Automation Manager

Overview

Lead controls engineering for UK warehouse automation projects

Key Responsibilities

• controls strategy
• plc programming
• system architecture
• safety compliance
• commissioning
• team leadership

Tasks

You’ll oversee a growing team of controls engineers, ensuring robust system design, safety compliance, and seamless integration of PLC, SCADA, and motion systems within complex automated environments. As the Controls Manager, you will lead all aspects of controls engineering across multiple automation projects, from concept development through commissioning. -Drive continuous improvement in controls strategy, standardisation, and system optimisation. -Act as a technical authority during customer meetings, design reviews, and onsite commissioning activities. -Lead, develop, and mentor the controls engineering team across multiple UK projects. -Ensure high-quality delivery of control systems for conveyors, sortation, AS/RS, and robotic automation solutions. -Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and software teams to support seamless project execution. -Oversee system architecture, PLC programming standards, safety compliance, and commissioning processes.

Requirements

• controls engineering
• plc/scada
• problem solving
• leadership
• commissioning
• project management

What You Bring

-Proven background in controls engineering within warehouse automation, conveyor systems, robotics, or material handling. -Strong experience with PLC/SCADA platforms (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, Mitsubishi). -Excellent problem-solving and communication skills, with the capability to engage confidently with customers and internal stakeholders. -Demonstrated leadership ability—team management or project lead experience is strongly preferred. -Hands-on commissioning experience with automated warehouse or logistics systems. -Structured, proactive, and able to drive projects to completion within a fast-paced engineering environment.

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Benefits

Bonus: 10% (performance-based) Base Salary: £80,000 – £90,000 Benefits: Car / Car Allowance, Pension, Healthcare, Phone & Laptop provided

About John Charles Search

-Founded by industry expert Ashley Beck after spotting flaws in traditional agencies, the firm launched with a mission to simplify global recruitment. -Operating internationally, they’ve filled roles across the UK, US, Germany, Switzerland, Canada, South Korea and the Benelux region. -They focus on mid‑ to senior‑level positions in automation, materials handling and technical operations. -Revenue streams come from retained and contingency search assignments for global manufacturers and logistics providers. -Typical projects include sourcing talent for robotics, pallet racking, forklifts, conveyors, machine vision and IoT roles. -They’ve built long‑standing partnerships through deep discovery processes that go beyond quick placements. -An unusual strength is the dual‑base setup in the UK (Tamworth) and US (Milwaukee), enabling transatlantic reach. -Their founder’s background across multiple agencies fuels a consultative, relationship‑driven approach.

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