Distribution Lead

Distribution Lead - Logistics

Pernod Ricard is a worldwide leader in the spirits and champagne industry, blending traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art brand development, and global distribution technologies. Our prestigious portfolio of premium to luxury brands includes Absolut vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, and Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes. Our mission is to ensure the long-term growth of our brands with full respect for people and the environment, while empowering our employees around the world to be ambassadors of our purposeful, inclusive, and responsible culture of authentic conviviality 

Chivas Brothers is the Pernod Ricard business dedicated entirely to Scotch whisky. Our award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered single malt and blended Scotch whisky brands, including Chivas, Ballantine’s, Royal Salute, The Glenlivet and Aberlour, which are exported from Scotland to over 100 countries worldwide. As the world’s No.2 Scotch whisky producer with a 1,600-strong team across 26 sites, we are committed to upholding the heritage and pursuing the progress of Scotch and ensuring its sustainable future, as well as opening it up to new audiences across the globe. 

About the role 

We are currently hiring a Distribution Lead to develop, improve and support Distribution and Compliance Inbound & Outbound at our flagship Kilmalid bottling campus.  You will be responsible for supporting efficient, compliant and sustainable logistics practices and act as the primary contact for the relationship and contract with all UK third party providers of warehousing storage, transportation and other value-added services. This role acts as the commercial and compliance interface for all third-party logistics providers and is responsible for adherence to regulatory requirements, particularly in relation to excise duty and international trade.

What you will do

Health and Safety Leadership

• Champion and support Health and Safety standards across our distribution network and ensure these standards are repeated by our preferred Third Party (3PL) partners.
• Ensure yard management at maintains high standards of workplace organisation and supports the most efficient site layout.
• Oversee the site 3PL shunting operation, exploring engineering solutions to reduce risks associated with shunting equipment.

Develop strategic third-party partnerships and sustainable planning

• Act as the primary contact for major 3PL relationships, ensuring operational success is delivered through professional ways of working with our chosen partners.
• Develop and continuously improve the logistics network to enhance delivery performance and reduce environmental impact.
• Execute the 13-week Distribution Requirements plans based on demand analysis and required service levels.

Distribution Compliance

• Oversee our HMRC and Import/Export teams to ensure all loads inbound and outbound comply with legal, HMRC and company standards.
• Simplify administrative processes in data recording from inbound security through to case goods despatched.
• In collaboration with central HMRC support teams and our 3PL partners, ensure compliance with HMRC excise duty regulations and audit readiness.

Manage budget and financial controls within logistics operations

• Oversee budget planning and management to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with organisational goals.
• Analyse third-party haulage and warehousing expenditure to inform strategic financial decisions.
• Implement cost-control measures while maintaining high service levels and operational efficiency. 

Your skills and background

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience in logistics, distribution, supply chain or related operational environments, including exposure to compliance and sustainability practices.
• Leadership and communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships and work collaboratively across teams and external partners.
• Ability to analyse information, identify opportunities for improvement and support effective decision-making.
• Customer-focused approach with commercial awareness and the ability to manage budgets and interpret performance data. 

Why join us?

Collective Spirit 

You will be part of a connected, international community shaped by iconic brands, a performance mindset, and a proud legacy, where collaboration, fun and ambition coexist. 

Craft your path. 

We empower you to own your career, innovate boldly and grow alongside our business, surrounded by leaders who value curiosity, energy, and impact. 

Cultivate the future. 

You’ll help shape a business with a soul — one that cherishes the land, respects communities, and brings good times from a good place, responsibly and sustainably. 

People are at the heart of everything we do at Pernod Ricard and are the foundation of our collective spirit as ‘Créateurs de Convivialité’.  We promote inclusion throughout our business and supply chain. In our teams, we proactively foster a diverse work force and an inclusive culture, an environment where we can truly be ourselves.  

We will assess your application for this role based on your skills, experiences, and achievements, not your gender, age, ethnic or educational background or any other such factors.  Our recruiting team are more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process, in order for you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.  

Our mix of benefits

• Competitive salary, along with performance related bonus
• Defined Contribution Pension
• Private medical insurance, including income protection
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous annual holiday entitlement (increasing with length of service) plus public holidays
• Pernod Ricard share incentive plan and share ownership
• Life Assurance
• An allowance each year to spend on our brands
• Our reward & recognition scheme
• Employee discounts from a range of high street retailers
• Regular events in our very own office bar 

Learn more about working with Pernod Ricard https://www.pernod-ricard.com/en 

Learn more about Chivas Brothers https://www.chivasbrothers.com/ 

Closing Date for Applications:

19th August 2026

Job Posting End Date:

2026-08-20

Target Hire Date:

2026-10-26

Target End Date: