Visitor Centre Manager

This is a hands-on role that offers much more than simply running a shop. You’ll be the face of Ardgowan for many of our guests, from casual drop-ins to organised groups from the nearby cruise terminal, and you’ll be responsible for shaping their first experience of who we are and what we stand for.

You’ll lead from the front, setting the standard for exceptional customer experience, managing a growing team, coordinating tours, and delivering strong retail performance- all while ensuring the warm and professional welcome we want Ardgowan to be known for.

As a new distillery with big ambitions, this is a chance to help define our public presence and make a real impact. There will also be opportunities to support activity across the UK, particularly out of season, as we continue to build the Ardgowan brand at home and internationally.

Please note: The role includes weekend work and occasional UK and overseas travel.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Operations

· Manage the full operation of the visitor centre, including retail, tours, tastings and hospitality

· Oversee booking systems, including trade and VIP visits

· Ensure smooth daily operations and consistent high standards of service

· Lead our Private Cask owner experiences

· Work flexibly, including weekends and occasional evenings

Team Management

· Recruit, train and lead the visitor centre team

· Develop rotas, carry out regular staff reviews and support professional development

· Ensure all staff are trained in alcohol sales in line with licensing laws

Financial Oversight

· Manage budgets, stock and all retail transactions

· Produce regular financial reports and month-end analysis

· Monitor performance and help drive profitability

Marketing and Promotion

· Work with the marketing team to attract local and international visitors

· Promote events, tastings and retail products through a variety of channels

Brand Representation

· Represent Ardgowan Distillery at events and in the media

· Support sales and marketing teams at trade shows and whisky festivals, especially outside peak visitor season

Collaboration

· Work with other departments to develop new experiences and offerings

· Contribute to broader operational and commercial strategy

About You

Experience

· Strong background in visitor centre, hospitality or tourism management

· Experience opening or launching new facilities is a strong advantage

Skills and Attributes

· Natural leader with excellent team management abilities

· Comfortable delivering presentations and representing a brand

· Creative and commercially aware, with an understanding of digital marketing

· Proactive, adaptable and thrives in fast-changing environments

· Genuine interest in whisky preferred and confident sharing that enthusiasm with others

Requirements

· Experience in hospitality, tourism or retail

· Strong background in customer service

· Experience in the spirits industry preferred

· Proven ability to lead and motivate a team

· Willingness to work weekends and occasional evenings

· Full UK driving licence

Salary

· Dependent on experience

· Matched contribution of 5% to your Pension

· Paid holiday entitlement of 34, inclusive of public/bank holidays

· Private health cover scheme

· Discretionary Bonus

· An Employee Assistance Programme

Approx. January 2026 (depending on notice period)