Distillery Operations Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of craft spirits, the importance of the Distillery Operations Manager cannot be overstated.

As the industry grows and evolves, so too does the need for skilled individuals who can oversee, improve, and ensure the quality of our distillery processes.

But what does a Distillery Operations Manager truly do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the art of distilling,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Distillery Operations Manager job description template, designed for simple posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Distillery Operations Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Distillery Operations Managers oversee the production process within a distillery, ensuring it is running efficiently and effectively.

They manage teams, maintain equipment, and adhere to strict regulations regarding the production of spirits.

The duties and responsibilities of a Distillery Operations Manager include:

• Overseeing the daily operations of the distillery, from raw material intake to finished product bottling
• Coordinating and supervising the work of production staff
• Ensuring that health and safety regulations are strictly followed at all times
• Controlling and managing inventory, including raw materials, consumables, and finished products
• Implementing and enforcing quality control and tracking programs to meet production requirements and minimize waste
• Regularly inspecting equipment and machinery for safety and efficiency, organizing maintenance and repairs as needed
• Communicating with sales and marketing teams to align production with market demand
• Planning and implementing training programs for staff to increase productivity and knowledge of distillery operations
• Collaborating with distillers to develop new recipes and improve existing ones
• Ensuring the distillery meets all state and federal laws regarding spirit production and distribution

 

Distillery Operations Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Distillery Operations Manager to oversee all aspects of our distillery operations.

The Distillery Operations Manager will be responsible for managing the daily operations of the distillery, ensuring product quality, coordinating with the production and sales team, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

Our ideal candidate has a solid understanding of distilling processes, a strong leadership ability, and excellent problem-solving skills.

A degree in business administration, management, or a related field is preferred.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily operations of the distillery, ensuring smooth production processes.
• Work with production team to manage inventory and supply chain operations.
• Ensure all products meet quality standards and regulations.
• Develop, implement, and monitor operational strategies and objectives to ensure the achievement of the distillery’s goals.
• Coordinate with sales and marketing teams to forecast demand and plan production schedules.
• Oversee maintenance and repair of distillery equipment and infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding distillery operations.
• Handle budgets and ensure efficient use of resources.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Distillery Operations Manager or similar role.
• Understanding of distilling processes, equipment, and regulations.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage inventory and supply chain operations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other management software.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or related field is preferred.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Distillery Operations Manager
• Work Environment: On-site at our distillery. Some travel may be required for industry events or meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Operations Officer or Distillery Owner.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Distillery Operations Manager Do?

A Distillery Operations Manager typically works in a distillery where alcoholic beverages, primarily spirits like whiskey and rum, are produced.

They can also find employment in distilleries that produce other liquors like vodka or gin.

They oversee all operations related to the distillery, ensuring that all production processes are running smoothly and efficiently.

They also coordinate with different teams within the distillery including production, maintenance, and quality control.

The Distillery Operations Manager is responsible for maintaining the quality of the product, ensuring that it meets all regulatory standards.

They also manage the distillery’s inventory, ensuring that there are adequate raw materials for production and that the finished products are properly stored.

They are also in charge of managing the distillery staff, providing them with the necessary training and managing their schedules to ensure that the distillery is appropriately staffed at all times.

Additionally, they may be involved in the development of new products and in the improvement of existing production processes.

They also work closely with sales and marketing teams to ensure that the products being produced meet market demands.

The Distillery Operations Manager is also responsible for ensuring that the distillery complies with all relevant health and safety regulations and that all equipment is properly maintained.

They may also oversee the distillery’s budget, making sure that all operations stay within the allocated funds.

Lastly, they often act as a liaison between the distillery and various external entities such as regulatory bodies, suppliers, and customers.

 

Distillery Operations Manager Qualifications and Skills

A Distillery Operations Manager should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Strong knowledge of distilling processes, including fermentation and bottling, along with an understanding of distillery equipment and maintenance requirements.
• Excellent leadership and management skills to oversee the distillery’s operations and personnel effectively.
• Strong analytical skills to assess production metrics and improve efficiency where necessary.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for liaising with suppliers, customers, and staff, as well as explaining complex distilling processes to non-technical stakeholders.
• Understanding of safety regulations and compliance standards in the distilling industry to ensure the distillery operates safely and legally.
• Project management skills to coordinate multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and manage budgets.
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues that arise during the distilling process and implement effective solutions.
• A degree in a relevant field such as business management, food science or chemical engineering may be beneficial.

 

Distillery Operations Manager Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for a Distillery Operations Manager position typically require at least 3 to 5 years of experience in distillery operations or a related field.

This experience can be gained through roles such as Distillery Operator, Production Supervisor, or Quality Assurance Specialist.

It’s beneficial for candidates to have hands-on experience with distilling machinery and equipment, as well as a good understanding of the distilling process.

Technical knowledge of distillery operations, safety regulations, and quality control is crucial.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience are likely to have developed strong managerial skills in previous roles.

These professionals may have supervised teams, managed production schedules, and overseen quality control measures in a distillery setting.

Those with more than 7 years of experience in the field are often highly skilled in managing distillery operations and could also possess experience in strategic planning and budgeting.

They may have the necessary experience and skills to successfully lead the distillery operations of a company, drive improvements, and ensure efficient production processes.

Experience in regulatory compliance, safety management, and industry-specific certifications are often preferred for this role.

Any additional experience with process improvement methodologies, such as Lean or Six Sigma, can also be beneficial.

 

Distillery Operations Manager Education and Training Requirements

A Distillery Operations Manager typically holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, food science, or a related field.

They are also expected to have a strong understanding of the distilling process and relevant industry regulations.

This knowledge often comes from hands-on experience or specialized training programs in distillery operations.

For higher-level positions or roles at large distilleries, a master’s degree in a related field or a business management degree could be beneficial.

This advanced education can provide the skills needed to oversee large-scale operations, manage teams, and make strategic decisions.

Many Distillery Operations Managers also pursue certifications from recognized industry bodies, such as the Institute of Brewing and Distilling or the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

These certifications can demonstrate a candidate’s specific skills and knowledge, and show a commitment to staying updated with the latest industry developments.

In addition to formal education and certifications, a Distillery Operations Manager should have several years of experience in the distilling or related industry.

This hands-on experience is crucial in understanding the practical aspects of distillation and day-to-day operations.

Regular ongoing training in areas such as safety regulations, quality control, production techniques, and emerging technologies is also beneficial to stay current in this ever-evolving industry.

 

Distillery Operations Manager Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Distillery Operations Manager is approximately $71,000 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary based on factors such as the individual’s level of experience in the industry, their specific qualifications, and the location of the distillery.

Size and profitability of the distillery can also play a significant role in determining the salary.

 

Distillery Operations Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Distillery Operations Manager need?

Distillery Operations Managers should have strong leadership and communication skills to effectively manage their team and liaise with other departments.

A solid understanding of distillery processes, including fermentation and distillation, is crucial.

They also need to have analytical skills to oversee production efficiency and quality control.

 

Do Distillery Operations Managers need a degree?

A degree is not always required but having one in a field such as Business Management, Food Science or Chemical Engineering can be beneficial.

However, extensive experience in distillery operations or a similar industry can also be a viable pathway into this role.

Some Distillery Operations Managers may also hold certifications related to alcoholic beverage production.

 

What should you look for in a Distillery Operations Manager resume?

Look for previous experience in managing operations in a distillery or a similar industry.

Expertise in production management, quality control, and team management are also important.

Certifications in distillery operations or related fields can be a plus.

A successful Distillery Operations Manager should also demonstrate a good understanding of safety regulations and industry standards.

 

What qualities make a good Distillery Operations Manager?

A good Distillery Operations Manager is highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

They should have a strong attention to detail to ensure high-quality product output.

Effective communication skills are also crucial for coordinating with different departments and leading the team.

A good Distillery Operations Manager should also be adept at problem-solving and making quick decisions when necessary.

 

What is the role of a Distillery Operations Manager in product development?

A Distillery Operations Manager plays a significant role in product development.

They oversee the production process, ensuring the quality and consistency of the product.

They also work closely with the product development team to implement new recipes or processes.

Furthermore, they ensure that new product development complies with safety standards and regulations.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken an in-depth look at the role of a Distillery Operations Manager.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about overseeing the production of spirits.

It’s about orchestrating the creation of liquid masterpieces, one batch at a time.

With our comprehensive Distillery Operations Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to get started.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting meticulous job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every batch of spirits contributes to the broader story.

Let’s distill the future. Together.

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