General Manager -Whisky cask group at MaxAccelerate · Edinburgh

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, 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.

Our priority is finding the right person with the industry experience, commercial capabilities and professional network to help develop the business.

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

You may currently be working for an independent bottler, whisky merchant, cask company, distillery or specialist spirits business.

Perhaps you have spent years developing relationships within the whisky industry and are now looking for an opportunity to use that experience in a more entrepreneurial environment.

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 us build a successful international whisky company.

Industry knowledge, established relationships and practical experience are far more important to us than formal qualifications.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV along with a short introduction explaining your experience within the Scotch whisky industry.

We would particularly welcome examples of private bottling projects, supplier relationships, commercial partnerships or bespoke whisky programmes you have successfully managed.

We look forward to hearing from experienced whisky professionals who would like to play an important role in the next stage of Whiskey Cask Group's growth.