Job Title:  Head of Project Engineering and Health & Safety

Function: Distilling

Location: Invergordon Distillery, Cottage Brae, Invergordon

Job Level: (Internal Reference Only) 7

Contract: Full Time / Permanent - 38 hours per week

Role Reports to: Distilling Director

Date vacancy will close: Sunday, 22nd March 2026. Where we receive high numbers of applications we may close vacancies early.  If you think this is the right opportunity for you please don't delay in applying!

Who we are:

Born in Glasgow, made in Scotland and enjoyed around the world. Whyte and Mackay is home to a collection of multi-award-winning global whisky brands led by The Dalmore, Fettercairn, Jura and Tamnavulin. Our mission is to be a driving force in whisky, renowned for building brands that stand-out.  Enabled by our brilliant community of 675 colleagues, reaching across 17 countries and counting.  We're led by our values, continuing to grow and invest and looking for great talent to join our brilliant community.  Ready to hear more?

What the opportunity looks like:

The Head of Project Engineering and Health & Safety is a key role in the Distilling Leadership Team. You will lead the Technical & Capex engineering function to optimise the 5 Distilleries and the Maturation sites. The role leads Health & Safety for Distilling which includes Upper and Lower Tier COMAH sites. Health & Safety is core to our Purpose and our Whyte and Mackay Community. This role brings together the Technical and future capital expenditure with the same skills to help us deliver and sustain Zero Harm and meet all regulatory requirements. After significant Capital investment, the role will turn the potential into business delivery working in partnership with the rest of the Distilling Leadership Team and other key stakeholders. Development and Management of the 5 Year Capital Plan for Distilling to ensure our 5 Sites are fit for purpose and meets the needs of the business, our people and adheres to all our Licences to Operate. The role will lead the wider team and working with the Competent Authorities to ensure we are meeting all our legislative and company requirements.

• Ownership and development of Engineering Standards for both Operational and Capital Engineering.

• Ensure projects contribute to the 5 year outlook for the sites with prioritisation and working within agreed overall business plan with Distilling Director, CEO and CFO.

• Develop partnership approach to working and supporting the 5 sites and linking to wider company and key suppliers.

• As a People Manager, you will be responsible for motivating, connecting, and leading your team. You will carry out key people management activities throughout the year, including performance reviews, development planning, and fostering a positive team environment.

• Ownership for development and execution of the Distilling Engineering Strategy in alignment with Bottling & Supply Chain.

• Set out the preventative & proactive maintenance strategies for the Operational Engineering teams to deliver.

• Create our future vision for Engineering with all functions from operational, Maintenance Repair and Overhaul best practice in partnership with the Operational Teams and our key suppliers.

• Leader for Health and Safety across Distilling.

• Ownership, development and management of the Distilling Safety Management System.

• Owner of the COMAH system on behalf of the Distilling Director and compliance to all the aspects of the COMAH Regulations.

Skills and experience that will help you be a success:

For this role we're looking for:

• Demonstratable experience of managing and leading a multi disciplined team.

• Qualification/Degree in Engineering is essential.

• Qualification in Health and Safety – NEBOSH Diploma in Health and Safety is preferred

• Experience in designing and implementing Health and Safety Strategy.

• Detailed understanding of engineering strategies and how to implement.

• Knowledge of Project Management principles and techniques.

• Financial Management expertise.

• Experience in Lean Manufacturing with Health & Safety and Engineering expertise is preferred.

We believe that everyone has the potential for growth in our roles!  You may feel you don't tick every box for this role, but if you believe you have relevant experiences that could help you succeed we'd much rather you apply rather than rule yourself out based on any self-limiting beliefs!  

Why join us:

We offer a competitive salary, bonus package, car allowance, life assurance, competitive pension, excellent product allowance, 35 days annual leave, plus enhanced family friendly policies. Our Rewards & Benefits page has further information.

Our application process:

If you like what you’ve read and want to explore this opportunity further, please apply before the closing date listed at the top of the advert.  

Our team read each and every application, therefore you'll hear back from us in due course.

Candidate guidance on the use of AI in the application and screening process can be found on our career site.

Should you require any adjustments to our recruitment process to help you be at your best then please contact us at HRTeam@whyteandmackay.com and we'll do what we can to support.