Master Distiller (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  The Public, Cammeray

  Sydney, South Australia

Our master distiller will oversee the creation of spirits and/or liqueurs. It is a senior position and involves a wide-range of responsibilities including managing staff, overseeing the production line, product development, quality control, product testing and sourcing raw materials.

Our master distiller will be ultimately responsible for the quality of the product that the distillery produces. They must ensure the production and maturation processes are working correctly to create an outstanding product.

They will also be the "face" of the distillery and will often liaise with customers at product launches, tastings, trade shows and other events. They will play a key role in ensuring customer satisfaction and the success of the distillery.

Responsibilities of the Master Distiller

• Manage the spirit-making team
  Our master distiller will take on responsibility for managing the distillery's production staff. They must direct their actions and ensure the product is meeting quality guidelines. 
• Manage day-to-day operations of the distillery
  Our master distiller oversees every aspect of production including the sourcing of raw materials, malting, fermentation, distillation, maturation, blending and bottling.
• Developing new products
  Our master distiller will work with directors, tasters, other spirit makers, finance and marketers to maximise the value of the spirit stock held by the distillery. 
• Designing a comprehensive sampling and recording programme
  Improving the quality of the spirits produced by the distillery is the chief concern of the master distiller. They will be required to create a program which samples and records the quality of the product produced and works towards improving that quality.
• Longer Term Liquid Planning
  Our master distiller must plan how to store spirits over longer periods including organising bond store and transportation.
• Work with other staff to define agreed upon specifications and processes
  The master distiller works with other staff to refine the process of spirit making and defining a set specification for spirit production. That may involve tasks as diverse as wood procurement and wood seasoning, along with distilling and maturation processes.
• Maintain process logs
  Each phase of the distillation process must be logged and detailed records should be kept to ensure the product meets quality guidelines according to the ATO requirements.
• Develop a stock management plan
  A plan must be devised to continually sample maturing stock and make decisions on its use.
• Brand promotion
  The master distiller will liaise with customers, the media, other distilleries and wholesalers to promote the distillery and its products.
• Develop new styles of spirits
  Our master distiller will be required to develop new products, often in conjunction with marketing teams and tasters.
• Plan staff training and development
  Our master distiller may sometimes be responsible for training staff to perform specific tasks including milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, record keeping, cleaning and effluent treatment.
• Maintain hygiene and food safety standards
  Our master distiller must ensure staff are working to the highest standards.

Education

Our master distiller will have gained their experience by working at distilleries for many years and improving their craft. They will also be expected to have an academic qualification in distilling or equivelent. A degree in distilling, chemistry, biology, food science, or microbiology will enhance your appointment, as well as experience in the wine making or brewing industry.

Work Experience

Our master distiller must have a substantial amount of work experience that reflects their ability to create high-quality spirits, manage staff, talk to the public, and maintain high levels of food safety. Previous work experience would ideally include the following:

• Previous distilling experience 
  Minimum of 4 years commercial experience in distilling alcohol and managing production lines
• Management experience
  Demonstrated experiencing in managing staff
• Public relations experience
  A demonstrated ability to liaise with customers, suppliers, stakeholders and the media
• Project management knowledge
  Being able to manage a project and evaluate its success.
• Quality assurance experience
  Demonstrated ability to maintain a quality product

Key Skills

Our master distiller has to excel in a wide range of areas so requires a varied skill set. Some of the key skills which they will use on a regular basis include:

• Advanced knowledge of all aspects of the beverage production line
• Advanced knowledge of all process involved with distillation
• Well-developed sensory skills for tasting and evaluating spirits
• Strong scientific knowledge
• Project management skills
• Managerial skills
• Excellent communication skills and public speaking skills

How To Apply

Please forward your resume to [email protected] for perusal and interviews.

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