Reporting to the CEO, the role is responsible for all Supply and Distillery Operations including the strategic planning, coordination and delivery of all aspects of Distilling, Logistics, Supply & Demand Planning, Raw Materials, Casks, Liquid Supply, Quality Control, Compliance and third party contract management. The role will also oversee the exciting new Distillery and Visitor Experience construction which has just commenced.
Main Responsibilities
- Lead all Supply & Distillery Operations within Belfast Distillery Company
- Manage all distillery operations to ensure the company becomes a leading producer of highest quality single malt Irish whiskey
- Responsible for third party contract operations including maturation and bottling
- Ensure distillery output matches agreed production plans and spirit quality is maintained
- Display organisational, planning, developmental, commercial and cost-effective management skills and an ability to design appropriate KPIs and communicate, motivate and manage staff to achieve output targets
- Provide strategic leadership for the Operations functions and translate the company’s strategic plans into defined operational plans.
- Drive strategy and development for the function, fully aligned with the leadership team
- Be responsible for managing and delivering annual OPEX and relevant CAPEX budgets
- Manage the direct and indirect costs in the cost of goods sold and identify opportunities to drive operating efficiencies and price reductions (with impacting quality and service of supply) to improve operating margins
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders
- Ensure all equipment is maintained and serviced in accordance with guidelines and operating requirements and develop and supervise the implementation of the maintenance plan.
- Build a motivated and high performing team to deliver the Operations strategy, whilst also developing team capabilities in line with personal development plans for individuals.
- Be responsible and accountable for all Health & Safety and HMRC and general compliance for all distillery and supply operations.
- Maintain a leadership style, befitting of the culture of the business, understand and work in alignment with the broader mission and vision of the company, ensuring synergy and alignment across the portfolio.
- Responsible for overall site management in order to ensure the physical security of Distillery and surrounding buildings.
- Responsible for the custody of all inventories (liquid, casks, other raw materials, work in progress and finished goods) held both at own and third party locations
- Facilitate and advise on whiskey maturation and blending decision making
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Proven experience in Supply & Operations at a senior level in the drinks industry
- Values led profile motivated to be part of a purpose led brand business
- Proven track record of delivery (strategy & results) within a Supply / Operations function
- Proven track record of ability to motivate and inspire teams
- Experienced in operating seamlessly and effectively between senior stakeholders, peers and team members
- High level influencing and persuasion skills
- High level of impact and conviction
- Strong commercial operator with P&L management experience
- Ability to manage multi-cultural environments
- A convention challenger and innovator
- Ability to travel
- Excellent presentation skills (written and oral)
- Evidence of strategic thinking