Supervisor/Lead Distillery Technician

This will be a 12 (twelve) hour day shift position working a 3+3+1 schedule and based at our new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown, KY.

What the Role Is

The Supervisor/Lead Distillery Technician will be responsible for leading, coordinating, and performing complex and highly diversified tasks in distillery operations centered on the non-negotiables of safety, quality, and employee engagement. Position responsibilities will include leading and coaching onsite distillery technician team, start-up, shutdown, and routine operation of the distillery including yeast propagation, by-product production, wastewater pre-treatment plant operation, and other required tasks to produce high-quality distillate. This position will be cross trained to support all functional areas of the distillery in an empowered/self-directed environment. It will drive and support efficient, highly productive operations in a demanding setting.

How You Will Spend Your Time?

• Lead and perform all aspects of cutting-edge distillery operations from grain receipt through the production of distillate and byproducts.
• Provide support in leading self-directed work teams, to ensure a focus on collaboration and shared accountability for the overall success of the distillery
• Leadership, oversight, and coaching of distillery team, using independent judgment, including but not limited to exercising leadership and responsibility over scheduling, time management, training, work priorities, assignment, etc. as needed to ensure the success of the team.
• Cross-train to perform all distillery technician tasks with high proficiency and efficiency.
• Operation of the wastewater pretreatment plant and all associated equipment.
• Manage truck traffic coordination across the site.
• Coordinate planning and scheduling with the Cistern Room(s) operation and manage the oversight and operation of distillate tanker loadout to the cistern room
• Evaluate work performance of team members, using independent judgement based upon observation and evaluation of individual and team contributions.
• Liaise with other distillery management and other team members to ensure all safety, quality, and productivity KPIs are met or exceeded.
• Partner with other distillery management and other team members to foster a Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement atmosphere.
• Create a positive and informative guest experience by engaging with visitors, business partners, and key stakeholders to share pertinent information regarding the art and science of distillation, knowledge of Heaven Hill’s various mash bills, and diverse product portfolio.
• Responsible for troubleshooting and performing maintenance tasks such as cleaning equipment, managing change over, maintaining equipment and other routine maintenance tasks.
• Perform routine repairs and maintain all equipment to enhance efficiency and prevent malfunctions that could lead to production downtime and/or costly repairs.
• Collaborate with and guide the maintenance team regarding scheduling and performing of complex preventative maintenance, calibration, and other specialized maintenance tasks.
• Implement and sustain the Heaven Hill Production System (Lean Manufacturing).
• Responsible for maintaining a high level of safety, cleanliness and performing housekeeping (5S) duties within the assigned area and throughout the entire facility. Including but not limited to upkeep of trash, cleaning work areas and break rooms, etc.
• Maintain a working knowledge of automated and manual process controls and other systems.
• Operate heavy material handling equipment such as forklift, front-end loader, skid steer, etc., with appropriate training and certification.

Who You Are…

• Two-year degree in a technical field required
• Minimum 2 years' of supervisory experience in distilled spirits or equivalent industry required
• Minimum 2 years’ experience operating and troubleshooting PLC control systems required
• Distilled Spirits Certificate or Lean/Continuous Improvement certification required
• Four-year degree in engineering or science preferred
• Ability to provide leadership and work in a cross-functional, self-directed work team with keen focus on improving every day and working together to win.
• Critical thinking skills. Using logic and reasoning to lead others and identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems, using independent judgment.
• Flexibility to learn and maintain cutting-edge technology.
• Ability to internalize and execute new operational techniques and processes.
• Analytical skills, particularly with data collection and analysis to present solutions
• Highly proficient written and verbal communication skills
• Public speaking experience and excellent presentation abilities.
• Technical writing experience developing standard operating procedures and other written correspondence.
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft systems such as Outlook, Excel, etc.
• Forklift certification and valid driver’s license.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• While performing duties of job, employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle, or feel objects, and use of computer; reach with hands and arms. Use tools and other machinery required to perform routine maintenance tasks . Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work in, on, around, over and under fixed equipment and machinery; to work from lifts, ladders, and scaffolding; to manipulate heavy equipment, tools and supplies and/or exert 70 lbs.; to concurrently manipulate multiple controls and machinery
• Frequent and extensive walking required in this position, including need to walk up and down stairs.
• Will be required to work in hazardous or irritating environments, confined spaces, and adverse weather or temperature conditions, to wear and work in personnel protective equipment.
• Must be capable of regular attendance and working a variety of shifts, including but not limited to 12 hours shifts, and overtime hours, as needed.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Health, Dental & Vision eligibility from day one
• FSA/HSA
• 401K match
• EAP
• Maternity/Paternity Leave

Heaven Hill Springs Distillery is a tobacco-free site. This includes all forms of tobacco including chew and e-cigarettes, vapes, etc.

Heaven Hill and its affiliates are committed to fostering a diverse workforce as an Equal Employment Opportunity company. We invite applications from candidates of all backgrounds, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, natural origin, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic.