Electrical Controls Engineering Manager

Please note that 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 across state-of-the-art production facilities

Role Responsibilities - Electrical Controls Engineering Manager

Lead and develop Controls Engineers across sites in Bedfordhsire & 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 and continuous improvement initiatives
Train and mentor site teams on PLC fault finding and control system optimisation

Role Requirements - Electrical Controls Engineering Manager

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 ideal
Excellent communication, analytical, and leadership skills
Confident in writing PLC/HMI code and using AutoCAD.
Strong electrical knowledge with a focus on safety and compliance.
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.