Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead controls engineering for innovative automation projects across the UK.
- Company: Global leader in warehouse automation and material-handling technologies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, car allowance, healthcare, and tech perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in automation while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in controls engineering and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.
John Charles Search has been retained on an exclusive basis by a global leader in warehouse automation and material-handling technologies to identify a Controls Manager who will lead controls strategy and project delivery across UK automation operations.
Package:
- Base Salary: £80,000 – £90,000
- Bonus: 10% (performance-based)
- Benefits: Car / Car Allowance, Pension, Healthcare, Phone & Laptop provided
The Role:
As the Controls Manager, you will lead all aspects of controls engineering across multiple automation projects, from concept development through commissioning. You’ll oversee a growing team of controls engineers, ensuring robust system design, safety compliance, and seamless integration of PLC, SCADA, and motion systems within complex automated environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, develop, and mentor the controls engineering team across multiple UK projects.
- Oversee system architecture, PLC programming standards, safety compliance, and commissioning processes.
- Ensure high-quality delivery of control systems for conveyors, sortation, AS/RS, and robotic automation solutions.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to support seamless project execution.
- Drive continuous improvement in controls strategy, standardisation, and system optimisation.
- Act as a technical authority during customer meetings, design reviews, and onsite commissioning activities.
About You:
- Proven background in controls engineering within warehouse automation, conveyor systems, robotics, or material handling.
- Strong experience with PLC/SCADA platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, Mitsubishi).
- Hands-on commissioning experience with automated warehouse or logistics systems.
- Demonstrated leadership ability—team management or project lead experience is strongly preferred.
- Excellent problem-solving and communication skills, with the capability to engage confidently with customers and internal stakeholders.
- Structured, proactive, and able to drive projects to completion within a fast-paced engineering environment.
Automation Manager in England employer: John Charles Search
Contact Detail:
John Charles Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Manager in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate—demonstrate your passion for warehouse automation and how your skills align with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience with PLC/SCADA systems and how you've led teams in past projects. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm for joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Automation Manager role. Highlight your experience in controls engineering and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about warehouse automation and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal, so we can get to know you better.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've mentored others or driven projects to success. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and guide their teams!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Charles Search
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PLC and SCADA platforms, especially the ones mentioned in the job description like Siemens and Allen-Bradley. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these technologies, as this will show your hands-on experience and technical authority.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership abilities, particularly in managing teams or leading projects. Think about times when you mentored others or drove a project to completion, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead the controls engineering team effectively.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the company’s approach to warehouse automation and material handling technologies. Being able to articulate how your experience aligns with their goals will not only impress them but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to face some technical problem-solving questions during the interview. Brush up on common challenges in controls engineering and think through how you would tackle them. This will showcase your analytical skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.