Controls Systems Engineering Manager

3P Innovation are a leader in the design and manufacture of advanced automated machinery for the pharmaceutical, medical device and FMCG sectors. As an employee-owned business, the team is driven by innovation, collaboration and engineering excellence.

We are now seeking a Controls Team Manager to lead a high-performing team of Controls Engineers and shape the future of automation delivery within the business.

This is a role for someone who thrives on technical leadership, complex project delivery, and building high-performing engineering teams.

The Opportunity

As Controls Team Manager, you’ll lead and develop a team of 1–7 engineers while overseeing the full lifecycle of controls activities across multiple projects, from early concept development and proposal input through to commissioning, validation and long-term customer support.

You will work closely with Project Managers, Technical Leads, Customer Care and the Sales function to ensure the right resource, the right plans, and the right standards are in place to deliver exceptional automated machinery for global customers.

Although primarily a leadership role, there is room to remain hands-on with controls engineering when needed.

What You’ll Do

• Lead, mentor and develop the Controls team to foster a high-performance culture

• Manage resource planning, task allocation, performance reviews and team development

• Oversee the controls delivery across multiple complex automation projects

• Review and authorise key documentation (SDS, validation records, O&M manuals, release documentation)

• Provide proactive technical problem-solving throughout project delivery

• Ensure compliance with company processes, industry standards and regulatory frameworks

• Support proposals, costings and technical risk assessments for new enquiries

• Support Customer Care with high-quality aftermarket engineering support

About You

Essential:

• Strong technical understanding of industrial automation and controls

• Proven leadership or team management experience

• Excellent communication, organisation and stakeholder management skills

• Creative problem solver with high attention to detail

• Fluent written and spoken English

Desirable:

• Background in medical device, pharma or life-science automation

• Familiarity with FDA, cGMP or regulated environment

• Experience across PLC, SCADA, HMI, motion control or controls software

• Awareness of IEC (phone number removed), Structured Text, OOP or Git

Qualifications:

• Degree or HNC/HND in a relevant engineering discipline

• 5 years in automation, systems integration or similar controls-focused roles

Salary & Working Pattern

• £55,000–£65,000 (DOE)

• Hybrid working – typically 1 day a week / 4 focus days per month

• 28 days holiday 8 bank holidays

• Employer pension contributions matched up to 7.5%

• Access to the Employee Ownership Dividend – up to £3,600 tax free (based on performance & service)

• Discretionary annual bonus (after probation)

• Life assurance (4x salary)

• Enhanced family leave

If this role if of interest to you, please click apply today
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed