What are the responsibilities and job description for the Distillery Manager position at Kentucky Whiskey Bottling?
IJW Whiskey Company, LLC (IJW) is a dynamic, fully integrated whiskey company. Founded in 2017, we’ve compiled the largest independent library of aged Kentucky bourbon and rye and established a global presence including offices in Beverly Hills, Louisville and Tokyo, Japan, a 100-acre campus in Danville and a bottling facility in Harrodsburg. In 2023, we broke ground on our Whiskey distillery in Shelbyville KY.
We have also assembled a second-to-none team of experts with 100 years of industry experience, as well as enthusiastic newcomers who have excelled in a diverse range of fields. Our goal is to build a fully integrated, forward-looking, and socially responsible global spirits company that embraces the history of the industry, while celebrating the next generation.
As the Distillery Manager, you will serve as a pivotal leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of distillery production and operations. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations and under the direction of our Master Distiller, you will play a key role in ensuring the efficient utilization of resources, maintaining high-quality standards, and fostering a culture of safety and excellence within the distillery. This role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and operational expertise to drive success in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities:Operational Leadership:
We have also assembled a second-to-none team of experts with 100 years of industry experience, as well as enthusiastic newcomers who have excelled in a diverse range of fields. Our goal is to build a fully integrated, forward-looking, and socially responsible global spirits company that embraces the history of the industry, while celebrating the next generation.
As the Distillery Manager, you will serve as a pivotal leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of distillery production and operations. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations and under the direction of our Master Distiller, you will play a key role in ensuring the efficient utilization of resources, maintaining high-quality standards, and fostering a culture of safety and excellence within the distillery. This role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and operational expertise to drive success in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities:Operational Leadership:
- Lead, plan, and oversee all aspects of distillery operations.
- Make significant contributions to long-term production and project planning.
- Ensure production is scheduled in a way that minimizes downtime and meets goals.
- Assist in the development and management of departmental budgets, monitoring expenses, and implementing cost-control measures to ensure financial targets are met.
- Lead and mentor a team of distillery operators and support staff,
- Providing guidance, training, and performance feedback to ensure a high-performing and engaged workforce.
- Champion a culture of quality, safety, and compliance, ensuring adherence to all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations, as well as internal policies and procedures.
- Maintain a well-organized and clean work environment.
- Implement and maintain rigorous quality control measures to ensure the consistency and excellence of all distilled products, adhering to regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
- Monitor plant performance to ensure high yields and efficiency.
- Regularly review plant performance indicators with department team members and company leadership.
- Assist with recruitment, interviewing, selecting, and onboarding new staff members.
- Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and operational improvement, leading initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and overall performance.
- Conduct incident root-cause investigations and implement corrective actions.
- Collaborate closely with other departments, including maintenance, quality control, and logistics, to coordinate activities, resolve issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain accurate production records, performance metrics, and regulatory documentation.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures, and operational improvements.
- Ensure all applicable TTB reports are completed and submitted accurately and on time.
- Ensuring production schedules and forecasts are updated and published per standards.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in distillery operations, with a proven track record of leadership and achievement in a production environment.
- Strong technical knowledge of distillation processes, equipment, and industry best practices.
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
- Solid understanding of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements in a manufacturing environment.
- Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, Whiskey Systems, SAP, and other relevant software applications.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Food Science, Chemistry, Business Administration, or related field.
- Prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
- Lifting or moving up to 50 pounds at a time.
- Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities, climb stairs, and work at heights.
- Must be able to work in areas that are not climate controlled.
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