Founded in 2000, Compass Box is on a mission to reimagine the world of Scotch whisky – exploring undiscovered territories beyond the map. From our Blending Room in Richmond, London, we continue to push the boundaries of what whisky can be, guided by flavour, not convention. Different to a distiller, more than a blender, we are Scotch Whiskymakers. We have ambitious growth targets and exciting plans for the future. We are currently 20 people strong.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Imagine
We believe in the power of imagination. It provides us greater perspective, helps us achieve lofty goals. It helps us to make connections to solve problems and see opportunities. It helps us to create and be creative. “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” Einstein said.
PARTNER
We believe in the power of partnering. We subscribe to the Japanese proverb, “None of us is as smart as all of us.” We know that when we collaborate, when we support each other, when we treat each other with respect, that we multiply our collective potential to achieve ambitious goals and make a difference in our world.
transform
We believe we have an obligation to transform. Standing still is the fastest way of moving backwards in a constantly changing world. Our business was based on this belief – if we don’t do it, who will? It’s ok to be seen as heretical if we’re trying to create positive change. This is our obligation to our industry – to Scotch whisky. It should be the obligation of any business.
We’re not just making whisky. We’re making history.
We’re independent whiskymakers relentlessly focused on reimagining the spirit we love so much. We are a disruptive challenger brand with the ambition of connecting with many more whisky fans.
We defy conventions and embrace innovation, making us a trailblazer in the whisky industry. Our brand is fuelled by creativity, transparency, and a deep sense of joy. We cannot do this without having whiskies that are truly exceptional and ground-breaking.
We have an enviable reputation in the industry created over the last 24 years and now we someone who can develop and lead an effective, efficient and highly engaged Operations Function. The good news is that we’ve got exceptional whiskies that any Operations Director would love to put their name behind. Our primary markets are in the US and Europe, though there’s real appetite for our whisky in Asia and Global Travel Retail too.
Operations is the fuel on which our business operates. There have been a number of important positive changes in the last couple of years to our Operations footprint but more needs to be done. You will get the opportunity immediately to shape how we do Operations at Compass Box and in so doing create an incredible legacy. We are a progressive challenger business known for our creativity and transparency. We enjoy doing things differently at Compass Box in Operations and in the rest of the business.
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Making whisky is a creative pursuit – but it’s Operations that gives it shape, scale, and substance. You’ll report directly to our CEO, working closely with Whiskymaking, Marketing, Commercial, and Operations to bring our ideas to life. As part of a small team, you’ll also have regular exposure to our Board and Investors, helping shape the future of our business from the inside out.
Your base will be in Scotland, where we’re currently refurbishing two warehouses that will play a central role in our operations going forward. Each has dedicated office space, and both will become important hubs as we grow. Our Blending Room in Richmond, London remains the creative centre of Compass Box, so spending time there will be essential for staying closely connected to the people and the process.
You’ll be supported by two talented direct reports (one in Scotland and one in Richmond) with plans to expand the team as our new warehouses become operational. We expect a further three to four team members to come on board next year, offering you the opportunity to shape a high-performing, thoughtful, and well-connected Operations function from the ground up.
- Participate actively in the Company and be a co-leader for delivery of our short and long-term growth objectives.
- Accountable with your team for international logistics, purchasing, supplier management, bottling, cask movements, warehousing, and stock management.
- Designing the solution for how our new warehouses will be managed for our own and third party stock. This includes the development of all best operating processes, safety and security plans, staffing and training, warehouse filling, and the inauguration of our own operations centre. This is a massive project with significant investment.
- Lead the operational switch over to NetSuite and Bottles as part of the drive for greater efficiency.
- Leading and developing the team and the individuals on it. We expect all our leaders to be people-centric. We aspire to a high performance, generous culture where individuals can thrive. We need this in the Operations team as well as every other team in the company.
- Manage the whisky supply plan based on short- and long-term forecasting, ensuring the right stock is always in the right place at the right time.
- Manage positive and collaborative relationships with all our key suppliers. As part of this, manage supplier SLAs to ensure the highest levels of service and compliance to requirements (including raw materials, distributors, bottling, warehousing).
- Lead transformational business projects to deliver cash efficiencies such as evaluation of the optimal warehouse solution.
- Lead and embed the emerging S&OP process across the company. As part of this, develop flexible and intuitive planning processes that cover all aspects of the business including raw materials, production, stock movements
- Improve our profit (via optimising operational costs including Cost of Goods in a manner consistent with our premium whiskies) via efficient production through management of blending operations; raw material procurement and cost negotiation; and the new-product development process.
- Live our values, embed our culture and be a great ambassador for Compass Box.
- At least five years’ experience of managing all aspects of operations (logistics, purchasing, planning, warehousing, and production). Ideally in the alcoholic beverage industry.
- Evidence that you have led processes in the past to scale an entrepreneurial organisation.
- Outstanding organisational skills, with an ability to clearly prioritise and manage work.
- Cool under pressure and good at managing conflicting deadlines.
- Strong numerical and data analysis skills, with a proven record of improving operational efficiency through data-driven solutions.
- NetSuite or similar ERP experience.
- Someone who can help lead our sustainability journey as a business.
- Experience in the development and successful implementation of systems / software / processes/digital technology.
- Understanding of HMRC regulations within the alcoholic beverage industry.
- A Degree.
- A passionate interest in what we do.
ABOUT YOU
You have a positive, can do attitude, see opportunities, not barriers.
You’re open, transparent, collaborative and inclusive.
You are keen to make things as simple as possible and have a strong problem solving skillset.
You are highly organised.
You are willing to push yourself outside your comfort zone.
You have an entrepreneurial, scrappy mindset, happy to roll your sleeves up to make things happen.
You believe in teamwork with a genuine interest in people, their development and wellbeing.
You have strong influencing and interpersonal skills. You are able to build effective and genuine relationships with people in different functions at all different levels.
Does this sound like you? Then please get in touch with Douglas Cross on 07900 604 898 today. Thank you.