Distillery Operations Director
The strategic management of spirit production facilities, technical maintenance, and brand heritage preservation.
Overview
A Distillery Operations Director balances the precision of industrial engineering with the nuances of sensory science. The daily rhythm involves monitoring chemical processes, managing high-volume supply chains for raw materials like grains and botanicals, and overseeing the mechanical integrity of complex distilling equipment. Decisions are often grounded in mathematical modeling to optimize yields and inventory management across multi-year aging cycles.
The role requires a deep respect for historical production methods alongside a commitment to safety and modern efficiency. These professionals navigate the complexities of environmental regulations and excise tax requirements while leading large, multidisciplinary teams. Success in this field is defined by the ability to maintain brand consistency over decades, ensuring that aged inventory meets the specific standards of the heritage labels they manage.
responsibilities
Responsibilities
- Manage the complete production lifecycle from raw material procurement to final bottling and distribution.
- Oversee the maintenance and repair of copper stills, fermentation tanks, and automated bottling lines.
- Ensure rigorous compliance with federal and state regulations regarding alcohol production and storage.
- Implement safety protocols to mitigate risks associated with high-pressure systems and flammable materials.
- Direct the quality control laboratory to ensure chemical and sensory consistency across all product batches.
- Forecast production needs and manage barrel inventory for long-term aging requirements.
- Collaborate with marketing and product development teams to integrate heritage preservation into operational scale.
Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, food science, or a closely related technical field.
- Extensive experience in spirits production or industrial food manufacturing management.
- Deep knowledge of distillation chemistry, microbiology, and thermal dynamics.
- Proven proficiency in managing large-scale operational budgets and capital expenditure projects.
- Comprehensive understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations in a manufacturing context.
Nice to have
- A Master of Science in Brewing and Distilling or an equivalent professional certification.
- Experience in heritage brand management or the preservation of traditional manufacturing techniques.
- Advanced proficiency in predictive analytics software for inventory and yield forecasting.
Work environment
- Work occurs primarily within industrial distillery facilities, including stillhouses and rackhouses.
- The environment involves exposure to high temperatures, noise, and the physical requirements of a production plant.
- Standard hours are typical, though 24-hour production cycles may require occasional shift oversight.
- Collaboration occurs with a mix of technical engineers, master blenders, and corporate executives.
Benefits & growth
- Compensation packages typically include performance-based bonuses tied to production efficiency and quality metrics.
- Career progression often leads to executive roles such as Vice President of Operations or Chief Operating Officer.
- Professional development frequently includes international travel to study global distilling traditions and equipment.
- Standard benefits packages include comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, and often product allotments.
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