At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to craft exceptional whisky on the stunning Isle of Jura.
- Company: Whyte and Mackay, a leading global whisky brand with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, 35 days leave, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Accommodation available; dynamic work environment with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a skilled team and make a real impact in whisky production.
- Qualifications: Experience in distilling preferred; must have First Aid and Confined Spaces certifications.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Jura Distillery, Craighouse, Isle of Jura, PA60 7XT – Rental accommodation may be available on a house share basis, with rent payable.
Working Hours: 42 hours per week covering a rotating shift pattern of 7 days/nights over a 14‑day period. Flexible as required to support the needs of the business.
Contract: Permanent
Application Close Date: 5pm, 2nd December 2025
Commencement: January 2026
About Whyte and Mackay: Born in Glasgow, made in Scotland and enjoyed worldwide, Whyte and Mackay leads a collection of multi‑award‑winning global whisky brands, including The Dalmore, Fettercairn, Jura and Tamnavulin. Our mission is to be a driving force in whisky, renowned for building brands that stand‑out. With 700 colleagues across 16 countries, we’re led by our values and seek great talent to join our community.
What the role looks like: We offer an exciting opportunity to join the Jura Distillery team on the beautiful Isle of Jura. Three dedicated Distillery Operators are required – preferably already part of the island community or nearby – to play a key role in crafting exceptional whisky. Accommodation (a room in a house share) may be available, with rent payable. As a valued colleague you will bring energy, precision, and pride to every stage of the process, from raw ingredients to the final product, helping us meet production goals while upholding the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction. You will work as part of a skilled and supportive team, where safety, teamwork and a shared commitment to excellence are central to how we operate every day.
Key Responsibility Areas:
- Responsible for part of the process, alternating between the Mash Operation and the Still Room
- Drive, monitor and operate part of the production process in accordance with operating procedures
- Operate equipment both manually and via the SCADA system
- Complete all parts of the process maintaining compliance with Health & Safety, Environmental and Customs & Excise procedures
- Support rollout of key site training, including inductions, H&S, work at height and manual handling
Skills and Experience:
- General Certificate in Distilling (preferred)
- First Aid at Work (essential)
- Confined Spaces (essential)
- Understanding of HSE legislation
- Understanding of HMR&C legislation
- Proficient in Microsoft Office packages
- Good level of literacy, numeracy and IT skills
- Ability to multitask and prioritise workload
- Experience using SCADA
Personal Attributes:
- Organised
- Ability to work on own or as part of a team
- Self‑motivated
- Logical
- Dependable
Digital Competence Required:
- Intermediate proficiency
- Regular user of Office 365 tools (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
- Comfortable navigating standard business systems and occasionally using more complex features; has started using AI for productivity tasks
Why Join Us:
Competitive salary, bonus package, life assurance, competitive pension, excellent product allowance, 35 days annual leave and enhanced family‑friendly policies. See our Rewards & Benefits page for further information.
Application Process:
If you like what you’ve read and want to explore this opportunity further, please apply before the closing date listed above. We read each application and will contact you in due course. Candidate guidance on the use of AI in the application and screening process can be found on our career site. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to help you be at your best, please contact HRTeam@whyteandmackay.com and we will do what we can to support you.
Distillery Operator - Jura Distillery employer: Whyte & Mackay
Contact Detail:
Whyte & Mackay Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Distillery Operator - Jura Distillery
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the whisky industry, especially those connected to Jura Distillery. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that might just help you land that operator role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for whisky! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your love for the craft. It’s all about demonstrating that you’re not just looking for a job, but you genuinely want to be part of the Jura family.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your distilling knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the processes at Jura Distillery and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their production goals. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Jura Distillery. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Distillery Operator - Jura Distillery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Whisky: When writing your application, let your love for whisky shine through! Share any experiences or stories that highlight your connection to the craft, as we’re looking for folks who are genuinely excited about what we do at Jura Distillery.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Distillery Operator role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, especially those related to distilling and safety procedures. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the distilling process. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whyte & Mackay
✨Know Your Whisky
Familiarise yourself with the distilling process and the specific whisky brands produced by Whyte and Mackay, especially Jura. Being able to discuss the nuances of whisky production will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Safety First
Since health and safety are crucial in this role, brush up on HSE legislation and any relevant safety protocols. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance and safety in your daily operations.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This position requires teamwork, so think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your ability to work both independently and as part of a team during the interview.
✨Get Comfortable with Tech
As you'll be using SCADA systems and Microsoft Office tools, make sure you're comfortable discussing your experience with these technologies. If you've used AI for productivity tasks, mention that too—it shows you're forward-thinking!