Rutherford Cross is delighted to be working in partnership with PE backed, whisky business, Loch Lomond Group to appoint a Commercial Finance Analyst.

The Company

The Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller and blender of some of the finest and rarest Scotch Whiskies in the world. Its heritage is amongst the oldest in the industry.

In March 2014 the business acquired the Loch Lomond Distillery Company, The Glen Scotia Distillery and The Glen Catrine Bottling Plant, and with them, a history that is believed to go back to 1772 with the founding of the Littlemill Distillery.

In 1814, the original site of the Loch Lomond distillery was established near Tarbet towards the north west end of Loch Lomond. In 1832, the Glen Scotia distillery was founded in Campbeltown and is one of only three distilleries remaining from that era.

The portfolio includes Loch Lomond Single Malt, which is distilled and matured close by the “bonnie banks” and Glen Scotia, a Campbeltown malt from the Victorian “whisky capital of the world”, as well as several high-quality blends. Each is a fine example of its region and style, redolent of the landscape and history which has shaped Scotland’s unique spirit.

The Loch Lomond Group has gone through a significant period of growth since 2014 and its private equity backers, Exponent, have ambitious plans for the business. The company’s latest set of accounts, dated 30th September 2017, show turnover has grown to £50.5m a 6.8% increase on the previous year. The geographic spread of turnover shows that the business is growing in the international spirits markets around the world.

The Group’s commercial strategy has 2 key components; retaining existing market share whilst growing the business internationally. This has been facilitated by the development of a strong suite of products and underpinned by an attractive and efficient operational footprint and a healthy Scotch Whisky maturing stock profile.

The Group’s future strategy is based on developing its malt and blended whiskies, as well as its portfolio of vodka and gin brands, into global brands in market worldwide. Extensive rebranding has been completed ensuring the correct portfolio and structure is in place to support future growth aspirations.

Position Overview

The Commercial Finance team plays an integral part in shaping the decision making across the business. The ongoing rapid growth of the group has created the need for additional resource to ensure that the team can continue to work closely with the leaders of all functions.

The organisation represents an excellent opportunity for a motivated qualified accountant who wants to work in a high growth, drinks business. In addition, the business will provide a firm career platform with good opportunity for personal and professional development as well as the mandate to shape and define how the role evolves. The company is agile in its approach and is very receptive to recommendations, resulting in great autonomy for the post-holder.

The main duties and responsibilities will involve:

• Liaising with UK and International sales teams

• Gathering, analyzing and reporting management for the Board each month

• Market data analysis

• Sales data reporting and analysis

• Providing sales and marketing teams (UK and International) with appropriate weekly, monthly and ad hoc reports

• Ad hoc data and analysis for the Head of Commercial Finance, Sales and Marketing

• Assisting with the annual budgeting process

• Pricing and Forecasting analysis for new brands and markets

• Analysis and reporting across all sectors of the business (International, UK and Bulk Spirit Supply)
• Analysing and reporting on customer and brand profitability

The Individual

The position incorporates a wide range of responsibilities requiring a confident individual with strong interpersonal skills and technical background. The post-holder will be CA, ACCA or CIMA qualified.

A summary of the key candidate requirements are as follows:

• Qualified accountant

• Ability to build relationships at all levels

• Highly developed oral, written and presentation skills

• Motivated self-starter with a flexible working attitude

• A strong team player, with a desire to make a significant contribution to the Commercial Finance team

• Excellent IT skills including MS office, especially excel (PIVOTs, lookups etc.)

• Commercial focus with the ability to apply this across different markets, brands and scenarios

• Excellent analytical capability and commercial outlook, with the ability to turn this to meaningful recommendations for the business

• Strong work ethic, attention to detail and willingness to be accountable

• Ability to own, coordinate and prioritise workload to deliver on multiple deadlines

• Flexibility around working hours during key periods (month end, budget etc.)

• Embracing of change in a fluid and dynamic environment

Benefits on offer

Salary:                             £40,000 - £42,500 (depending on experience)

Pension:                           5-5% matched company contribution

Holidays:                          25 days plus 8 statutory days

Professional Fees:              Yes

Working Hours:                  Mon-Fri 9-5, subject to an element of flexibility

Recruitment Process

Initial interviews are with our exclusive advisors Rutherford Cross

First stages will involve meeting with the Head of Commercial Finance at Rutherford Cross’ office

Final stages with Head of Commercial Finance and Chief Financial Officer at the Alexandria Distillery

Applications should be sent to [email protected]