Job Details
Conniption Gin continues to strengthen into a leading super-premium gin in the United States. To ensure we scale quickly and efficiently, Durham Distillery is hiring an Assistant Distiller. Joining the Durham Distillery team means you ll be part of a group working hard to grow Conniption Gin into a national brand. A passion for the spirits (gin) industry, an entrepreneurial mindset, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment are essential for success in this role.
The ideal candidate has
- An intimate knowledge of gin its history, botanicals, and its distillation methods. You want to be a part of the gin distilling community. We are a member distillery of the Gin Guild and of the Distillers Association of North Carolina. We love gin. We have a passion for it. You must too.
- Minimum of one year of distilling experience in a TTB regulated environment is highly recommended. This should include, but not be limited to, gin distillation. This is an Assistant Distiller role, so previous distilling experience is not mandatory as training will be given or obtained to reach qualification as a distiller. A strong work ethic, dedication to excellence and since we like to have fun, a great sense of humor is needed for this role.
- Comprehensive palate and a great ability to articulate flavor. Sensory evaluation of gin is tough. We will help train you but a fine-tuned base palate is an ideal foundation.
Main Responsibilities
Distillation & Production
- Execute on-time preparation of all operations, distillations and compounding tasks to include gin and vodka distilling and canned cocktail batching
- Responsible for weighing raw materials for botanical prep and assessing botanical quality in addition to charging the still before production run. Responsible for monitoring the production run
- Assist with all physical processes bottling, canning, shipment preparation, etc.
- Work with Head Distiller/Operations Manager on forecasted production and delivery schedules, including longer term liquid planning, outgoing shipments
Quality Control
- Ensure spirits are produced in compliance with quality and manufacturing standards
- Adhere to TTB directed regulations (proof checks, fill checks, etc.) and ensure the distillery is TTB compliant. Training will be provided
- Ensure consistency of flavor, texture, and aroma from batch to batch
- Design a comprehensive sampling recording program
- Manage sample requests and assist with inventory tasting
- Train in spirits tasting and sensory evaluation
Product Research & Development
- Work with Head Distiller to refine existing products and develop new concepts
- Maintain well organized documentation for any research/development projects
Record Keeping
- Properly record all distillation and bottling/canning activities in Whiskey Systems (web-based government reporting system) and track spirit usage and movement within our storage, production, and processing accounts for TTB tax purposes
- Work with Operations Manager to ensure all shipments are recorded in Whiskey Systems
- Track compliance and production metrics for all spirits produced on site via Whiskey Systems
- Properly document all applicable processes in team drive(s)
- Implement a regular maintenance and cleaning routine as well as keeping the equipment in proper working order
- Encourage team member safety by promoting safe work practices, monitoring compliance with safety policies and minimizing physical hazards to promote an overall safe work environment
- Monitor adherence to health, safety and hygiene standards
Ordering & Logistics
- Responsible for coordinating and ordering all raw goods needed for the successful operation of distillation and production
- Maintain records of all raw materials in Whiskey Systems
- Conduct and maintain weekly and monthly inventory of raw goods (botanicals, ethanol, etc.)
- Ensure proper amounts are kept in stock and re-ordering thresholds are set and adhered to
- Work with suppliers to ensure consistency in quality and availability of raw materials, including preferred supplier list and price negotiation
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The ideal shift for this position is 4 days of 10 hours; 8 AM - 6 PM; Monday - Thursday.
Qualifications
- Professionalism within alcoholic beverage environment with expected sobriety during working hours
- Desire to always deliver the highest quality
- Team player who wants to get the best out of themselves and their colleagues
- Can help bring our company to the next phase
- Is capable of thinking long term
- Is self-starting and able to work under minimal supervision
- Takes pride in creating handcrafted spirits
- Detail orientated, yet process driven
- Self-motivated, can-do approach to work
- Experience of working with pressurized systems and in high-risk areas
- Clear communication both up and down the management chain
- Able to operate forklift an advantage but not compulsory
- Able to drive a box truck or learn is an advantage but not compulsory
- Maintain the work area clean, safe, and organized
- Ability to lift 50+ lbs. on a regular daily basis
- Google business, Microsoft office, Slack
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor s degree or equivalent (4+ years) work experience in distilling
Benefits include:
- 15 days vacation, 10 holidays, reasonable sick leave
- Subsidized medical insurance (health, dental & vision)
- 401K
Durham Distillery is a living wage employer. All are welcome and Womxn, People of Color, LGBTQ+ are encouraged to apply. Durham Distillery is committed to a continuing program of equal employment opportunity. All persons have equal employment opportunities, regardless of their sex, race, color, age, religion, creed, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics), marital status, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), familial status, military or veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions (or any other group or category within the framework of the applicable discrimination laws and regulations).