Lead Distiller

Description

Are you an experienced Distiller with experience running a Vendome column still?  Are you passionate about producing high-quality craft spirits and leading teams to do so?  Are you eager to be part of a unique and expanding organization with high growth potential?  Please continue!

At Journeyman Distillery, our portfolio of handcrafted spirits, made from locally sourced Midwest organic grains and pure, untreated water from an underground aquifer, encapsulates the essence of our quaint village — Three Oaks, Michigan. Now, with the addition of our new American Factory Distillery in Valparaiso, Indiana, we're broadening our horizons while staying true to our roots, continuing our grain-to-bottle philosophy, and capturing the unique 'terroir' in every bottle. 

The Lead Distiller will provide oversight and execution of producing, storing, and processing quality spirits.

All Journeyman team members must uphold and embody Journeyman’s Core Values.

CORE VALUES:

Grit

• Having a positive attitude that no challenge is too great
• Understanding that goals worth pursuing are never easy; that perseverance, grit, and determination are essential to success
• There is no substitute for grit and putting in the time and effort. Good things will come from those efforts
• 10,000-hour rule. Malcom Gladwell: it takes 10,000 hours of intensive practice to be great

Always A Journeyman

• Excellence is a lifelong pursuit and mastery is an illusion
• The joy is in the daily work and pursuit of excellence, not in the final destination
• A focus on continual improvement and doing our best

1st Customer

• Treating every customer with the mindset that they are the business’s 1st-ever customer
• Treating customers with authenticity, kindness, warmth, care, friendliness; engaging, helpful and willing to offer a magical experience
• Clean facilities
• Being available to the customer and timely responses in any capacity
• This mindset extends to our vendors, suppliers, partners, and especially our fellow employees
• Never take the customer or employee for granted
• 362 and 59:59. We are open to our customers 362 days a year and we set an unwavering standard of serving our customers up till the last closing second 59:59 and beyond if needed.

Ambassador

• Taking pride and ownership in your work
• Engagement and active participation in your work and company activities
• Being a positive force in the workplace; creating a culture of positivity
• Extending common courtesy to self, employees, vendors, and guests
• Being an evangelist and promoter of the company and brand

We believe hard work and dedication deserve to be rewarded. To that end, we provide a comprehensive benefits and incentives package.

Here’s a peek at what you will receive as a Journeyman team member:

• Outstanding Growth Opportunity!
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) with Employer Match 
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Supplemental Insurance Options
• Free Monthly Bottle of Spirit (21 )
• Loyalty Incentives (ask about our 5-Year Bottle Reward!)
• 25% Employee Discount
• Monthly Welcome Tour with Owner/Founder, Bill Welter
• Annual Employee Putting Competition
• 3 Annual Employee Parties 

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

PRODUCTION

• Implement and maintain quality controls.
• Maintain established inventory par levels.
• Develop and maintain process efficiencies.
• Conduct regimented testing of product/processes with measurable results.
• Regularly inspect quality of ingredients.
• Formulate recipes as necessary.
• Confirm proper and accurate processes and quality control steps.
• Assure overall product quality.
• Ensure timely and accurate barreling.
• Ensure exceptional standards of cleanliness in the production facility.
• Mill grain and oversee daily mashes, fermentations, and distillations.
• Process spent grain and wastewater.
• Pump, cut, and proof spirits.
• Sample and taste product off the still and make accurate quality cuts.
• Create and maintain detailed records of production through production management software and Excel spreadsheets.
• Inspect and maintain the facility and equipment. 
• Blend aged product to meet consistent brand standards.
• Load and unload production materials/supplies on and off motor vehicles/delivery vehicles.
• Rack and pull barrels as needed using necessary equipment.
• Safely operate all distilling equipment, transport equipment, and motor vehicles.
• Follow proper P.O. procedures to accurately fill purchase orders.
• Properly follow organic, Kosher and gluten-free production guidelines.

LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, & ACCOUNTABILITY

• Direct and manage the team to   follow processes and achieve outcomes.
• Conduct the Journeyman Distillery Employee Experience Ecosystem as per the process with every direct report.
• Manage the resourcing of roles within the department, with a focus on cultural fit.
• Coach team members to effectively complete tasks, communicate effectively with other stakeholders and grow their skills.
• With guidance from the Director, oversee Performance Management of direct reports including terminations, ensuring positive and respectful relationships are maintained.
• Undertake effective delegation and conduct informal on-the-job training for members to increase skills.

PROCESS IMPROVEMENT & INNOVATION

• Develop new recipes and ideas and assist Production team with implementation.
• Report issues and work with Maintenance department on improvements.
• Suggest improvements to the Production Manager as necessary.

Requirements

YOUR EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

• Experience operating a Vendome column still is a must.
• A minimum of 3 years of verifiable, progressive responsibility working in a distillery.
• A minimum of 1 year of verifiable experience building and leading a team.
• Demonstrated experience in formulating and adjusting recipes.
• Familiarity with an Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) is a plus.