Senior Visitor Centre Assistant

At Suntory Global Spirits, we craft spirits of the highest quality and deliver brilliant experiences to people around the world. Suntory Global Spirits has evolved into the world's third largest leading premium spirits company where each employee is treated like family and trusted with legacy. With our greatest assets – our premium spirits and our people – we’re driving growth through impactful marketing, innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. Suntory Global Spirits is a place where you can unleash your spirit by making an impact each and every day.

The spirits industry is an exciting, dynamic and fast‑paced business. This role offers the opportunity to be at the heart of our global business. Reporting directly to the Visitor Centre Manager, the Senior Visitor Centre Assistant will be responsible for delivering a world class premium brand experience that will enhance the brand image and deliver value to the business. You will take an active role in the daily running of the Laphroaig Visitor Centre, representing the brand and the company with the aim of delivering a world‑class, premium brand experience.

This is a diverse role, leading and inspiring the team to deliver high standards of customer service and an exceptional and memorable visitor experience. You will also be responsible for a number of administrative duties required for the operation of the Visitor Centre, including stock management and customer bookings. This position operates on a rota basis across a 7‑day week, including regular weekend and occasional evening working.

• Deputise for the Visitor Centre Manager and Assistant Visitor Centre Manager.
• Conduct distillery tours, tastings and promotional activity both on and off site as required.
• Lead on delivery of premium experiences and input into the development of premium, VIP and bespoke experiences.
• Support staff training and review on an ongoing basis whilst providing feedback to the Visitor Centre Manager and Assistant Visitor Centre Manager.
• Manage the shop floor, including till operations, visual merchandising, product knowledge & upselling, and ensure Visitor Centre facilities are always maintained to a high standard of cleanliness.
• Support the Visitor Centre Manager and Assistant Visitor Centre Manager with administrative tasks, including stocktaking, receipting stock, submitting timesheets, till opening & closing procedures, recording of daily takings, responding to customer emails and calls.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the brand home.
• Identify and make recommendations to the Visitor Centre Manager and Assistant Visitor Centre Manager on tour format, spirit and non‑spirit products/merchandise and any other potential revenue generating opportunities through sharing best practice from other sites/competitors.
• Have awareness of the Suntory Global Spirit brands and products and be able to communicate this to customers.
• Work with the distillery operations team to ensure company operational procedures and H&S practices are adhered to rigorously and tour information is up to date.

• Experience of working within a team and proven ability to lead a team.
• Previous experience within the hospitality, retail and/or tourism sector is desirable.
• Knowledge of whisky or a strong desire to learn.
• Administration experience: good working knowledge of all Microsoft programmes (experience with SAP would be advantageous but not essential as training will be provided).
• Current driving licence.
• Personal licence holder (desirable but not essential as training will be provided).
• Elementary Food Hygiene qualification (desirable but not essential as training will be provided).

• Drive and passion for delivering excellent customer service.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a "can do" attitude.
• Excellent oral and written skills, and able to deliver presentations to a wide and varied audience.
• Proven ability to work on own initiative and to build and maintain excellent relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strong ability and experience of troubleshooting.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Self‑motivated with a flexible approach to your work.
• Work with integrity and fairness at all times and has the respect of all colleagues.
• Excellent time management, organisational skills and the ability to prioritise your workload.
• Ability to deal with demanding situations in a calm, professional and controlled manner.

This role is based on the Isle of Islay. While relocation, immigration, and/or tax compliance support are not guaranteed, we may offer assistance to successful candidates depending on factors such as role requirements in accordance with company guidelines.

At Suntory Global Spirits, people are our number one priority, and we believe our people grow together in diverse and inclusive environments where their unique insights, experiences, and backgrounds are valued and respected. Suntory Global Spirits is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, military veteran status and all other characteristics, attributes, or choices protected by law. All recruitment and hiring decisions are based on an applicant's skills and experience.