Lead Distillery Operator

We are looking to hire a Lead Distillery Operator to join our Lux Row team in Bardstown, KY. The Lead Distillery Operator is responsible for ensuring all production is accurately accounted for. This position is also responsible for managing other operators, working with management to ensure facility is operating appropriately and assist team members as needed. The Lead Distillery Operator functions as an essential bridge between operators and management.

What will you do?

• Managing of all operators on their associated shift.
• Working with Management and Maintenance to make recommendations for repairs of equipment and machinery as appropriate.
• Cross-trained on all operator positions (grain receiving, cooking, mashing, still operation and proofing/gauging).
• Work with Management to ensure the facility is adequately staffed at all times based on production needs.
• Working with other Operators to ensure all Batch Sheets and other record keeping documents are being produced accurately and in timely manner.
• Overseeing grain, mash and beer testing and chemistry record keeping as well as completion of other necessary Quality Control record keeping.
• Ensuring all work areas are maintained with good housekeeping in accordance with OSHA and company safety regulations.
• Perform Clean-in-Place (CIP) duties for sanitizing and cleaning of tanks and vessels as needed.
• Maintaining working knowledge of automated and manual process controls and computer screens.
• Maintaining a thorough knowledge of the Production Schedule to ensure that all elements of the distillery process is running smoothly per the assigned schedule.
• Comply with all necessary Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s) and Safety requirements.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

What do you need to bring to the table?

• A minimum of 2 years in distillery operations with supervisory experience.
• High School diploma or equivalent with bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Self-starter, work independently and very organized.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Excel, and Word.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Multi-tasking and time management skills with the ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously.

Who are we?
MGP Ingredients is a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and food ingredient solutions. Its Distilling Solutions segment provides bourbons, whiskeys, ryes, gins and vodkas to craft and multinational brands. MGP’s own Branded Spirits business is growing following the 2021 acquisition of Luxco, a top spirits producer, bottler, supplier, and importer. Ingredient Solutions delivers nutritional, functional wheat- and pea-based ingredients aligned with consumer trends. The company operates in locations across the Midwestern U.S., and overseas in Northern Ireland and Mexico.