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