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Controls Technology Leader
Job Description
The Headhunters are partnering with a leading industrial organization to identify a Controls Technology Leader to drive automation strategy and elevate plant performance through advanced control systems.
This is a high-impact leadership role for a technically strong and forward-thinking professional who thrives at the intersection of operations, engineering, and digital transformation. You will play a key role in modernizing controls infrastructure, improving reliability, and unlocking production efficiencies across a complex industrial environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of automation and controls strategy across the site
- Oversee PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems—driving optimization, standardization, and reliability
- Partner with operations and maintenance teams to improve uptime, performance, and safety
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives leveraging advanced controls and data
- Manage and develop a team of controls engineers and technical specialists
- Drive capital projects related to automation upgrades and plant modernization
- Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and cybersecurity standards
Qualifications
- Â Degree in Electrical, Instrumentation, or Controls Engineering (or related field)
- 10+ years of experience in industrial automation/controls within a heavy industrial or manufacturing setting
- Proven leadership experience, ideally managing technical teams
- Strong hands-on expertise with PLCs, DCS, SCADA, and industrial networks
- Track record of delivering automation projects and improving plant performance
- Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and drive change
Why This Role?
- Opportunity to own and shape automation strategy at a critical site
- High-visibility role with direct impact on operational performance
- Backed by a stable, well-capitalized organization investing in modernization
- Competitive compensation and relocation support available
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada. Only candidates selected to move forward in the hiring process will be contacted.
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Meet Your Recruiter
Cam Macmillan
Managing Director & Co-Founder
Recruiting Specialty: Executive Search & Operations
Cam is passionate about developing world-class teams. That is what he has done as Managing Director and Co-Founder at The Headhunters, and that is what he helps others to do. Cam's clients—a range of Fortune 500 through to owner-managed companies—know him as a strong leader, someone with an extensive network of top talent who delivers on his promises.
Throughout his far-reaching career, Cam has managed manufacturing teams in North America, retail crews, government teams with an international scope, and professional services organizations in Western Canada. Because he understands that great enterprises are made up of people who strive to reach their own full potential every day, his mission is to inspire people to achieve excellence. As an expression of that commitment, Cam sits on the board for the ThresholdImpact Venture Mentoring Service at the University of Alberta and actively mentors entrepreneurs inspired by those who came before him.
Cam is active in the entrepreneurial community throughout Western Canada and has been a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization in Vancouver. He is passionate about giving back, and in-line with this value he co-founded ClubNeed, an organization focused on creating unique adventure travel experiences while giving back to communities in Central America. He also volunteers with the Northern Alberta YMCA. Cam is the proud father of three, and is an active cyclist, runner and skier. He has completed a number of marathons, Gran Fondos and triathlons, including Ironman Florida.