Lead Distiller

Lead DistillerTrillium is looking for a Lead Distiller to join our team. The Lead Distiller will be working with the Head Distiller in overseeing and executing all aspects of distillery operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality spirit production. This role combines hands-on production leadership with inventory management, fermentation and distillation oversight, quality control collaboration, sanitation compliance, and continuous process improvement. The Lead Distiller plays a key role in achieving production goals, maintaining consistency and quality standards, and supporting research and development initiatives, while ensuring equipment, facilities, and records meet operational and regulatory expectations.This position requires strong technical expertise in distillation operations, particularly continuous and hybrid still systems, along with demonstrated leadership, analytical skills, and a detail-oriented approach. The Lead Distiller works closely with Quality Control, Facilities, and Operations teams to optimize production performance, maintain preventative maintenance schedules, and uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and product integrity.Job Duties & ResponsibilitiesProductionOperate low-pressure steam-fed continuous column and hybrid still with chilled water cooling, controlled by a central PLC systemTrouble shoot process & equipment issuesWork with Facilities team to make sure preventative maintenance schedules are being followed, and facility maintenance requests are submitted in a timely manner and work is scheduled at an appropriate timePerform quarterly maintenance on both stillsSensory evaluation of new make spirit, spirit in maturation, and finished goodsOversee general day-to-day distillery operations to meet weekly and monthly production goals including: distillations, spirit transfers, production blending, finished goods blending, packaging operations supportBuild production records based on approved benchtop blends and established recipes/formulasRun CIP procedures with both strong acid and strong base chemicals, utilizing diaphragm and centrifugal pumpsAuditing CIP protocols to make sure appropriate sanitary standards are being followedUse a detailed approach to uphold the highest standards of cleanliness for all customer facing spaces within the process plantScheduling distillery operations on a weekly basisOversee SOP development and train team members to standardInventory ManagementManaging raw material inventory for the distillery including monthly inventoriesManaging production supplies for distillery operations (filters, botanical bags, chemicals, etc)Forecasting cooperage requirements per production scheduleOperation of pumps, motors, agitators & valves to execute daily fermented wash and spirit operations and tank transfers, controlled via a central PLC or manual control systemsWriting recipes in automated mashing software platformsRecipe & DevelopmentHelp manage R&D program for continuous improvement of quality and processHelp determine concrete metrics for success for all R&D venturesWork with team to ensure R&D projects are carried out efficiently with no interference on production needsOversee barrel sample withdrawal program for quality and maturation analysisTrack data for completed mashes, fermentations, and distillations; add data to master data tracker to identify trends in productionWork closely with Quality Assurance team to promote quality and consistency in our processAdditional duties may be assigned as necessary.Desired Qualifications & AbilitiesQualifications & Experience3+ years of production distillery operations experience1+ years of supervisory or managerial experienceLeadership & delegation skills requiredMust be at least 21 years of age.Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesContinuous column still experience preferredDetail oriented and quality focusedSolid analytical, record keeping, problem solving, and organizational skillsProficient in algebra, basic biology/chemistryProficient in basic chemical engineering preferredAbility to work independently as well as in teams, in addition to multi-taskingProfessional communication skills with an efficient sense of urgencyProficient in MS Office / Google SuitePreferred forklift and power equipment related skill and experienceAbility to lift 65 pounds and move 175 pounds regularlyAbility to regularly stand, walk, use hands, reach, climb, work from heights, stoop, kneel, and crouchAbility to work in a loud, wet, cold, hot, indoor and outdoor environment frequentlyBenefitsMedical, dental and vision benefits with no wait periodShort term disability and life insurance401K plan with generous match with no wait periodTenure Bonus EligiblePaid time offEducational Reimbursement ProgramMBTA Pass discountPPE ReimbursementTrillium Comp CardTrillium discountsPhilanthropy programEmployee gym