Electrical Controls Engineering Manager

Northampton Business Directory; England; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer in the UK is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineering Manager to lead a team in optimizing automated production processes. The role involves managing complex control systems and driving innovation across multiple sites. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in PLC programming, electrical engineering, and project management. This is a key leadership position offering a competitive salary and hybrid work options.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus and Package

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Proven track record in PLC/HMI programming, AC drives, and control system design.
• Experienced in managing contractors and multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Strong electrical and automation background, ideally from FMCG or similar.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Controls Engineers across sites.
• Manage automation, PLC, and electrical design projects.
• Implement robust control systems and ensure standardization.

Skills

PLC/HMI programming

AC drives

Control system design

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

HNC/Degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Electrical Controls Engineering Manager

Job Title: Electrical Controls Engineering Manager

Department: Central Engineering - Automation & Electrical Systems

Reporting to: UK Head of Engineering

Location: Buckinghamshire & Bedfordshire area, some hybrid

Job Reward: £70 – 80k plus car, Bonus and Package

Hours: Monday to Friday

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.

About the Role

• 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.

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
• Train and mentor site teams on PLC fault finding and control system optimisation

Role Requirements - Electrical Engineering Controls 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
• 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.

Candidate who are a Controls Engineering Manager, Automation & Controls Manager, Electrical Engineering Manager, Automation Systems Engineering Manager, PLC & Controls Manager, Engineering Projects & Automation Manager, Factory Automation Manager, Electrical & Automation Maintenance Manager or Industrial Automation Manager may also be suitable for this role.