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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Craft and repair oak whisky casks, ensuring quality and flavour development.
- Company: Prestigious brand in the global drinks industry with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate of £22, with potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Join a respected craft that directly influences whisky quality and character.
- Qualifications: Experience as a cooper or in cask repair; knowledge of whisky maturation.
- Other info: Dynamic, physically engaging role with a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 22 - 22 £ per hour.
Our client is a prestigious brand within the global drinks industry. They have a unique opportunity for an experienced Cooper. This person is responsible for the construction, repair, maintenance, and inspection of wooden casks used in the maturation of whisky. This role is critical to ensuring the quality, longevity, and character of whisky, as casks have a significant influence on flavour development during aging.
Key Responsibilities
- Assemble, repair, and refurbish oak whisky casks (including barrels, hogsheads, butts, and puncheons)
- De-rivet, re-rivet, shave, re-char, toast, and re-raise damaged or worn casks
- Inspect casks for leaks, structural integrity, and suitability for filling
- Replace hoops, heads, or staves as required
- Prepare casks for filling, storage, or transport
- Maintain accurate records of cask condition and repair work
- Operate cooperage tools and machinery safely (e.g. croze, jointer, hoop drivers)
- Work closely with warehouse and production teams to meet operational schedules
- Ensure all work meets quality standards and regulatory requirements
- Comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations at all times
Skills & Competencies
- Strong practical woodworking and hand-tool skills
- Excellent attention to detail and craftsmanship
- Good understanding of oak, cask construction, and maturation processes
- Physical stamina and manual dexterity
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Commitment to quality, safety, and consistency
Qualifications & Experience
- Time-served cooper, or demonstrable experience in cooperage/cask repair
- Understanding of whisky maturation and cask influence
- Experience working in a whisky distillery or bonded warehouse
- Knowledge of different cask types (ex-bourbon, sherry, wine, etc.)
Working Conditions
- Manual, physically demanding work
- Work in warehouses or cooperage environments (often noisy or dusty)
- May involve lifting heavy casks and working with fire/heat during charring
Why This Role Matters
The cooper plays a vital role in preserving the quality and consistency of whisky. Well-maintained casks directly influence flavour, aroma, and maturation, making this a highly respected and essential craft within the whisky industry. This role is due to commence in the next 2 weeks. The contract is on a temporary basis expected to last a minimum of 6 months, but may be reviewed and extended. Hours will be 37 per week, over a dayshift pattern, Monday to Friday. Hourly rate £22 per hour.
Cooper in Dumbarton employer: Total Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
Total Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cooper in Dumbarton
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you can, visit a distillery or cooperage to see the work in action. It’s a great way to network and show your passion for the craft.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just rely on job boards. Reach out directly to companies you admire in the whisky industry. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring along examples of your previous work or even create a small project to demonstrate your craftsmanship. It’ll set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you a better chance of landing that dream role.
We think you need these skills to ace Cooper in Dumbarton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your practical woodworking and hand-tool skills in your application. We want to see your craftsmanship shine through, so don’t hold back on showcasing your experience with cask construction and repair!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to tailor your application specifically for the Cooper role. Mention your understanding of whisky maturation and how different cask types influence flavour. This will show us that you’re not just any applicant, but the right fit for this unique position.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your experience and qualifications are easy to read and understand. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Total Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Casks
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of different cask types and their influence on whisky maturation. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've worked with various cask types in the past, as this will show your expertise and passion for the craft.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your practical woodworking skills during the interview. If possible, bring along a portfolio of your previous work or photos of casks you've constructed or repaired. This tangible evidence can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Safety First
Familiarise yourself with health, safety, and environmental regulations relevant to cooperage. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safety in your work environment, as this is crucial in maintaining quality and compliance in the whisky industry.
✨Team Player Mindset
While showcasing your ability to work independently is important, don’t forget to highlight your teamwork skills. Discuss experiences where you collaborated with warehouse or production teams to meet operational schedules, as this demonstrates your adaptability and commitment to the overall success of the distillery.
