At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead automation projects and drive innovation in manufacturing processes.
- Company: Industry-leading manufacturing company based in Manchester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of manufacturing with cutting-edge automation and digitalisation.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and significant experience in automation roles.
We are seeking an experienced and driven Senior Automation Manager to lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automation, controls, and industrial digitalisation initiatives across our manufacturing operations. This is a key leadership position responsible for ensuring the reliability, performance, and future development of our manufacturing control systems, while driving operational excellence, productivity improvements, quality enhancement, and cost reduction through innovative automation solutions.
The successful candidate will lead a team of engineers and technicians, manage capital automation projects, and work closely with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to support business objectives with automation engineering practices.
- Develop and execute the site's automation and controls strategy aligned with business goals.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of automation and controls engineers.
- Manage automation projects from concept through design, commissioning, and handover.
- Ensure optimal performance and reliability of PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, and industrial network systems.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement, efficiency gains, and manufacturing innovation.
- Support troubleshooting and root cause analysis of complex control system issues.
- Drive implementation of Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing, and smart factory technologies.
- Manage relationships with system integrators, contractors, and equipment suppliers.
- Develop and maintain controls standards, documentation, and engineering best practices.
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
- Support capital investment planning and budget management for automation projects.
- Lead cybersecurity initiatives relating to operational technology (OT) systems.
- Monitor emerging technologies and recommend solutions that enhance operational performance.
Required Skills & Experience
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
- Significant experience in an automation, controls, or industrial engineering role within a manufacturing environment.
- Previous leadership or management experience in this role.
- Strong knowledge of PLC programming, preferably Siemens, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, or Mitsubishi platforms.
- Experience with HMI, SCADA, DCS, and industrial communication protocols.
- Proven track record of delivering automation and continuous improvement projects.
- Understanding of manufacturing processes and operational excellence methodologies.
- Experience with industrial networking, OT infrastructure, and cybersecurity principles.
- Strong project management and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
Desirable Experience
- Experience within high-volume manufacturing environments.
- Knowledge of robotics, machine vision, automated material handling, or warehouse automation.
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement qualifications.
- Experience implementing Industry 4.0 technologies and data-driven manufacturing solutions.
- Chartered Engineer status or working towards professional accreditation.
Job Offer
£80,000 to £100,000 depending on current salary and experience, plus bonus and benefits.
About You
You are a proactive and commercially minded engineering leader who is passionate about automation and manufacturing excellence. You combine strong technical expertise with excellent leadership skills and enjoy delivering innovative solutions that improve productivity, quality, safety, and operational performance.
If you are ready to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of manufacturing through automation and digitalisation, we would love to hear from you.
Senior Automation Manager in Manchester employer: Michael Page
At Michael Page, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions community impact through our Social Value Lead role. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful difference in the property industry. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive salaries and a commitment to employee well-being, ensuring that you thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Automation Manager in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Michael Page!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Senior Automation Manager position at Michael Page, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Michael Page is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Senior Automation Manager role at Michael Page!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Automation Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Michael Page and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Michael Page.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Michael Page, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
