If you’re interested in securing a role in one of Scotland’s fastest growing manufacturing sectors, the wonderful world of gin, there’s no-one better qualified for advice than Iain Stirling.
Iain is Commercial Director at Arbikie Distillery near Arbroath in Angus.
From marketing the world’s biggest drinks brands, Iain and his brothers moved into Manufacturing in 2014.
They now produce the award-winning Kirsty’s Gin, Arbikie Chilli Vodka and Arbikie Vodka, Scotland’s first ever potato vodka.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey?
After university I worked with Marks & Spencer but my first drinks industry job was with Whyte & Mackay, before being headhunted to run Global Programmes at Diageo.
I moved out of the drinks business for a few years at the Volkswagen Management Academy, but self-employment appealed, so with my brothers David and John I set up a marketing business.
We worked with global drinks brands, as well as creating high-end drinks products for high-net worth individuals.
The creation process was fascinating. We had inherited a farm from our parents, so the next stage was an obvious choice. As farmers and marketers with drinks experience, it was an easy option and helped build on our role as ‘custodians of the land’ in Angus.
Can you describe a working day?
We’re a start-up so, although we have our titles, we all have a variety of roles to perform.
We’re unusual in the distilling world as we grow, distil, mature, and bottle at our farm distillery, as it gives us true provenance.
Even specialists like our distillers, Kirsty and Christian, have to muck in with bottling, quality control, and keeping the distillery spotless.
The rest of team covers sales, marketing, staff training, events and any other jobs that need done.
It’s true multi-tasking, so very challenging, but also great fun and very much a team effort.
What’s the most stimulating part of the job?
I really enjoy working with our customers, getting to know their businesses, growing with them and introducing new products, such as our fresh Strawberry Vodka.
The drinks sector is a collaborative industry and Scotland is leading the way globally.
What career advice would you give to others?
Do your learning with other businesses, whether as an intern or in your first job. I learned a lot working for Marks & Spencer, Whyte & Mackay, Jim Beam Brands, Diageo and Volkswagen Group.
You also need to continue to learn and innovate, as the world is getting smaller and is a very competitive marketplace.
Find your own specialist role in Manufacturing & Production with s1jobs