As a retail assistant in the Scotch Whisky industry, you are responsible for greeting customers and providing them with an excellent, welcoming shopping experience. You will offer product information, advice, support, assist with queries and process payments. Customers often seek out a retail assistant as a first point of contact if they need to find a specific item or process a transaction quickly, so being up to date on stock and company processes is vital.

A retail assistant plays an essential role in the success of a whisky retailer by ensuring that customers are educated about the products they are buying, satisfied with their purchases and have a positive impression of the distillery. The role typically reports to the shop manager and in addition to selling products can involve handling customer complaints, stocking shelves and accepting stock deliveries.

Main duties and responsibilities

Whilst selling and processing orders is a key responsibility of a retail assistant, often the role includes inventory management, sales promotions, and other administrative duties. Making an important contribution to the day-to-day operations of the business and ensuring it runs smoothly. Product knowledge, especially in a Whisky retail business, is vital. You effectively become the face of the business and play a key role in helping customers choose the best products for their specific tastes.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Greeting customers and providing a warm welcome to the store.
• Assisting customers to help them find the products they are looking for whilst providing expert advice on the different types of whisky, their characteristics, and the production processes that make them unique.
• Building relationships with customers and engaging them in conversation to understand their needs and preferences.
• Promoting and using brand knowledge to recommend products and introduce upselling opportunities to increase sales and customer satisfaction.
• Handling customer queries, complaints, and issues in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ensuring the store is well-stocked and that products are displayed attractively and in a clean and organised way. Ensuring stock is replenished and rotated accordingly.
• Processing sales and both card and cash payment transactions accurately and efficiently.
• Collaborating with team members to achieve sales targets and ensure the smooth operation of the store.

Working Conditions: Retail assistants in the Scotch whisky industry often work in a busy and fast paced environment. The role can often involve standing for long periods, lifting and moving heavy objects, and working weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Salary: The salary of a retail assistant in the Scotch whisky industry varies depending on the employer, location, and experience. Entry-level positions typically start at minimum wage or slightly above, with opportunities for advancement and higher pay as experience and skills increase.

Skills and experience

Experience in retail sales or customer service is desirable for this role, as are excellent customer service and interpersonal skills. A passion for Scotch Whisky combined with the ability to handle financial transactions and work effectively in a team environment are also important. As the Scotch whisky industry is global and attracts customers from around the world, a knowledge of foreign languages can also be useful.

Typical skills and experience required include:

1. A passion for whisky and a good understanding of the different types of whisky, their characteristics, and production processes, to enable you to provide expert advice to customers, and the initiative to independently research products to further their knowledge base.
2. Excellent customer service skills and the ability to engage with customers, understand their needs, and provide product recommendations and advice. Whilst promoting and upselling products to increase sales and customer satisfaction.
3. Strong communication, rapport building and interpersonal skills to enable you to deal effectively with customers and team members, both verbally and in writing.
4. Ability to work well in a team environment, collaborate with colleagues, and support each other to achieve sales targets and ensure the smooth operation of the store.
5. Good numerical skills and attention to detail, handling financial transactions accurately and efficiently. Ability to handle EPOS system and MS Office are also desirable.
6. Stock management skills including stock rotation, transferal, replenishment, and display.
7. Flexible, and willing to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required. As well as the ability to multitask and prioritise tasks effectively, especially during busy periods.
8. The physical stamina to stand for long periods, lift and move heavy objects, and work in a busy and fast-paced environment.

Qualifications Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in retail sales or customer service.
• Knowledge of the Scotch whisky industry, including different types of whisky, their characteristics, and production processes
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in financial transactions.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required.

If you are looking to pursue a career as a retail assistant in the Scotch whisky industry, the following resources may help:

1. Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) is the trade association for the Scotch whisky industry, representing producers, distillers, and bottlers. Their website contains information about the industry, as well as job listings and training resources.
2. The Whisky Exchange is a leading online retailer of Scotch whisky and other spirits, with a focus on education and customer service. Their website offers a range of resources, including tasting notes, product reviews, and educational articles.
3. The Whisky Magazine is a leading publication in the whisky industry, covering news, reviews, and features on all aspects of the industry. They also offer a range of educational resources, including whisky tastings and masterclasses.
4. The Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) is a professional body for the brewing and distilling industries, offering qualifications, training, and networking opportunities for professionals in the industry. They offer a range of courses, including a Diploma in Distilling.
5. Local distilleries and retailers may offer opportunities for employment or training in the Scotch whisky industry. Contact them directly or check their websites for job listings and training opportunities.
6. LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that can be a valuable resource for job seekers in the Scotch whisky industry. Join relevant groups, follow industry leaders, and connect with other professionals to build your network and stay informed about job opportunities.