Denholm Associates

Head of Export Sales

Job Ref: 11098

The opportunity you've been waiting for

Isle of Barra Distillers has built a premium spirits portfolio from one of Scotland's most remote islands, and an international footprint to go with it. Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Barra is on its way. The export channel that will carry it needs an owner.

This is a senior leadership appointment with full commercial responsibility for export. The distributors are in place. The foundations are laid. Your job is to turn what exists into revenue, open the territories that matter next and build the platform the whisky will launch on.

Got the network, the judgement and the appetite to be measured on shipped and invoiced revenue? Read on.

How you'll make your mark

You'll work closely with the CEO, alongside UK Sales, Brand & Marketing, Finance and Operations. You'll have real autonomy.

What you'll own

  • Set the international sales strategy and own export revenue, margin and pipeline.
  • Assess the current international footprint quickly and find where the fastest revenue sits.
  • Grow sales through existing distributors and unlock the untapped potential in markets already open.
  • Lay the international distribution groundwork for Isle of Barra Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

What you bring

  • Significant senior experience in international premium spirits sales, ideally including Scotch whisky.
  • An established network of international distributors, importers and key customers.
  • Experience growing established distributor relationships and negotiating distributor agreements.
  • A clear understanding of international route-to-market structures.

What's in it for you

  • Generous base salary, depending on experience
  • A performance bonus with genuine upside, built around you and tied to revenue, gross margin and cash collection.
  • A seat on the senior leadership team of an ambitious independent Scottish distiller.
  • Full ownership of an international sales channel, with the autonomy to shape it.
  • The route to market for Barra's first Single Malt Scotch Whisky, built by you.
  • Remote/flexible with extensive international travel.
Paul McKernan

Paul McKernan

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