Job Description:

Automation Manager

Our client is a well-established and technically focused industrial automation company specialising in the design, development and delivery of bespoke automated machinery and control systems.

We are looking for an experienced Automation Manager to lead the automation and controls function across a varied portfolio of industrial automation projects.

This is a senior technical and leadership position, responsible for providing direction across PLC software, robotics, vision, motion control and machine automation. You will work closely with project, electrical and mechanical engineering teams, customers and suppliers to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high technical standard.

The company's control platforms are predominantly Siemens and Allen-Bradley, with robotics from ABB, KUKA, FANUC and Yaskawa, and vision systems predominantly from Keyence and Wenglor.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the automation and controls engineering function across multiple projects.
• Take technical ownership of automation software development and control system architecture.
• Develop, review and maintain PLC software using Siemens and Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Establish and maintain software standards, programming practices, reusable libraries and engineering procedures.
• Provide technical leadership across PLC, HMI/SCADA, robotics, vision, motion control and industrial communications.
• Support the integration of industrial robots including ABB, KUKA, FANUC and Yaskawa.
• Oversee the integration and development of industrial vision systems, predominantly Keyence and Wenglor.
• Ensure automation designs meet project specifications, customer requirements and relevant safety standards.
• Produce and review functional specifications, software design documentation, test procedures and commissioning documentation.
• Plan and oversee software testing, system integration, FAT, SAT and site commissioning activities.
• Work closely with project managers, mechanical and electrical engineering teams to coordinate project delivery.
• Liaise directly with customers and suppliers on technical matters, providing solutions and resolving issues throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support engineers with complex technical problems and provide mentoring and development to the automation team.
• Manage priorities, resources and engineering workloads to ensure projects are delivered on time and to the required standard.
• Drive continuous improvement across automation engineering processes, software quality, documentation and project delivery.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience in a senior automation, controls or software engineering role within an industrial automation or machine-building environment.
• Strong PLC programming experience, ideally across both Siemens and Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Strong understanding of PLC programming principles, including Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems and industrial communication networks.
• Strong practical understanding of machine control, sequencing, fault handling, diagnostics and commissioning.
• Experience leading automation projects or providing technical leadership to a controls/automation team.
• Industrial robotics experience would be highly advantageous, particularly with ABB, KUKA, FANUC or Yaskawa.
• Experience with industrial vision systems, particularly Keyence and/or Wenglor, would be advantageous.
• Experience with servo systems, motion control, drives and automated material handling.
• Experience integrating multiple automation technologies into complete automated machines or production systems.
• Ability to interpret electrical drawings and work effectively with mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively with engineers, project managers, customers and suppliers.
• Strong technical documentation and software development practices.
• Relevant engineering qualification such as HNC, HND, BEng or equivalent industry experience.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to customer sites when required.