The Worshipful Company of Distillers (WCD) gained its Royal Charter from King Charles l in 1638 to, amongst other things, regulate the distilling trade within 21 miles of the City of London and the City of Westminster. The Company ranks 69th in the order of precedence of the (currently) 113 Livery Companies of the City of London.
The Company of today is proud to be champions of generosity in the world of spirits, promoting fellowship, charity, knowledge and excellence at the heart of the spirits industry. Upholding traditions of the City of London and the livery movement, leading on matters of professional education, and offering fellowship across the industry; the Company is a vibrant modern expression of an ancient and respected movement in public life. The Distillers Charity, facilitated largely by the very successful One-of-One Auctions, generates millions of pounds of charitable giving on behalf of the industry. Significant sums have been given to education, to aid young people, and to the wider good causes the Company supports over the last 10 years and we have ambitious plans to expand this.
The Clerk’s Office is a vital part of the operation that joins the ‘Distillers’ Family’ of organisations together and, most importantly, provides the backbone for the Livery Company itself. The Clerking team provide strategic and administrative support, helping the Company determine and achieve its goals.
This exciting role is for an experienced senior administrator who can command respect across the livery and beyond. Based in central London, the role will require some travel to other venues and the occasional evening or weekend but also comes with flexibility and autonomy.
We need someone who can connect with our membership and our volunteers who chair committees or lead other areas of work for the Company. Someone who has an unsurpassed ability to organise things and has a keen eye for detail when it comes to managing finance, correspondence, and meetings. The ideal candidate will have experience of managing large and formal events such as black tie dinners and might well come from a membership or voluntary/not-for-profit organisation. Financial and database management skills are essential and knowledge of the Livery movement and the City of London would be a distinct advantage. Applicants should be a qualified in English and Maths and other relevant qualifications would be beneficial.
If appointed, you will be given the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge in a friendly team environment and have access to a range of benefits.
We are committed to creating and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce and membership that better reflects the wider community and industry we support. We positively welcome applicants with protected characteristics.
Application is by covering letter and CV which should be sent to the Clerk by Monday 5 January 2026. Your covering letter should outline how you meet the person specification and your experience in relation to the role description. In addition, your letter should cover two specific points: (1) why is the Distillers Livery Company for you; and (2) what you will expect from us to help you in your career?
Potential applicants are welcome to talk to the current role holder, Bill Collier, by emailing bill.collier@distillers.org.uk. Further details can be obtained from the Clerk, James Bryan, by emailing clerk@distillers.org.uk.
It is anticipated a selection day will be held in central London on Monday 12 or Tuesday 13 January. Second round interviews may follow at a later date. We would like the successful candidate to start as soon as possible subject to any notice period with an existing employer.
Role: Assistant Clerk
Contract/hours: Full time, permanent. Five days per week, 52 weeks per year.
Location: The Distillers Office, Blackfriars with occasional requirement to work in
other locations. Part working from home available after probation.
Salary: Circa £45k pa.
