Controls & Automation Manager

Automation Manager

Location: Auburndale, FL
Department: Maintenance
Reports To: Director of Maintenance
Compensation: $120,000–$135,000 Base Salary + 10% Annual Bonus

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Automation Manager to lead plant automation initiatives within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role responsible for automation systems, electrical controls, project execution, equipment reliability, and team development. The Automation Manager will serve as the plant's automation expert while leading technicians and partnering with Maintenance, Engineering, Operations, and Production to improve safety, quality, uptime, and manufacturing efficiency.

The ideal candidate combines strong PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFD, instrumentation, and industrial controls expertise with proven leadership and project management experience.

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Controls

• Design, develop, implement, and optimize automation systems supporting manufacturing operations.
• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, VFDs, instrumentation, and industrial controls .
• Provide hands-on technical support for complex automation and electrical issues.
• Oversee preventative maintenance and troubleshooting of automated production equipment.
• Manage instrumentation and calibration programs to maintain accuracy and system reliability.
• Perform root cause analysis on recurring equipment failures and implement corrective solutions.
• Support sensors, actuators, robotics, and other automated manufacturing technologies.

Project Management & Continuous Improvement

• Lead automation projects from concept through implementation, including budgets, schedules, resources, installation, testing, and commissioning .
• Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency, equipment reliability, and process performance through automation.
• Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, and Operations on plant improvement initiatives.
• Manage vendors, contractors, and system integrators.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, automation documentation, and standard operating procedures.
• Create dashboards, reporting tools, and trend analysis to improve visibility into plant performance.
• Drive automation modernization and continuous improvement initiatives.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop automation technicians and maintenance personnel.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and troubleshooting support.
• Establish clear performance expectations and promote accountability.
• Develop technical capabilities within the automation and electrical maintenance teams.
• Promote a culture focused on safety, reliability, teamwork, and continuous improvement .
• Ensure automation systems and work practices meet company safety and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of automation engineering, controls, or related experience within a manufacturing environment ; experience requirements may be flexible for a highly qualified candidate.
• Previous leadership experience managing or developing technical teams.
• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens PLC programming .
• Strong experience with:
• SCADA systems
• HMI development
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• Industrial instrumentation and calibration
• Sensors and actuators
• Robotics and industrial controls
• Ethernet/IP and Modbus
• Industrial communication networks
• Experience managing automation projects, departmental budgets, and project costs.
• Strong electrical and automation troubleshooting capabilities.
• Proven root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Strong project management, organization, and communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced production environment.
• Associate degree or technical certification in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline preferred; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered.

Preferred Experience

• Food & beverage, beverage, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing.
• CIP/COP systems.
• Leak detection systems.
• X-ray inspection equipment.
• Automation modernization or controls upgrade projects.
• Continuous improvement initiatives.
• Project Management certification.

Compensation

• $120,000–$135,000 base salary.
• 10% annual bonus.
• Competitive compensation package based on technical expertise, leadership experience, and overall qualifications.

Ideal Candidate

You're a hands-on automation leader who can troubleshoot a PLC issue, lead a technical team, manage a major automation project, and communicate effectively with plant leadership .

You understand how automation directly impacts uptime, productivity, quality, and safety, and you're comfortable taking ownership of the systems and processes that keep a manufacturing operation running efficiently.

Why This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of automation within a growing manufacturing operation while having a direct impact on equipment reliability, plant performance, technical innovation, and team development .

You'll have the ability to implement new technologies, modernize automation systems, develop a skilled technical team, and drive continuous improvements across the facility.