Control Systems Manager

Control Systems Manager

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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 Performance
• Business Unit Gross Profit Dollars
• Custom Panel Margin Performance
• Production Throughput & Schedule Adherence
• Safety Performance & Compliance
• Team Development & Training Progress
• Quality Assurance & Rework Reduction

Required Qualifications

Education & 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 development
• Control systems and panel manufacturing knowledge
• PLC/HMI programming and troubleshooting understanding
• Production planning and workload management
• Process improvement and operational excellence mindset
• Strong communication and customer service orientation
• Organizational excellence and time management discipline

Cougar USA operates as a vital subsidiary within Flow Control Group (FCG), a prominent holdings company that is a leading solutions provider focused on technically oriented products and services for flow control, fluid handling and process, industrial automation, and life sciences with locations throughout North America. As a critical intermediary between over 3,000 suppliers and 15,000 customers, over 90 brand companies, and close to 1,700 employees, FCG's distribution and technical expertise serve an essential function in the movement of mission-critical components to a diverse array of end markets and applications.

Why Build a Career with Us?

Everyone's an Owner of the Company: Because every team member contributes to Flow Control Group's success, everyone has the benefits of ownership! Flow Control Group has a broad-based employee ownership program extended to every employee within our portfolio companies.

Competitive Benefits: Enjoy an attractive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental and Vision insurance (among other plans), competitive 401(k) matching program, career growth opportunities, employee referral program, paid time off and holidays, as well as parental leave. Training: FCG University learning and training platform available to all employees offering over 80k courses.

Career Growth Opportunities: At Flow Control Group, we are committed to your professional development. With a vast network of over 100 brands across North America, we provide unparalleled opportunities for growth and advancement. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to take it to the next level, we offer custom training programs, mentorship, and a supportive environment to help you achieve your goals. Join us and be part of a dynamic team where your contributions make a real impact.