At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to craft exceptional whisky on the beautiful Isle of Jura.
- Company: Whyte and Mackay, home to award-winning global whisky brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, 35 days leave, and product allowance.
- Other info: Accommodation may be available; we value diverse experiences and growth potential.
- Why this job: Be part of a skilled team and make a real impact in whisky production.
- Qualifications: Experience in distilling preferred; must be self-motivated and organised.
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/night period. Flexible as required to support the needs of the business.
Contract: Permanent
Date vacancy will close: 5pm, 2nd December 2025. Please note that this role is scheduled to commence in January 2026.
What the role looks like: Whyte and Mackay are proud to offer an exciting opportunity to join our Jura Distillery team, on the beautiful Isle of Jura. We are looking for three dedicated Distillery Operators who may already be part of our island community or nearby, and ready 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:- To be 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 to operating procedures.
- Operate equipment both manually and through the SCADA system.
- Complete all parts of the process maintaining compliance to both Health and Safety, Environmental and Customs and Excise procedures.
- Support with the roll-out of key site training including but not limited to inductions, H&S, work at height and manual handling.
- General Certificate In Distilling (preferred)
- First Aid at Work (Essential)
- Confined Spaces (Essential)
- Understanding of HSE legislation
- Understanding of HMR&C legislation
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft office packages.
- Good level of literacy, numeracy and IT skills.
- Ability to multitask and prioritise workload.
- Use of SCADA
- Organised
- Ability to work on own or as part of a team
- Self-motivated
- Logical
- Dependable
- Intermediate
- Regular user of Office 365 tools (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint). Comfortable navigating standard business systems and occasionally uses more complex features. Has started using AI for productivity tasks.
We believe that everyone has the potential for growth in our roles! You may feel you don’t tick every box for this role, but if you believe you have relevant experiences that could help you succeed we’d much rather you apply rather than rule yourself out based on any self-limiting beliefs!
Why join us:We offer a competitive salary, bonus package, life assurance, competitive pension, excellent product allowance, 35 days annual leave, plus enhanced family friendly policies. Our Rewards & Benefits page has further information.
If you like what you’ve read and want to explore this opportunity further, please apply before the closing date listed at the top of the advert. Our team read each and every application, therefore you’ll hear back from us in due course.
Candidate guidance on the use of AI in the application and screening process can be found on our career site. Should you require any adjustments to our recruitment process to help you be at your best then please contact us at HRTeam@whyteandmackay.com and we’ll do what we can to support.
Distillery Operator - Jura Distillery employer: Whyteandmackayltd
Contact Detail:
Whyteandmackayltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Distillery Operator - Jura Distillery
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the distillery! Research Jura Distillery and Whyte and Mackay's values. When you understand their mission and culture, you can tailor your approach and show them you're a perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or local community groups. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances of landing that role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to distilling and teamwork. Show off your knowledge about health and safety regulations, as well as your ability to multitask. 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, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
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 this will resonate with us at Whyte and Mackay.
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 align with the job description, so we can see how you fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
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 this exciting opportunity at Jura Distillery.
How to prepare for a job interview at Whyteandmackayltd
✨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 understanding of the industry.
✨Safety First
Since safety is a key aspect of the role, be prepared to discuss your knowledge of Health and Safety regulations and any relevant certifications you hold. Highlighting your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment will impress the interviewers.
✨Team Player Mindset
Emphasise your ability to work as part of a team. Share examples from your past experiences where teamwork led to successful outcomes, especially in high-pressure situations. This will align well with the collaborative culture at the distillery.
✨Show Your Flexibility
Given the rotating shift pattern, demonstrate your flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing schedules. Discuss any previous experiences where you successfully managed shifts or adapted to new working conditions.