Head of Controls

Head of Controls Wanted!

Location: Leicester Full Time

Salary: £60K+ (DOE) On Site

Due to continued growth and a strong pipeline of projects, we are recruiting for an experienced Head of Controls Engineering to join a well-established and forward-thinking engineering business based in Leicester.

This is a senior leadership role, ideal for someone looking to take full ownership of the controls function, leading from the front while driving technical excellence and team performance.

Roles & Responsibilities Leadership & Strategy

• Lead, mentor, and develop the controls engineering team
• Define and implement controls engineering strategy and best practices
• Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes, and delivery

Project Delivery

• Oversee multiple automation and controls projects from concept through to commissioning
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification
• Support project managers and engineering teams with technical guidance

Technical Oversight

• Maintain high standards across PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, and controls architecture
• Approve designs, specifications, and technical documentation
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a senior technical point of contact for customers
• Support with project bids, proposals, and technical solutions
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders

Resource & Performance Management

• Manage team workload and resource allocation
• Support recruitment and team growth
• Monitor performance, quality, and delivery metrics

Requirements

• Proven experience in a Controls / Automation leadership role
• Strong background in PLC programming (e.g. Siemens, Allen Bradley, etc.)
• Experience with HMI / SCADA systems and full controls architecture
• Previous experience leading or managing engineering teams
• Strong understanding of automation systems, special purpose machinery, or manufacturing environments
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management ability
• Commercial awareness with the ability to balance technical and business needs

What's on Offer

• Salary of £60,000+ depending on experience
• Senior leadership role with real influence on business direction
• Opportunity to build and shape a high-performing controls team
• Work on complex, high-value engineering and automation projects
• Stable, growing business with strong future pipeline