At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the whisky spirit lifecycle from distillation to maturation and warehousing.
- Company: Join Chivas Brothers, a top brand in the Pernod Ricard Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, 25+ days holiday, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of award-winning Scotch whisky.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in supply chain leadership within the spirits industry.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Chivas Brothers is the largest brand company within the Pernod Ricard Group, responsible for the production and management of our award‑winning Scotch whisky portfolio.
About the Role
The Head of Inventory & Blending will oversee the entire whisky spirit lifecycle—from new‑make distillation through long‑term maturation and warehousing—ensuring compliance, financial modelling, and efficient utilisation of our cask inventory. The role is key to maintaining the quality, traceability and future utility of spirit in cask for a geographically dispersed, highly regulated, and asset‑intensive environment.
Your responsibilities will be grouped into four main areas:
- Strategic ownership of the spirit lifecycle – develop and execute a long‑range inventory and maturation strategy that aligns with brand goals, commercial forecasts and production capacity; oversee planning, governance and optimisation of spirit inventory across 361 warehouses.
- Data governance & insight‑driven decision making – establish enterprise‑wide data governance for cask‑level tracking, ageing curves and valuation; develop analytical tools and dashboards to support scenario planning and financial modelling.
- Cross‑functional and external leadership – lead a high‑performing, cross‑regional team; represent spirit inventory interests at senior level and influence decisions around new product development, expansion and logistics.
- Digital transformation of inventory systems – drive the replacement of legacy tools with cloud‑based platforms that provide traceability, audit‑readiness and global visibility.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience in senior supply chain, inventory or operations leadership within the spirits or broader beverage industry.
- Deep understanding of whisky production, maturation and spirit valuation.
- Proven track record of driving operational transformation, including ERP or cask‑management system implementation.
- Strong financial acumen and analytical capabilities, with the ability to integrate financial insights into strategic planning and translate data into business insight.
Benefits
We offer private medical insurance, income protection and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme. Employees enjoy 25 days of annual holiday (increasing with length of service up to 27), 11 public holidays, a pension scheme, share incentive and ownership plans, life assurance and other benefits.
Diversity & Inclusion
We value a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applicants will be assessed solely on skills, experiences and achievements. Flexible working, support for application processes and accommodations are welcomed.
Closing Date for Applications 08th December 2025
Head of Inventory & Blending in Dumbarton employer: Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Dumbarton, UK, where you can lead the strategic management of our prestigious Scotch whisky portfolio. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional development, all while fostering a diverse and inclusive culture that values your unique contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Inventory & Blending in Dumbarton
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Chivas Brothers, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Inventory & Blending in Dumbarton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Chivas Brothers specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chivas Brothers
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Chivas Brothers, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Chivas Brothers value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.