Lead Distiller

The Oxford Oaks Distillery is a ‘grain-to-glass’ craft micro-distillery located in the center of Oxford, North Carolina. The Distillery is part of a combination distillery, bar and restaurant, which is rapidly becoming a destination experience for locals and foodies living in regional metro areas who are seeking high quality food and libation.

Our vision and mission is to become recognized as one of the top ten hospitality destinations in North-East North Carolina, by delivering culinary and libation experiences of the highest quality for clients that wish to enjoy the best that the area has to offer

The bar and restaurant have recently opened, with great success, and it is now time to turn our attention to the distillery. The founders are looking for a brewer/distiller to join us in this new venture. We have a complete set of new equipment and are now ready to move into the next phase. Getting in at the very beginning, this person will have the opportunity to guide us as we grow this part of the business.

We aim to produce the very highest quality vodka, whiskey, gin, and rum, together with flavored variants driven by the fruits and botanicals that are available locally. One of our founders grows barley on his 40-acre farm, which will be used for special single malt runs.

Role:

Based at the Distillery, initially you will be responsible for bringing the distillery into production. From then on, you will be responsible for all day-to-day aspects of production including the brewing and distillation of our various spirits, sourcing (grain and other consumables), distillation planning and execution, aging and storage management, bottling and labelling, regulatory compliance, sourcing, managing data and inventory.

The Distiller will be the leader of a small team (to be developed) and will report directly to the head of the distillery, one of the founders.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the founders to bring the equipment into production;
• Perform any required task in production, from ingredient quality control to cleaning, lab analysis, barrel management, distillation and bottling;
• Develop distillation plans in conjunction with the head of the distillery;
• Manage the day-to-day cycle of production to the production schedule in line with the developed plan;
• Review and follow SOPs for each stage and keep working space tidy at all times;
• Ensure quality and product consistency is maintained;
• Detail documentation of all processes;
• Inventory management;
• Ensure updated record keeping and maintenance plan followed;
• Maintain hygiene and cleanliness standards on site;
• Ensure safety, health, environment and quality compliance;
• Order production materials based on the production plan;
• Implement all the company’s procedures and policies;
• Conform to all regulatory requirements
• On occasion, undertake public appearances on behalf of the business.

Core Skills and Experience:

Technical:

• The ideal candidate would be an experienced brewer, with some experience in production of spirits; we would entertain an experienced brewer who wishes to move into the world of distilling.
• Degree level or equivalent experience in distilling, brewing, oenology, food science, biology, chemistry or microbiology;
• Plant/equipment problem-solving with some electrical and mechanical skills;
• Knowledge of appropriate compliance regulations

Personal:

• Hands on distiller, able to work in a physically demanding environment;
• A strong team player with the ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders;
• The ability to manage multiple tasks at a detailed level, simultaneously, on an on- going basis.
• A person who is eager to add their fingerprints to this exciting ground floor (ad)venture.

Other:

·       Legally authorized to work in the US

·       Valid driving License

·       Good English language skills

Hours of work and Benefits:

Working hours are an average of 45 - 50 hours per week and additional hours as are necessary for the proper performance of your duties. Hours are usually worked in an agreed rotational shift pattern from Monday to Saturday, with 5 working days during that period. From time to time, you will be required to help with other events outside these hours. Time off in lieu or payment for additional hours is given on these occasions.

Compensation:

Full time salary will be $60K with additional compensation available based upon prior relevant experience.

We believe that a diverse team of enthusiastic, hard-working, skilled & like-minded people is pivotal to success. Our employees help us make a difference & grow as a business. Therefore, creating equal opportunities is an intrinsic part of our recruitment process. We welcome applicants from all walks of life regardless of culture, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation and disability. So, if you’re interested in joining us, we look forward to hearing from you. 

Salary : $60,000