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), and/or * Hydraulic systems (e.g., pumps, manifolds, cylinders, pressure control, proportional valves), and/or * 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