Controls​/Automation Manager

Controls / Automation Manager (PLC) – Hybrid (Gatwick) – £50,000–£80,000

Location:

Gatwick (Hybrid working)
Salary: £60,000–£90,000 + package (DOE)
Type:
Permanent

Overview

We’re recruiting a Controls / Automation Manager to lead the design and delivery of control systems for industrial engineering applications. This role suits a hands-on controls professional with strong PLC experience and proven capability managing automation projects end-to-end.

A key requirement is experience working with controls that interface with piping systems and/or hydraulic or pneumatic systems. The successful candidate will understand how controls interact with fluid/air power systems and be confident collaborating with mechanical/process engineering stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead controls/automation delivery across projects from concept through commissioning

* Develop and support PLC-based control systems (platform agnostic – any PLC background considered)

* Produce/own control documentation including control philosophy, functional specs and testing plans

* Oversee integration of instrumentation, valves/actuators, panels and field devices

* Lead commissioning, troubleshooting, optimisation and continuous improvement

* Manage stakeholders (internal teams, suppliers, contractors) and ensure delivery to time/cost/quality

Essential Experience / Skills

* Strong hands-on PLC controls experience (any platform considered)

* Proven experience leading automation/control projects (technical lead / manager / project owner level)

* Experience with at least one of the following is essential:

* Piping systems (e.g., valves, actuators, flow/pressure control, instrumentation, pipework packages), and/or

* Hydraulic systems (e.g., pumps, manifolds, cylinders, pressure control, proportional valves), and/or

* Pneumatic systems (e.g., compressors, FRLs, pneumatic valves, actuators, air systems)

* Strong fault-finding skills and commissioning exposure

Desirable (nice to have)

* HMI/SCADA experience

* Experience managing small teams / vendors / subcontractors

* Electrical controls design exposure (panel design input, I/O, schematics)

What’s on Offer

* £60,000–£90,000 salary depending on experience

* Hybrid working, office base in Gatwick

* Varied projects and a leadership role with genuine ownership