About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with an iconic portfolio that includes beloved brands like Pepsi, Lay's, Gatorade, Doritos, and Quaker. Operating in over 200 countries, PepsiCo employs more than 300,000 people globally and generates annual revenues exceeding $90 billion. In the UK, PepsiCo has a strong presence with state-of-the-art manufacturing sites producing snacks, beverages, and other consumer favorites. Our commitment to sustainable growth, innovation, and community impact sets us apart in the food and beverage sector. At PepsiCo, we foster a culture of excellence, where technical experts like Control Systems Specialists play a pivotal role in ensuring operational efficiency and product quality.

Role Overview

As a Control Systems Specialist at PepsiCo's Skelmersdale facility, you will be the guardian of our manufacturing network, industrial communications, and automated systems. This critical role involves managing site control system standards, driving improvements through the Management of Change (MOC) process, and supporting capital project delivery for design and execution teams. You will provide technical leadership to the engineering support team while building controls expertise within shift teams. Located in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, this position offers the chance to work on cutting-edge automation in a high-volume food production environment, ensuring system reliability, data integrity, and compliance with PepsiCo's global standards.

Why This Role Matters

In the fast-paced food and beverage industry, control systems are the backbone of production. Your expertise will directly impact plant availability, uptime, and innovation, contributing to PepsiCo's goal of sustainable manufacturing excellence.

Key Responsibilities

The Control Systems Specialist role demands hands-on technical management and strategic oversight. Core duties include:

• Effectively managing the factory's PLC, SCADA, and IT Network systems to meet availability targets, data integrity, and compliance with business standards and audits.
• Managing and implementing support contracts and system upgrades to preserve system value and concurrency.
• Ensuring rigorous use of the change control process for all control systems, including documentation such as URS, FDS, SDS, FST, and SAT.
• Supporting Operations, R&D, and Group Engineering with performance analysis data and reports.
• Identifying opportunities for enhanced control and production information, developing clear action plans, and quantifying benefits.
• Assisting front-line teams with technical breakdowns and improving system/shift technician capabilities across computer control systems.

Technical Leadership Focus

You will act as a coach, enhancing fault analysis, root cause failure analysis, and system recovery skills in shift engineering teams, ensuring long-term site resilience.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this role, candidates must bring proven technical expertise and soft skills tailored to manufacturing automation.

• Electrical Engineer qualified to at least HNC level, with knowledge of electrical control panels, instrumentation systems, control system architecture, industrial networks, and machine automation.
• Excellent working knowledge and hands-on experience with SCADA systems, PLCs, and industrial networks.
• Demonstrated basic skills in high-level language programming.
• Superior fault-finding abilities and strong knowledge of process and packaging system/machine technologies.
• Outstanding communication skills for collaborating across functions, plus experience as a coach building capabilities in fault analysis and rectification.
• Excellent planning, organizational, influencing, presentation, and decision-making skills.
• Proven experience in technical installation and commissioning support.

Preferred Experience

Prior work in the food and beverage sector, particularly with high-speed packaging lines, is highly advantageous.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a premium compensation package designed to attract top talent in the UK manufacturing sector.

• Competitive salary estimated at £65,000 - £95,000 annually, based on Food & Beverage sector rates with a 5-10% buffer for performance upside.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including private medical coverage and wellbeing programs.
• Generous pension scheme with employer matching contributions.
• Annual bonus and share incentive plans tied to site and company performance.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with options for flexible working.
• Extensive training, including certifications in PLC/SCADA systems and leadership development.
• Employee discounts on PepsiCo products, gym memberships, and retail partners.
• Modern on-site facilities, including canteen and parking.

Career Growth

PepsiCo invests heavily in employee development. As a Control Systems Specialist, you can advance to Senior Controls Engineer, Site Engineering Manager, or regional automation lead roles. Our global network provides opportunities for international projects and rotations. With structured career paths, mentorship programs, and access to PepsiCo University, your growth is supported every step of the way. Many of our engineers have progressed to executive technical positions within 5-7 years.

Why Join Us

Joining PepsiCo means being part of a dynamic, purpose-driven organization focused on winning with purpose: delivering delicious products while creating positive impact on people and the planet. In Skelmersdale, you'll work in a collaborative environment with cutting-edge technology, contributing to brands that bring joy to millions. Enjoy work-life balance, innovation-driven projects, and the stability of a Fortune 50 company. PepsiCo values diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, making it an ideal place for ambitious professionals in control systems engineering.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this a full-time role? Yes, full-time position with standard shift patterns, including potential on-call for critical systems.

Q: What salary can I expect? Estimated £65,000 - £95,000 GBP yearly, depending on experience, with excellent benefits.

Q: Are there relocation support? Case-by-case for exceptional candidates; discuss during interview.

Q: What software/tools are used? Industry-leading PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), SCADA platforms, and Ethernet/IP networks.

Q: How does PepsiCo support professional certifications? Fully funded, including ISA, Siemens, or Rockwell training.

Q: Is experience in food manufacturing required? Preferred but not mandatory; strong automation background suffices.

Ready to power PepsiCo's future? Apply now and elevate your career in control systems excellence.