Lead DIstiller in Athens, Georgia at Creature Comforts Brewing Company

Location: Snow Tire – Athens, Ga Job Family: Sr Specialist

Reports To: Snow Tire Production Manager Exemption: Exempt

Position Purpose: The Lead Distiller oversees the production of high-quality spirits, adheres to standard operating procedures, and contributes to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the spirits program. This role involves raw material handling, equipment maintenance, and problem solving to maintain optimal distilling operations. The Lead Distiller will work to make sure existing spirits brands are produced in a timely manner and assist in producing new products for the spirits program.

Job Description:

1. Spirits Production & Quality Control

• Responsible for executing the production of all spirits for onsite, in-market, and RTD volume adhering to quality specifications and production timelines.
• Optimize and oversee scheduling and production of spirits from start to finish including distillation, proofing, packaging and warehousing with assistance from the Production Manager. Review future schedules and highlight any potential issues.
• Assist in cross-training other team members in distillation processes and coordinate with the Production Manager on scheduling support from Snow Tire Production Team when needed.
• Ensure proper record keeping in accordance with federal and state regulations.
• Serve as primary distilling partner in the sensory program alongside the QC department

2. Raw Material Handling & Inventory Control

• Coordinate with the Production Manager to ensure raw materials and packaging materials are procured and in-house on time.
• Coordinate with the Production Manager to ensure finished goods are ready to ship at an agreed upon cadence and delivery schedule. Identify and communicate changes and remediation when necessary.
• Ensure proper storage, usage, and documentation of raw materials using the ERP system and keep system up to date with accurate inventory of raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods.

3. Process Optimization & Problem Detection

• Adhere to and lead all safety policies and regulations in accordance with OSHA, FSMA, and other federal and state protocols and suggest improvement opportunities when needed.
• Perform preventative maintenance and GMPs on still and spirits equipment and lead all reactive maintenance to keep equipment operating efficiently and effectively.
• Apply in-depth knowledge of the distilling process and procedures to ensure efficiency, consistency, and quality in production. Report out on goals and metrics as assigned by the Production Manager.

4. Specialty Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with the Sr. Manager of Innovation to improve and refine current spirits recipes for all onsite, in-market, and RTD volume.
• Assist in scheduling and executing spirits experiments distillation runs under the direction of the Sr. Manager of Innovation.
• Identify opportunities in current processes and procedures and work with the Sr. Manager of Innovation and the Production Manager to execute continuous improvement projects for all aspects of spirits production to meet current and future planned volume.

• 2+ years of distilling or relevant beverage production experience, with demonstrated ability to independently operate and troubleshoot distillation processes
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Experience scaling production, optimizing processes, or leading quality initiatives preferred
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
• Proficiency in using brewing and production management software.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to

successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to

enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to lift 65 pounds and move 175 pounds regularly.
• Must have the ability to regularly stand, walk, use hands, reach, climb, work from heights, stoop, kneel and crouch.
• The ability to work near moving parts and machinery.
• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, the ability to adjust focus and the ability to see color; either with or without accommodation.
• The ability to work in loud, wet, cold, hot, indoor and outdoor environments frequently.

Disclaimer

The job description provided here is intended to outline the general nature and key responsibilities of this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks, duties, and responsibilities that the employee may be required to perform. The employee may be asked to perform other duties as required. Furthermore, the duties and responsibilities of this position may change at any time, with or without notice, based on the needs of the organization.