Automation jobs in United Kingdom

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

Note: 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

• Lead and develop Controls Engineers across sites in Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire
• This is a hands-on, technically engaging role where your leadership will directly influence 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

• 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
• 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 a 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.

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