Emily Moran is Head of HR for our Midleton Distillery, Cork and our Bottling Operations & Supply Chain facility in Dublin. Here Emily talks about the magic of production and how she supports the business
Tell us about your role in HR
My role involves working closely with our employees across our production sites, mainly in Midleton in Cork, and Fox and Geese in Dublin. I spend a lot of my time supporting employees, managers, and leaders, helping them to be the best they can be. My work includes coaching, having important conversations, listening, and sometimes challenging the status quo.
What’s it like working in Operations?
For me, it is the heart and engine of the business. It’s where the magic happens, where a diverse group of people with very different skills and experiences come together to create something amazing. The journey of getting a product to market is phenomenal. When you see a bottle on the shelf, you’re looking at the result of years of hard work, sometimes decades, depending on the whiskey. There’s a rich history behind that product that starts with production, and it’s a collective effort from everyone in the business.
How would you describe the culture at Irish Distillers?
Irish Distillers has a global reach, but with about 800 people, it feels small enough that you can get to know most people and have access to everything—from the sites to the visitor centre. It feels close-knit and accessible, with very little hierarchy. You feel part of a wider team, and that’s something the organisation encourages.
People here make an effort to connect. It’s convivial; we say hello, we chat, and it’s genuine. It really is like working with family. And that sense of family is real; it’s not just something we say. There’s a spirit of togetherness and helping each other out, especially when things get tough. It’s about pulling together, supporting each other, and having a little fun along the way.
How does HR help the business?
We’re responsible for ensuring we have the right people in the business, that they stay with us, develop, and are happy in their roles. We have different generations in the organisation, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about understanding and adapting to the needs of everyone, ensuring what we bring to the business is relevant.
We also play a role in keeping the company’s spirit alive. We remind our colleagues that they’re part of a bigger team and that we’re all in this together. It’s not something you can measure directly, like sales figures, but you can see it in how people talk about their work, how they stay with the company, and how they interact with each other.
What does the spirit of Irish Distillers mean to you?
For me, the spirit of Irish Distillers is all about connections—the everyday interactions that make work meaningful. We connect because of work, but it goes beyond that. In most conversations, you start with a personal connection, then get to the work, and end with a friendly catch-up. This connectivity is the essence of who we are as a business.
There’s also pride in our brands, of course, but for me, it’s the people and the connections that make Irish Distillers special. I’ve made lifelong friends here, and that’s something truly valuable. It’s about working with people you genuinely like and respect, and that makes coming to work every day a lot more enjoyable.
You mentioned earlier that production is where the magic happens. Could you expand on that?
For me, production is where the magic happens. It’s the core of what we do, the place where our incredible products are born. Working in HR, I’ve had the privilege of seeing all parts of the business—from marketing to our visitor centres—and now production. It’s given me a deep appreciation for the process and the people who make it happen. Every time I see a bottle of our product on the shelf, I think about the journey it’s been on, from the distillery to the market. It’s truly magical.
What excites you about the future of Irish DistillersI?
The future is really exciting, especially with the expansion happening in Midleton over the next few years. It’s going to bring new people into the organisation, and with that, new opportunities for growth and development. Irish Distillersis always evolving, and always looking toward the future– that’s what makes it such a great place to work. There’s always something new on the horizon, and that keeps the work interesting and fulfilling. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
What do you like to do in your free time?
With a young family and ageing parents, at the weekend you might find me encouraging (screaming!) from the sidelines of the hockey pitch, a coffee in the park, or enjoying some time with my folks.
Running is my go-to sport, Agatha Christie is my favourite author, and it goes without saying Jameson is my favourite drink 😉
Learn more about working with Irish Distillers
