About Company
Highland Park Distillery, established in 1798, is one of the oldest and most respected Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. Located on the remote island of Orkney, a place of stark beauty and ancient Norse heritage, our distillery crafts exceptional single malt whiskies. We are renowned for our unique ‘Orkney style’ – a perfect harmony of aromatic peat smoke, sweet heather honey, and a long, lingering finish, born from our traditional methods and the island’s distinctive environment. As part of Edrington, a leading international spirits company, Highland Park is committed to quality, sustainability, and fostering a deep connection to our island home and its rich history. We pride ourselves on our dedicated team who uphold our centuries-old traditions while embracing innovation to produce whiskies that are truly ‘Viking Soul’. Join us in continuing a legacy of craftsmanship and excellence.
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Job Description
Are you a meticulous and analytical professional with a passion for the craft of whisky-making, eager to contribute to one of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries from a remote setting? Highland Park Distillery is seeking a proactive and dedicated Remote Distillery Operative to join our operations team. While traditional distillery operative roles are hands-on, this unique remote position focuses on the critical data monitoring, process oversight, and analytical support essential to our production, maturation, and quality assurance cycles. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless flow of information and operational integrity for our on-site teams in Orkney, embodying our commitment to quality and efficiency.
In this innovative role, you will be responsible for remotely monitoring key operational parameters across our distillation, fermentation, and maturation processes. Leveraging advanced data platforms and real-time sensor outputs, you will identify anomalies, track performance metrics, and provide timely insights to the on-site production teams. This position requires an individual with a deep understanding of distillation principles, an aptitude for data analysis, and excellent communication skills to bridge the geographical gap effectively. You will contribute to maintaining our stringent quality standards, optimizing process efficiency, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements through virtual audits and documentation management.
This is an exceptional opportunity for someone who thrives in a detail-oriented environment, possesses strong problem-solving abilities, and is looking to apply their operational knowledge in a flexible, remote capacity. You will be instrumental in supporting our traditional craftsmanship with modern data-driven insights, helping Highland Park continue to produce its world-renowned single malt whisky. Your contributions will directly impact the consistency and excellence of our product, ensuring every bottle reflects the spirit of Orkney and the dedication of our team. Join us in shaping the future of whisky production, remotely yet integrally connected to the heart of our distillery.
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Key Responsibilities
- Remote monitoring of distillery process data, including fermentation temperatures, distillation flow rates, spirit strength, and maturation conditions, using integrated sensor systems.
- Analyzing operational data to identify trends, potential issues, and areas for process optimization; generating reports for on-site management.
- Collaborating virtually with on-site production, quality control, and maintenance teams to troubleshoot issues and provide operational support.
- Managing and updating digital inventory records for raw materials (barley, peat), casks, and finished goods.
- Ensuring compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and quality regulations through remote documentation review and audit preparation.
- Assisting in the development and refinement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for remote monitoring and data management.
- Coordinating supply chain logistics and material tracking from a remote workstation.
- Participating in virtual team meetings and training sessions to maintain strong communication and knowledge sharing.
- Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives by suggesting data-driven solutions for enhanced efficiency and product quality.
- Preparing comprehensive reports on production yields, quality metrics, and operational performance for management review.
Required Skills
- Proven experience in a manufacturing or process-driven environment, preferably within the food, beverage, or chemical industries.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data interpretation and reporting.
- Excellent computer literacy, including experience with SCADA systems, ERP software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective remote collaboration.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and maintain high attention to detail.
- Solid understanding of quality control principles and regulatory compliance.
- Problem-solving aptitude and proactive approach to identifying and addressing operational challenges.
Preferred Qualifications
- Formal qualification in Brewing & Distilling, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or a related technical field.
- Experience with specific distillery processes (mashing, fermentation, distillation, maturation).
- Familiarity with remote monitoring tools and industrial IoT applications.
- Knowledge of Scotch Whisky Regulations and industry best practices.
- Previous experience in a remote working capacity.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Generous holiday allowance.
- Employee discount on Highland Park and Edrington products.
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth within a global spirits company.
- A supportive and collaborative remote working environment.
- Contribution to a brand with a rich heritage and global recognition.
- Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
How to Apply
If you are excited by the prospect of contributing to the legacy of Highland Park Distillery in this unique remote capacity, we encourage you to apply. Please click on the application link below, which will direct you to the Edrington careers portal. Search for relevant openings, or submit your CV and a compelling cover letter outlining your experience and why you are a perfect fit for this remote role. Be sure to highlight your analytical skills and understanding of distillery operations.
