Join us at Ardgowan Distillery Visitor Centre and help shape the future of one of Scotland’s most exciting new whisky destinations.
We’re looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Visitor Centre and Shop Manager to lead day to day operations, deliver a world class guest experience and set the standard from day one. From cruise visitors to whisky collectors, this is a rare opportunity to be the face of a distillery with global ambition and local roots.
The Role: Visitor Centre Manager
An enthusiastic Visitor Centre and Shop Manager is required to lead thedaily operations of ourvisitor centre at Ardgowan Distillery.
This is a hands on role that offers much more than simply running a shop. You’ll be the face of Ardgowan for many of our guests, from casual drop ins to organised groups from the nearby cruise terminal, and you’ll be responsible for shaping their first experience of who we are and what we stand for.
You’ll lead from the front, setting the standard for exceptional customer experience, managing a growing team, coordinating tours, and delivering strong retail performance - all while ensuring the warm and professional welcome we want Ardgowan Distillery to be known for.
As a new distillery with big ambitions, this is a chance to help define our public presence and make a real impact. There will also be opportunities to support activity across the UK, particularly out of season, as we continue to build the Ardgowan Distillery brand at home and internationally.
Please note: The role includes weekend work with occasional UK and overseas travel.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Operations
* Manage the full operation of the visitor centre including retail, tours, tastings and hospitality
* Oversee booking systems, including trade and VIP visits
* Ensure smooth daily operations and consistent high standards of service
* Lead our Private Cask owner experience
* Ensuring that all necessary health and safety procedures are in place
* Work flexibly, including weekends and occasional evenings
Team Management
* Recruit, train and lead the visitor centre team
* Develop rotas, carry out regular staff reviews and support professional developmentEnsure all staff are trained in alcohol sales in line with licensing laws
* Manage budgets, stock and all retail transactions
* Monitor performance and help drive profitability
Marketing and Promotion
* Work with the marketing team to attract local and international visitors
* Promote events, tastings and retail products through a variety of channels
Brand Representation
* Represent Ardgowan Distillery at events and in the media
* Support sales and marketing teams at trade shows and whisky festivals, especially outside peak visitor season
* Work with other departments to develop new experiences and offerings
* Contribute to broader operational and commercial strategy
About You:
Experience
* Strong background in visitor centre, hospitality or tourism management
* Knowledge of tourism sector and excursions is a strong advantage
Skills and Attributes
* Natural leader with excellent team management abilities
* Comfortable delivering presentations and representing a brand
* Creative and commercially aware, with an understanding of digital marketing
* Proactive, adaptable and thrives in fast changing environments
* Genuine interest in whisky preferred and confident sharing that enthusiasm with others
Requirements
* Experience in hospitality, tourism or retail
* Strong background in customer service
* Experience in the spirits industry preferred, but not essential
* Proven ability to lead and motivate a team
* Willingness to work weekends and occasional evenings
* Full UK driving licence
* Dependent on experience
* Matched contribution of 5% to your Pension
* Paid holiday entitlement of 34 inclusive of public/bank holidays
* Discretionary Bonus
* An Employee Assistance Programme
To apply, please send your CV to whisky@ardgowandistillery.com
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