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- Tasks: Craft and repair wooden casks essential for whisky maturation.
- Company: Prestigious brand in the global drinks industry.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate of £22, with potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Join a respected craft that directly influences whisky quality and flavour.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooperage or cask repair is essential.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for skill development.
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
Contact Detail:
Total Recruitment 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 cooperage or distillery to see the work in action. This not only shows your passion but also gives you real insights into the role that can impress during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Join groups related to whisky and cooperage to stay updated and make valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have any experience with woodworking or cask repair, bring it up in conversations. Share examples of your craftsmanship and problem-solving abilities to demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles like this one. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and helps us keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Cooper in Dumbarton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description carefully. Understanding the role of a Cooper and the specific skills required will help you tailor your application to show us you're the right fit.
Showcase Your Experience: When writing your application, highlight your experience in cooperage or cask repair. We want to see your practical woodworking skills and any relevant work you've done in whisky distilleries. Be specific about your past roles and responsibilities!
Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is key in this role, so make sure your application reflects that. Check for typos, ensure your formatting is consistent, and present your information clearly. This shows us you take pride in your work!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Total Recruitment
✨Know Your Wood
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of different types of oak and how they affect whisky maturation. Being able to discuss the nuances of cask construction and the impact on flavour will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your practical woodworking skills during the interview. If possible, bring along examples of your previous work or be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in cask repair and maintenance.
✨Safety First
Familiarise yourself with health, safety, and environmental regulations relevant to cooperage. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safety in your work, especially when handling tools and machinery.
✨Team Player Mindset
Highlight your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with production teams in the past to meet operational schedules and maintain quality standards.
