General Manager -Whisky cask group

General Manager – Scotch Whisky Projects & Business Development

Company: Whiskey Cask Group

Industry: Scotch Whisky | Independent Bottling | Private Label | Luxury Spirits

Location: UK or Dubai, UAE – Remote / Hybrid Working Available

Employment Type: Full-time or Consultancy (depending on experience)

Seniority: Senior Management

Remuneration: Competitive package based on experience, with performance-related incentives

About Whiskey Cask Group

Whiskey Cask Group is a specialist Scotch whisky business focused on developing exclusive whisky products and bespoke bottling programmes for private clients, corporate customers and international brands.

Our services include private-label Scotch whisky, limited-edition bottlings, corporate gifting, exclusive cask projects and premium whisky collections.

We work with established industry partners to manage everything from whisky sourcing and product development to bottling, packaging and international delivery.

As we continue to expand, we are looking for an experienced whisky industry professional to help manage our commercial activities, develop new business opportunities and oversee the successful delivery of client projects.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced General Manager – Scotch Whisky Projects & Business Development to play a key role in growing Whiskey Cask Group.

This is a varied, hands-on position combining business development, project management, supplier relationships and general business operations.

We are particularly interested in candidates who already have extensive experience within the Scotch whisky industry and an established network of contacts across distilleries, independent bottlers, cask suppliers and specialist production partners.

The successful candidate will be comfortable managing the complete lifecycle of a whisky project, from identifying a commercial opportunity and developing a proposal through to coordinating production and final delivery.

This is not a traditional sales role. We are looking for someone with genuine whisky industry knowledge who can 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 enquiry 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, labelling, packaging and product presentation.

• Oversee production schedules, supplier performance and quality control.

• Manage project budgets, timelines and profitability.

• Coordinate international fulfilment, export documentation and specialist delivery requirements.

General Management & Operations

• Support the day-to-day commercial and operational management of Whiskey Cask Group.

• 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 organisational 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 programmes.

• High-net-worth individuals and luxury private clients.

• Corporate gifting and premium branded whisky programmes.

• International whisky distribution and export.

• Product development, packaging and brand creation.

• Managing specialist bottling and international fulfilment partners.

• Experience growing or managing a small or medium-sized whisky business.

Location & Flexible Working

We recognise that experienced whisky industry professionals may be based in different locations.

This role offers flexibility, in