Controls Manager

We are looking for a highly skilled Controls Manager to lead and support a team of engineers in delivering complex industrial automation projects. This role is ideal for an experienced controls engineer who has strong technical expertise in PLC and HMI programming, industrial communication networks, and commissioning, combined with leadership and project management skills.
Key Responsibilities as Controls Manager:
Technical Leadership & Project Management

• Oversee the engineering delivery of industrial automation projects, ensuring compliance with project lead times and industry standards.
  
• Work closely with project management teams to prepare and maintain technical documentation, including functional design specifications (FDS) and test procedures.
  
• Refine and ensure software standards are met for Siemens TIA Portal and Allen Bradley Studio 5000 PLC systems, maintaining consistency and reliability in project execution.
  
• Review, develop, and test safety-critical software in accordance with BS-EN13849 standards.
  
• Conduct Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) to verify system performance before deployment.
  
• Ensure all bespoke control software is fully tested and optimised before commissioning.
  Team Leadership & Resource Management
  
• Manage a team of more than 10 engineers, allocating resources effectively to ensure project success.
  
• Provide guidance and mentorship to the controls team, fostering professional growth and technical development.
  
• Support engineers working onsite, conducting regular progress checks and ensuring commissioning tasks are completed to a high standard.
  
• Act as 2nd line support for the service department, coordinating engineers for onsite troubleshooting and technical support.
  Onsite Commissioning & Client Interaction
  
• Lead onsite commissioning activities, including:
  
  • Conveyor control system integration.
    
  • Machine interfaces and sequential logic setup.
    
  • Safety controller programming for machine safety compliance.
    
  • Drive configuration & motor control (including servo control).
    
• Maintain strong communication with clients, providing updates, resolving issues, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
  
• Travel within the UK for site visits, client meetings, and commissioning work. Overnight stays will be covered by the employer when required.
  Essential Requirements as Controls Manager:
  Technical Expertise
  
• Industry experience in Warehousing, Logistics or Automation.
  
• Extensive experience with Siemens TIA Portal and/or Allen Bradley Studio 5000 PLC platforms.
  
• Strong knowledge of PLC programming (Ladder Logic, STL, SCL), including the use of:
  
  • Function Blocks (FBs) and Add-On Instructions (AOIs).
    
  • Function Calls and Routines.
    
  • Data Blocks (Siemens).
    
• Proficiency in HMI screen development design, ensuring user-friendly operator interfaces.
  
• In-depth understanding of industrial communication networks, including Profinet, Ethernet, and Profibus.
  Qualifications & Additional Requirements
  
• Minimum Level 5 qualification in Electrical Engineering, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science.
  
• Full UK driving license
  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to provide technical analysis and feedback in daily reports.
  Why Join as Controls Manager?
  Basic salary starting at 80,000 (negotiable depending on experience)
  Flexible / Hybrid working options Lead a team of skilled engineers on high-profile industrial automation projects.
  Varied and dynamic role, combining technical expertise with management responsibilities
  .Excellent career development opportunities within a growing and innovative company.
  Fully covered travel and accommodation for required onsite work.
  Apply now to take the next step in your career as a Controls Manager