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)
• Hydraulic systems (e.g., pumps, manifolds, cylinders, pressure control, proportional valves)
• 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