Process Controls Manager
Memphis, TN (Hybrid)
Direct Hire Opportunity
Recruiting Partner: Gateway Group Personnel
Gateway Group Personnel is seeking an experienced Process Controls Manager for a leading Memphis-area client. This is a strategic leadership opportunity for a process controls and automation professional who can define long-term automation vision while also serving as a hands-on technical resource. The successful candidate will play a critical role in driving automation strategy, managing external partners, supporting project execution, and ensuring process control systems align with business objectives.
This position reports directly to the Director of Engineering and offers a hybrid work environment with a combination of in-office and remote work flexibility.
Position Summary
The Process Controls Manager will serve as the company's subject matter expert for automation and process control systems, providing strategic direction while supporting operational excellence across projects and facilities. This role will initially operate without a dedicated internal controls team, making the ability to independently execute and drive results essential.
The ideal candidate possesses a strong blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, project leadership, and vendor management experience. This individual will collaborate with Engineering, IT, Sales, suppliers, and external service providers to ensure automation initiatives support business goals, compliance requirements, and future growth.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Define and execute the company's long-term automation and process control strategy.
- Develop and maintain multi-year automation and optimization roadmaps.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, industry trends, and customer needs to identify opportunities for innovation.
- Guide capital investment planning to ensure automation systems remain reliable, scalable, and competitive.
- Serve as the organization's primary controls and automation subject matter expert.
Automation & Controls Management
- Assess existing automation and process control systems to identify improvement opportunities.
- Support planning and execution of automation projects, including review of:
- Specifications
- Proposals
- Electrical drawings
- P&IDs
- PLC programming
- Project documentation
- Coordinate controls support contracts, service calls, and system health assessments.
- Provide troubleshooting support for automation systems and testing environments as needed.
Vendor & Partner Management
- Oversee external automation and controls service providers.
- Manage vendor relationships, contract compliance, service quality, and project performance.
- Ensure third-party partners align with company standards and customer expectations.
Compliance & Performance
- Ensure compliance with applicable quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
- Monitor and report key performance indicators, risks, budgets, and project progress.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives through performance analysis and data-driven decision making.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Engineering, IT, Sales, Operations, and suppliers to align automation initiatives with business priorities.
- Act as a liaison between executive leadership, operational teams, and external technology partners.
- Represent North American automation requirements and preferences within the broader organization, with particular emphasis on Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms.
Qualifications
Required Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Automation, Industrial Systems, or a related technical field.
Required Experience
- 7+ years of experience in process controls, automation, or industrial systems.
- Proven experience leading automation projects and managing external vendors or service providers.
- Experience developing automation strategies and long-range technology plans.
- Familiarity with industry standards and regulations, including:
Technical Knowledge
- Strong knowledge of:
- PLC systems
- SCADA platforms
- MES systems
- Industrial IoT technologies
- AI/ML applications in manufacturing and automation
- Experience with Allen-Bradley control systems strongly preferred.
- Ability to analyze performance metrics such as OEE, quality, efficiency, and reliability.
- Understanding of risk management and compliance frameworks including SIL and ISO standards.
Professional Skills
- Strategic planning and organizational leadership
- Vendor and stakeholder management
- Project governance and execution
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Financial and budgeting acumen
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Continuous improvement mindset
Software Proficiency
- Microsoft Office Suite:
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
- Teams
- OneNote
- SharePoint
Travel & Work Environment
- Hybrid work schedule with both office and remote work opportunities.
- Ability to travel to customer, project, and vendor sites as needed.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Pre-employment background screening and drug testing will be required.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through Gateway Group Personnel.
Gateway Group Personnel is proud to partner with leading employers throughout the Mid-South and is committed to connecting talented professionals with exceptional career opportunities.