General Manager -Whisky cask group

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced General Manager – Scotch Whisky Projects & Business Development to play a key role in growing our specialist Scotch whisky business. This varied, hands-on position combines business development, project management, supplier relationships, and general business operations. We are particularly looking for candidates with extensive experience in the Scotch whisky industry and an established network of contacts across distilleries, independent bottlers, cask suppliers, and specialist production partners. The successful candidate will oversee the complete lifecycle of a whisky project, from identifying commercial opportunities to coordinating production and final delivery. This role demands genuine whisky industry knowledge, the ability to combine commercial thinking with practical project delivery and operational management.

Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Commercial Growth

• Identify and develop new business opportunities with private clients, corporate customers, luxury brands, and international partners.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of potential clients and commercial projects.
• Develop proposals, commercial pricing, and project budgets.
• Manage client relationships from initial inquiry through to contract negotiation and delivery.
• Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships, new products, and international expansion.
• Support the directors in developing and implementing the company's commercial strategy.

Whisky Sourcing & Industry Relationships

• Maintain and develop relationships with Scotch whisky distilleries, independent bottlers, cask brokers, and suppliers.
• Source appropriate whisky stocks and bottling solutions for bespoke client projects.
• Coordinate with bottling facilities, packaging suppliers, designers, and logistics partners.
• Negotiate pricing, production schedules, and commercial agreements.
• Identify reliable partners capable of delivering premium-quality whisky products.

Private Client & Bespoke Whisky Projects

• Manage bespoke whisky projects from concept to completion.
• Work directly with clients to understand their requirements, budgets, and expectations.
• Coordinate whisky selection, bottling, labeling, packaging, and product presentation.
• Oversee production schedules, supplier performance, and quality control.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, and profitability.
• Coordinate international fulfillment, export documentation, and specialist delivery requirements.

General Management & Operations

• Support the day-to-day commercial and operational management of the company.
• Develop efficient processes for managing projects, suppliers, and customers.
• Monitor financial performance, project costs, and commercial margins.
• Manage multiple client projects and business development opportunities simultaneously.
• Provide regular progress reports and commercial updates to the directors.
• Help establish the systems, partnerships, and operational infrastructure required to scale the business.

Essential Experience & Skills
Direct experience within the Scotch whisky industry is essential for this position. We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience within the Scotch whisky industry.
• An established professional network within the bottling, distilling, whisky sourcing, or independent bottling sectors.
• Experience developing or managing private-label, bespoke bottling, or exclusive whisky projects.
• Strong commercial and business development capabilities.
• Proven project management and supplier coordination experience.
• Understanding of whisky production, sourcing, bottling, packaging, and associated commercial costs.
• Excellent client relationship management and negotiation skills.
• Strong organizational and financial management capabilities.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and take ownership of business activities.

Desirable Experience
Additional experience in the following areas would be advantageous:

• Independent Scotch whisky bottling businesses.
• Private cask ownership and bespoke bottling programs.
• High-net-worth individuals and luxury private clients.
• Corporate gifting and premium branded whisky programs.
• International whisky distribution and export.
• Product development, packaging, and brand creation.
• Managing specialist bottling and international fulfillment partners.
• Experience growing or managing a small or medium-sized whisky business.

Location & Flexible Working
This role offers flexibility, including the opportunity to work remotely from Dubai, UAE, or the United Kingdom. We are open to discussing remote, hybrid, or consultancy arrangements with the right candidate. The position will require regular communication with our international clients and industry partners, with occasional travel to suppliers, bottling facilities, and client meetings where necessary.

What We Offer

• A senior role within a growing specialist Scotch whisky business.
• The opportunity to take ownership of commercial growth and client projects.
• Direct involvement in the company's business strategy and international expansion.
• Access to exciting bespoke whisky projects for private and corporate clients.
• Flexible working arrangements, including remote working from Dubai.
• Significant autonomy and the opportunity to shape the future development of the business.
• Competitive remuneration with potential performance-related incentives.

Who We're Looking For
We are looking for someone who understands the industry, knows the right people, and can confidently take a whisky project from initial discussion to finished product. Someone who can develop business, manage suppliers, coordinate projects, and help build a successful international whisky company. Industry knowledge, established relationships, and practical experience are far more important to us than formal qualifications.