Controls & Workshop Manager

Controls & Workshop Manager Location: Bedford Employment: Full-Time Role Overview Responsible for leading the Controls Engineering, Electrical Build, and Workshop teams, ensuring robotic and automated systems are designed, built, tested, and commissioned safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. Key Responsibilities * Lead, mentor, and develop Controls, Electrical, PLC, and Workshop teams. * Provide technical leadership across PLC, HMI/SCADA, robotics, motion control, networking, and machine safety systems. * Review controls architectures, electrical designs, software, and technical documentation. * Manage workshop operations, including machine assembly, electrical wiring, integration, testing, and resource allocation. * Coordinate engineering and workshop activities to meet project deadlines and budgets. * Support project planning, FAT/SAT, commissioning, installation, and customer acceptance. * Oversee electrical panel construction, machine wiring, testing, fault finding, and validation. * Ensure compliance with relevant UKCA/CE, machinery, electrical, and safety standards. * Drive engineering standardisation, software reuse, workshop efficiency, and continuous improvement. * Manage technical risks, training, performance, and resource requirements. * Work closely with Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, Procurement, and customers to ensure successful project delivery. Requirements * HNC/HND or Degree in Electrical, Controls, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related discipline. * 8–10+ years' experience in industrial automation, systems integration, or machine building. * 3–5+ years' experience in a leadership or management role. * Proven experience delivering robotic and automated machinery projects. * Strong PLC programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning experience. * Knowledge of HMI/SCADA, industrial networks, servo/motion control, robotics, and machine safety. * Experience with platforms such as Siemens, Rockwell, Beckhoff, EPLAN, or AutoCAD Electrical. * Strong leadership, communication, planning, and problem-solving skills. Salary: £60,000–£70,000 + potential bonus, pension, car allowance, flexible working, and professional development. Industry Background: Robotics & Automation, Systems Integration, Special Purpose Machinery, Automotive, Logistics, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Packaging, and Advanced Manufacturing