Control Systems Manager

Job Summary:Cougar USA is a leading supplier of water control systems for commercial building applications, specializing in Pre-Engineered and Custom-Designed solutions for water pressure, level, temperature, flow, and quality.The Control Systems Manager is responsible for leading Cougar USA's Systems Production operations by building and developing a high-performance team of engineering, programming, assembly, and testing professionals. This role ensures Cougar delivers on its promise of On-Time, First Time Right (OTFTR) project execution while maintaining quality, profitability, safety, and operational excellence.The ideal candidate is a technically strong leader who can manage production priorities, mentor cross-functional teams, improve processes, and support both standard and custom control system solutions from engineering through final testing and delivery.Key Job Responsibilities:Team Leadership & Development:

Recruit, onboard, train, and develop high-performing members of the Systems Production team, including engineering, assembly, programming, and testing personnel.Foster accountability, collaboration, technical growth, and continuous improvement throughout the department.Coach team members on Cougar standards, production processes, safety practices, and technical competencies.Conduct performance management activities and support succession planning initiatives.

Production & Operational Management:

Lead day-to-day production activities to ensure projects are completed On-Time, First Time Right (OTFTR).Manage team workloads and production priorities across engineering, assembly, programming, and testing functions.Coordinate schedules and resources to meet customer promise dates and production deadlines.Identify and resolve production bottlenecks, expedite requests, material delays, and technical issues.

Engineering & Technical Oversight:

Provide leadership and support for panel engineering, PLC/HMI programming, testing, and system troubleshooting activities.Assist with development and review of custom control panel designs, applications, and system configurations.Support standardization efforts for programming, documentation, and production processes.Ensure systems meet customer requirements, UL standards, and Cougar quality expectations.

Cross-Functional Coordination:

Collaborate with Leadership, Sales, Operations, and Service teams to support forecasting, quoting accuracy, procurement, shipments, and customer support activities.Work closely with Sales to establish realistic lead times and support technical quoting needs.Coordinate with Operations and Procurement to manage production material availability and scheduling.Partner with Service teams to provide technical support and issue resolution for installed systems.

Process Improvement & Quality Assurance:

Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and profitability.Monitor production metrics and implement corrective actions when needed.Ensure compliance with UL standards, internal quality procedures, and operational best practices.Improve documentation, workflow processes, and communication across production teams.

Metrics & KPIs

On-Time First Time Right (OTFTR) Delivery PerformanceBusiness Unit Gross Profit DollarsCustom Panel Margin PerformanceProduction Throughput & Schedule AdherenceSafety Performance & ComplianceTeam Development & Training ProgressQuality Assurance & Rework Reduction

Required QualificationsEducation & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.7+ years of experience in control systems, electrical panel manufacturing, industrial automation, or related technical environment.3+ years of leadership or production management experience preferred.

Technical Skills:

Strong knowledge of industrial control systems, PLCs, HMIs, UL panel standards (UL 508A preferred), and panel manufacturing processes.Experience supporting engineering, programming, testing, and troubleshooting activities.Familiarity with CAD systems, NetSuite, and production management tools.Ability to support both standard and custom control system applications.

Leadership & Organizational Skills:

Proven ability to lead technical teams in a fast-paced production environment.Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize urgent and important tasks effectively.Ability to balance operational execution with strategic process improvement initiatives.Strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.

Communication & Customer Service:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Ability to proactively communicate with internal and external stakeholders using appropriate channels.Customer-focused mindset with strong relationship-building abilities.

Skills, Traits & Competencies

Leadership and team developmentControl systems and panel manufacturing knowledgePLC/HMI programming and troubleshooting understandingProduction planning and workload managementProcess improvement and operational excellence mindsetStrong communication and customer service orientationOrganizational excellence and time management discipline