Established in 1887, William Grant & Sons is a 100% family owned premium spirits company with a portfolio of award-winning brands that are enjoyed worldwide. The company is the third largest producer of Scotch whisky in the world and has annual revenues approaching £1 billion.

William Grants & Sons employ over 1,900 people globally and sell products in nearly 200 countries. Their eight core brands are Glenfiddich, Grant's, The Balvenie, Tullamore D.E.W., Drambuie, Hendrick's Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum and Monkey Shoulder.

The business has a significant presence across the UK and Ireland with distilleries across Dufftown, Girvan and Tullamore. In addition, there is an ever expanding global office network which currently includes New York, India, Hong Kong, Moscow, Colombia, Shanghai, Sydney and Taipei amongst many others.

For further information on William Grant & Sons, visit www.williamgrant.com

Overview:

The business is seeking to recruit an outstanding, commercially and financially aware individual to support Dufftown operation encompassing Glenfiddich, The Balvenie and Kininive Distilleries, during an exciting time of growth. The Operations Finance Manager will primarily be responsible for to provision of accurate management information and analysis, while continually seeking to improve processes and reporting.

It is preferred that the individual is already based in the area or would be looking to relocate for the position. However, applications are also welcomed from individuals who would seeking to travel mid-week for the role though a minimum of 3 days per week on site would be required. Certainly, this is an exceptional opportunity to join an internationally respected firm with excellent prospects for personal development and progression.

The Location:

The vibrant and thriving Highland village of Dufftown is the ‘malt whisky capital of the world!’

Situated on the banks of the rivers Fiddich and Dullan and at the foot of Conval Hills in the heart of Speyside, this small market town is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Dufftown is the central point on the whisky trail around the glens of Speyside. Dufftown is the biggest exporter of whisky in Britain and there is plenty of evidence with lots of distilleries around town, Glenfiddich being the largest of the lot.

The Role:

The role purpose is to support the site Operations Team in the provision of accurate and timely operations management accounts, latest estimates, budgets and commercial analysis to support business decision making, whilst reviewing and making recommendations to improve the reporting formats, processes and timelines. The main duties and responsibilities will involve:

• Compile and analyse month end reports, strategic and annual plans for the site to produce the Annual Budget, Latest Estimates and Five Year Plans in accordance with the Group guidelines
• Collate and reconcile all balance sheet accounts within the global function guidelines and timetable, and explain any significant variances to the Finance Operations Director for the Month End review process
• Provision and analysis of Operational finance KPIs and any ad hoc analysis or explanations to ensure maximum site efficiency/cost control
• Support the site leadership team in all matters relating to finance and report accordingly
• Ad hoc analysis and project work to highlight challenges or opportunities in delivering operational targets on cost
• Implement controls to manage and report on working capital expenditure to drive improved cash flow
• Assess accounting processes, recommend and implement automation where applicable to support achievement of Company Reporting timeline
• Work closely with other site finance managers to ensure consistent processes developed and applied
• Lead, motivate and develop the Operations Finance team in line with the Company Values to maximise employee engagement. Promote, develop and embed a “one team” approach to Finance in support of the delivery of a Global Finance function

The Individual

The Operations Finance Manager position requires a professionally qualified Accountant who possesses excellent analytical, interpersonal, and technical skills. A background in a related sector is desirable, either within drinks or manufacturing in general, and it is important that the individual has sufficient personal gravitas and capability to engage successfully with the local management team and drive positive change.

It is critical that the Operations Finance Manager can effectively support the Site Function Leader and Distilleries Finance Leader, while also meeting the needs of senior stakeholders across the business. In addition, it is crucial they can take responsibility for the delivery of accurate and high quality financial information while organising and leading the small, dedicated finance function.

A summary of the key candidate requirements are as follows:

• Qualified Accountant with appropriate post-qualification experience
• Comprehensive technical accounting ability with a firm understanding of financial control and reporting methodologies, ideally gained in a manufacturing environment
• Prior experience of production and cost accounting would be advantageous
• Strong attention to detail
• A proven leader who can set objectives, performance manage a team and develop individuals to achieve their potential
• Confident communicator at every level, with strong inter-personal and influencing skills
• A self-starter who can work on their own initiative
• Commercial and analytical approach, displaying drive, initiative, and professionalism
• Customer focused, setting high standards and always aiming to achieve ambitious targets
• Flexible and able to adapt to changing circumstances

What’s on offer:

The position offers an attractive basic salary, 10% employer pension contribution, life assurance, private medical insurance, bonus and a number of other excellent additional benefits

For a full Position Profile or to register your interest, please contact our retained search partner Mark Lewis on [email protected] or call 0141 611 7770.