Bruichladdich Distillery based on the Hebridean island of Islay is a Victorian Distillery reimagined for the future – making 4 globally recognised spirits brands – Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore Islay Single Malts and The Botanist, the first and only Islay dry gin.
Since our resurrection in 2001, our ambitions have gone beyond the simple idea of making and selling single malt Scotch whisky. Our goal has been to be an anti-dote to the industry norm. We set course to be pioneers, provocateurs and change makers. Reconnecting the land and the dram, re-evaluating the prescribed rules of the industry, questioning where flavour comes from and understanding why agricultural systems are so important.
This was a journey that would go on to inspire an army of distillers and drinkers across the world. And as we continue this path, we discover the more we learn the more we know we need to do. Today our commitments to people and the planet grow stronger ensuring we use our business as a force for good. With our empowered team, we pursue this bigger purpose and maintain our mission to create the most thought-provoking spirits possible.
Packaging Development Manager
Glasgow, Scotland, UK
Start: September 2026
10 months fixed term.
Closing date: 19th July @11:59pm
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The purpose of the Packaging Development Manager position is to lead and manage all new Packaging Development for the Bruichladdich brand house, as well as packaging related procurement and management of packaging supplier relationships, in conjunction with the Quality and Supply Chain teams.
As a B Corp business our packaging is subject to the highest sustainable standards from creation through to supply chain and the Packaging Development Manager will work with current and new suppliers, developing new and innovative materials and processes, and building a network of contacts that reduce our impact while maintaining our commercial KPI’s. The role will also develop and lead the product development process (PDT). The successful candidate will report to the Operations Director and will sit on the LT20.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for all packaging development innovation and NPD delivery across the Bruichladdich portfolio of brands (except Botanist bottled in France).
Develop new packaging solutions that meet the marketing brief in terms of sustainability, functionality, premium credentials and cost.
Lead and manage a cross functional team to run the PDT (Product Development Team) process, ensuring projects are brought to market on time and in line with business process. Including monthly pipeline meetings and stage gate reviews.
Liaise with the Angers Pack Development team to ensure a parallel stage gate process is run for any NPD projects being managed in that team. Facilitate contact between technical contacts at Angers and the Bruichladdich based Global Marketing Teams.
Be the subject matter expert in packaging, bringing seniority and creativity on new packaging solutions and opportunities to take the brand forwards in line with the company values and goals
Manage multiple packaging supplier relationships, supporting supplier management programme alongside Quality Team, and where appropriate negotiate pricing for new components.
Be a key point of contact with Remy Cointreau head office procurement team, alongside the Head of Supply Planning, ensuring transparency of local projects and representation for central projects and initiatives.
Manage and facilitate approval of packaging line trials, ensuring these are planned on the line appropriately.
Liaise with wider Operations team to ensure NPD bottlings are planned appropriately in the bottling schedule to meet global launch timelines.
Translate the brand / company’s strategic plans into long-term packaging strategies aligned to the company values.
Manage and provide leadership for two direct reports – Packaging Technologists.
Sit on the Bruichladdich leadership team (LT20).
IDEAL PROFILE OF THE CANDIDATE
Essential Skills/Attributes/Experience
Values led profile motivated to be part of a purpose led brand business
Agility and can-do attitude to progress projects within a small team
Significant experience in related packaging development and senior management roles
Proven experience in managing and delivering complex innovation / packaging projects, ideally in the Whisky / Drinks Industry.
Knowledge and passion for innovating with sustainable materials and processes
Possess a problem-solving attitude, proactively resolving both potential and actual issues.
Strong project management experience and demonstrable ability both develop new process and to lead key project teams and manage broad range of stakeholders
Experience and knowledge of packaging materials, including manufacturing processes, design and development
Experience of material and component testing using laboratory measurement and testing equipment
Procurement experience and the building of strong working relationship with packaging supplier base essential
Strong negotiator in commercial pricing management with experience in managing supplier contracts, as well the ability to build strong relationships with current and new suppliers
Business and results oriented, with a strong analytical mindset, including good knowledge of budgeting processes and KPI management
Identifying opportunities to streamline business processes and systems.
Ability to inspire, engage, educate and influence individuals and teams
Convention challenger, innovator and entrepreneurial capacity
Possess a friendly, helpful, confident, and engaging personality
Be a true leader with proven experience managing teams and delivering through others
Be familiar with sales protocols and customer service procedures
Please contact recruitment@bruichladdich.com for any questions regarding the role.
