Holyrood Distillery is distinctively different. From the spirits created to the unique visitor experience inside our 180 year old railway goods shed-turned-distillery, everything focuses on creating amazing flavours that delight taste buds.
Would you like to join the Holyrood Distillery?
Would you thrive on leading an embryonic whisky business as it looks to grow and scale? Do you possess demonstrable strategic commercial and brand building experience and thrive on opening new markets? Do you bring knowledge of the intricacies of the whisky sector?
If so, then please read on. We are delighted to be partnering with Holyrood Distillery on their search for a Managing & Commercial Director. Holyrood Distillery, Edinburgh’s first single malt whisky distillery in 100 years, opened its doors in July 2019 creating a wave of excitement as the distillery embarked on its journey to become one of the city’s major visitor attractions.
Founded by Rob Carpenter, who also founded the Canadian arm of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, and David Robertson, former Macallan master distiller, Holyrood Distillery is housed in a former railway goods shed dating back to 1831 on the edge of Holyrood Park and produces a range of gins and gin liqueurs with the first bottled single malt expected in 2022.
The Managing & Commercial Director appointment is a critical hire following a restructure as part of this next phase for business growth. As a key member of the Board, the Managing & Commercial Director will be the driving force behind business growth, forging new markets and channels overseeing all business operations, people, and ventures.
Key to this role will be developing and executing the company’s business strategy with an emphasis on building a compelling consumer ‘Holyrood Distillery’ brand across the product portfolio and to drive distribution within key channels and markets, both in the UK and internationally. Maximising return on investment from existing operational infrastructure will be critical as part of this growth to deliver operational scale and ensuring the product portfolio and NPD is aligned to market opportunities. Developing strategic plans, both immediate and long term, supported by key financial measures, which can be communicated to the board and key investors effectively will also be a fundamental part of this role as the Managing & Commercial Director leads the business through this next phase.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership experience to the board and chair, building strong working relationships with all members as well as key investor stakeholders, ensuring they have an accurate view of the business and market.
Leading a team of people across all functions will be critical, developing a high performing team, as well as building trust not only with employees, but with all other external stakeholders.
What does it take to be successful in this role?
First and foremost, we are looking for senior leadership experience with strong commercial acumen. You will bring a hybrid of skills with a strong track record in sales, distributor development and brand building as well as broader business management expertise. Entrepreneurial flair is essential and a background of working with an early stage business and fundraising would be highly advantageous. Exceptional commercial, communication and presentation skills are required with the ability to inspire and bring bold thinking! Given our current market, the ability to embrace change bringing high levels of resilience to achieve business success will be vital. This is without doubt a fantastic opportunity given the uniqueness of the distillery and their story with firm building blocks in place to help pivot the business to the next stage.
This is a tremendous chance to join a growth focused and ambitious business where you can be a key driving force on its impressive upward trajectory. If you are up for this challenge and possess the necessary skills, experience, and attitude, then we would love to hear from you!
For more details about this fantastic opportunity, please get in touch with our team today.
Paul McKernan | 07852 791 054 paul@denholmassociates.com
Marisa Carroll | 07968 506 692 marisa@denholmassociates.com
Alternatively, you can apply directly in the form provided. Thank you.
