Distillery Manager

Lancaster Spirits Company; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A distinguished spirits producer in Lancaster seeks a dedicated Distillery Manager to lead the production of their award-winning single malt whisky, gin, and vodka. This role requires a passion for quality and excellent management skills to run daily operations efficiently. The successful candidate will ensure adherence to regulations, oversee the distillation process, and play a key role in product development. Competitive salary circa £38,000, with significant autonomy and creative input offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Autonomy in production

Creative input in processes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a distilling role, ideally including single malt whisky production.
• Strong technical understanding of distillation and associated practices.
• Passionate about flavour, quality, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead all distillery operations, including distillation and cask management.
• Take ownership of single malt production.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations.

Skills

Distillation expertise

Production planning

Quality control

People management

Equipment maintenance

Strong communication skills

Job description

Lancaster Spirits Co. is dedicated to crafting exceptional spirits with a focus on quality. Where tradition meets innovation.

Single Malt Made by Brewers. Producing single malt using traditional production techniques such as mashing by hand and fermenting our wash with the brewery's very own live brewer's yeast.

Yet, maturing our single malt exclusively in highly active, first-fill seasoned casks to provide depth of flavour; as well as active cask management to ensure that every cask in developing as it should.

Here a Lancaster Spirits Co. we are committed to creating only the finest single malt whisky, along with award‑winning gins & vodkas.

Role Description

Lancaster Spirits Company is seeking an experienced and passionate Distillery Manager to lead the production of our award-winning spirits. The primary focus will be upon the production of our single malt whisky, as well as developing our gin and vodka ranges.

The Distillery Manager will oversee daily operations, including the end‑to‑end distillation process, quality control, and production planning. Working closely with our Commercial Manager to meet our lay‑down strategy.

You will play a central role in helping to shape the character, consistency, and future direction of our single malt, while ensuring the continued quality and efficiency of our gin and vodka production.

Working under the supervision of the site Production Manager on a day to day basis; whilst developing a strong relationship with the brewing team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all distillery operations, including all aspects of distillation, barrelling, cask management and bottling of our spirits.
• Take ownership of our single malt production. Including recipe development, process optimisation and the implementing the active cask management system.
• Work closely with our commercial manager on production planning, new product development and the long‑term lay‑down strategy.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations and ensure that production records are kept up to date.
• Maintain food safety, health & safety standards and environmental regulations under the supervision of the site Production Manager.
• Oversee all aspects of stock control for the distillery.
• Maintain distillery equipment and help to improve working practices and processes.
• Manage and schedule gin and vodka production to meet commercial demand while maintaining quality standards.
• Act as an ambassador for Lancaster Spirits Company during distillery tours, trade visits, and industry events as required.

Qualifications

About You

• Proven experience in a distilling role, ideally including single malt whisky production.
• Strong technical understanding of distillation and associated practices.
• Previous experience in the craft spirits industry is highly desirable.
• Passionate about flavour, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Comfortable working in a growing, independent spirits business.
• Ability to manage people, processes, and priorities.
• Detail‑oriented, organised, and comfortable with both hands‑on work and strategic planning.
• Proficiency in equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and compliance in distillery operations.
• Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills.

What We Offer

• A rare opportunity to shape and lead the production of a distinctive English single malt.
• The chance to be a key figure in an exciting and ambitious independent distillery.
• Significant autonomy and creative input.
• Competitive salary, dependent on experience - Circa. £38,000.

How to Apply

• Please send your CV and a short covering letter outlining your experience and interest in the role to [e-mail]