems which may include functional safety, FEED studies, specification documents, high level and detailed design, test documents, and operations manuals
Engage with clients to understand technical needs and develop successful working relationships
Carry out installation and commissioning activities
Lead teams of workers, including other engineers and technicians
Must be able and willing to travel and work at overseas project sites 

Automation Business Lead - The Person:

Solid experience working with industrial automation systems
Experience in design and implementation of PLC Control Systems for variety of industry sectors (Food and beverage & Personal care).
Extensive knowledge of Siemens PLC's/HMI/SCADA specifically S7-300/400/1200/1500.
Strong ability to program EITHER PCS7 OR PlantPax for batch process systems
Safety systems including safety relays and safety PLCs.
Experience with Profibus, ProfiNet and Modbus communication protocols
Experience with building and troubleshooting LAN and WAN networks
Software specification and design in accordance with IEC 61508 / IEC 6151
Ability to develop technical documentation such as FDS, FAT/SAT, O&Ms
Good experience with whole project life cycle, from design, coding, testing, installation and on-site commissioning

We are keen to hear from candidates with contacts in the sector, with any sales and/or team management ability. This role is an excellent opportunity to play an active role in shaping an established business as they continue their success in the UK market.

Experience of batch process automation alongside either PCS7 OR PlantPax is ESSENTIAL to be considered for this key role. You will join a €200M t/o business whose success has been down to their ability to provide turnkey solutions for their customers, winning new business on word of mouth alone.

The role will begin as a home based position, with plans for a physical office within and around either the South West, the West of the West Midlands or the North West. We are seeking an Engineer who is either already within the area, or would relocate locally in the near future. Location will be settled upon depending on where the Lead Engineer resides. You must be flexible for c20-30% international travel as projects require. You must also be flexible to travel to the EU & China initially for training.

Once settled into the role, you will have the opportunity to take ownership of the recruitment and training of additional Control Engineers to build your own team. This is a highly successful and rapidly growing business.

We are very keen to talk to Engineers who have good contacts within the UK FMCG marketplace.

Performance related bonus, overseas travel allowances, paid overtime/TOIL (flex on applicant's needs) and pension are all provided. Potential for additional car allowance post-probation.

For further information call Sarah Clarke

AE1

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

New Robotics Employers to Watch in 2026: UK and Global Companies Transforming Automation Careers

Robotics is moving rapidly from factory floors into healthcare, logistics, agriculture, autonomous systems, and consumer products. As automation becomes embedded in everyday life, companies are investing in robots that operate alongside humans, analyse environments in real time, and learn from data. In 2026, demand for robotics engineers, software developers, system integrators, and AI specialists continues to surge. For professionals exploring opportunities on www.RoboticsJobs.co.uk , understanding the employers that are scaling, winning contracts, securing investment, or expanding into the UK market is crucial. This article highlights top robotics employers to watch in 2026, spanning innovative startups, high‑growth scale‑ups, and established global technology leaders with strong UK presence.

How Many Robotics Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Robotics Job?

If you’re pursuing a career in robotics, it can feel like the list of tools you should learn never ends. One job advert asks for ROS, another mentions Gazebo, another wants experience with Python, Linux, C++, RobotStudio, MATLAB/Simulink, perception stacks, control frameworks, real-time OS, vision libraries — and that’s just scratching the surface. With so many frameworks, languages and platforms, it’s no wonder robotics job seekers feel overwhelmed. But here’s the honest truth most recruiters won’t say explicitly: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool — they hire you because you can apply the right tools to solve real robotics problems reliably and explain your reasoning clearly. Tools matter — but only in service of outcomes. So the real question isn’t how many tools you should know, but which tools you should master and why. For most robotics roles, the answer is significantly fewer — and far more focused — than you might assume. This article breaks down what employers really expect, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to focus your learning so you look capable, confident, and ready to contribute from day one.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Robotics Job Applications (UK Guide)

Robotics is one of the most dynamic, interdisciplinary fields in technology — blending mechanical systems, embedded software, controls, perception (AI/vision), modelling, simulation and systems integration. Hiring managers in this space are highly selective because robotics teams need people who can solve real-world problems under constraints, work across disciplines, and deliver safe, reliable systems. And here’s the reality: hiring managers do not read every word of your CV. Like in many tech domains, they scan quickly — often forming a judgement in the first 10–20 seconds. In robotics, those first signals are especially important because the work is complex and there’s a wide range of candidate backgrounds. This guide unpacks exactly what hiring managers look for first in robotics applications and how to optimise your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you stand out in the UK market.