Senior Control Engineer in Elgin

Senior Control Engineer in Elgin

Elgin Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Pernod Ricard España SA

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and develop a team of Control Engineers while ensuring efficient operations across distillery sites.
  • Company: Join Pernod Ricard, a global leader in spirits with iconic brands like Chivas Regal and Absolut.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, and 25 days holiday plus perks.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and sustainability.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Electrical, Control, or Automation Engineering with strong people management skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

Location: Miltonduff, Elgin - with travel to other sites in Moray, according to business needs.

Contract Type: Permanent

Pernod Ricard is a worldwide leader in the spirits and champagne industry, blending traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art brand development, and global distribution technologies. Our mission is to ensure the long-term growth of our brands with full respect for people and the environment, while empowering our employees around the world to be ambassadors of our purposeful, inclusive, and responsible culture of authentic conviviality.

Chivas Brothers is the Pernod Ricard business dedicated entirely to Scotch whisky. Our award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered single malt and blended Scotch whisky brands, including Chivas, Ballantine’s, Royal Salute, The Glenlivet and Aberlour, which are exported from Scotland to over 100 countries worldwide.

About the role

We are currently seeking a Senior Control Engineer to be responsible for managing and developing a team of Control Engineers, providing both technical direction and people leadership across the Northern Operations engineering function. This role is responsible for delivering a high-quality, in-house control and instrumentation service across Chivas Brothers’ distillery and production sites, ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all control and instrumentation systems.

What you will do

  • People Management & Leadership
    • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Control Engineers, setting clear goals and conducting regular performance reviews.
    • Provide day-to-day leadership, effectively allocating resources across sites and projects.
    • Support recruitment, onboarding, and training to strengthen team capability.
    • Foster a culture of safety, collaboration, continuous learning, and high performance.
  • Control & Instrumentation – Technical Expertise
    • Oversee modifications to distillery HMI and SCADA systems, ensuring high standards of quality and documentation.
    • Provide senior technical expertise across PLC systems, covering I/O, programming, fault diagnosis, data capture, and visualisation.
    • Act as the senior technical authority for instrumentation, covering setup, fault finding, and calibration.
    • Collaborate with Site Management on PLC, control, and instrumentation strategy and operations.
  • Project & Programme Delivery
    • Take responsibility for control engineering input into capital and operational projects, ensuring delivery to time, cost, and quality targets.
    • Develop and review technical specifications, Functional Design Specifications (FDS), and method statements for control projects.
    • Manage and coordinate external contractors, consultants, and suppliers to ensure delivery to the highest standards.
  • Compliance & Risk Management
    • Ensure team activities comply with H&S legislation, electrical standards, safe systems of work, and company standards and procedures.
    • Maintain and promote compliance with functional safety standards and practices, including SIF and SIL requirements.
    • Maintain awareness of industrial communication protocols and cybersecurity requirements.
    • Contribute to the development and application of engineering standards, procedures, and risk assessments, including HAZOP and LOPA.

Your skills and background

  • Degree qualified in Electrical, Control, or Automation Engineering (or equivalent experience).
  • Experience with PLC, SCADA, instrumentation, and functional safety (including Safety Instrumented Systems – SIS).
  • Proven track record in people management & team development.
  • Strong stakeholder & cross-functional management skills.
  • Demonstrated experience in HAZOP, LOPA, and the application of SIF and SIL principles.
  • Proven experience delivering automation solutions within capital projects.
  • Strong awareness of industrial cybersecurity requirements and best practices.

Why join us?

  • Collective Spirit: You will be part of a connected, international community shaped by iconic brands, a performance mindset, and a proud legacy, where collaboration, fun and ambition coexist.
  • Craft your path: We empower you to own your career, innovate boldly and grow alongside our business, surrounded by leaders who value curiosity, energy, and impact.
  • Cultivate the future: You’ll help shape a business with a soul — one that cherishes the land, respects communities, and brings good times from a good place, responsibly and sustainably.

People are at the heart of everything we do at Pernod Ricard and are the foundation of our collective spirit as ‘Créateurs de Convivialité’. We promote inclusion throughout our business and supply chain. In our teams, we proactively foster a diverse work force and an inclusive culture, an environment where we can truly be ourselves.

We will assess your application for this role based on your skills, experiences, and achievements, not your gender, age, ethnic or educational background or any other such factors. Our recruiting team are more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process, in order for you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Our mix of benefits

  • Competitive salary, along with performance related bonus.
  • Defined Contribution Pension.
  • Private medical insurance, including income protection.
  • Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
  • 25 days’ annual holiday (increasing with length of service up to 27) plus public holidays.
  • Pernod Ricard share incentive plan and share ownership plan.
  • Life Assurance.
  • An allowance each year to spend on our brands.
  • Our reward & recognition scheme.
  • Employee discounts from a range of high street retailers.

Closing Date for Applications: 12th May 2026

Job Posting End Date: 2026-05-13

Target Hire Date: 2026-06-01

Senior Control Engineer in Elgin employer: Pernod Ricard España SA

Pernod Ricard is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values collaboration, innovation, and personal growth. As a Senior Control Engineer in Miltonduff, you will be part of a prestigious team dedicated to the heritage and future of Scotch whisky, with access to comprehensive benefits, including competitive salaries, private medical insurance, and opportunities for career advancement within a globally respected brand. Join us to craft your path in a company that cherishes its people and promotes a diverse and inclusive environment.
Pernod Ricard España SA

Contact Detail:

Pernod Ricard España SA Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Control Engineer in Elgin

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 3

Practice your technical skills! As a Senior Control Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in PLC and SCADA systems. Brush up on your knowledge and be ready to discuss your past projects and experiences during interviews.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Pernod Ricard and contributing to our mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Control Engineer in Elgin

People Management
Team Development
Control Engineering
PLC Systems
SCADA Systems
Instrumentation Expertise
Functional Safety
HAZOP
LOPA
Project Management
Stakeholder Management
Industrial Cybersecurity
Technical Documentation
Continuous Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Control Engineer role. Highlight your experience with PLC, SCADA, and instrumentation, as well as any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about control engineering and how you can contribute to our team at Chivas Brothers. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of projects you've led or improvements you've made in previous roles. We love to see how you've made an impact in your past positions.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pernod Ricard España SA

Know Your Technical Stuff

As a Senior Control Engineer, you'll need to showcase your expertise in PLC, SCADA, and instrumentation. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied these skills. Prepare to explain complex concepts in a way that shows your depth of understanding.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This role involves managing a team, so be prepared to talk about your experience in people management. Think of examples where you've led a team, set clear goals, and conducted performance reviews. Highlight how you foster a culture of safety and collaboration within your teams.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Prepare scenarios related to HAZOP, LOPA, and compliance with safety standards. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.

Understand the Company Culture

Familiarise yourself with Pernod Ricard's values and mission. They emphasise sustainability, inclusion, and a collective spirit. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their culture of conviviality.

Senior Control Engineer in Elgin
Pernod Ricard España SA
Location: Elgin

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