Distiller

Lead Distiller

Trillium 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 & Responsibilities

Production:

• Operate low-pressure steam-fed continuous column and hybrid still with chilled water cooling, controlled by a central PLC system
• Trouble shoot process & equipment issues
• Work 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 time
• Perform quarterly maintenance on both stills
• Sensory evaluation of new make spirit, spirit in maturation, and finished goods
• Oversee general day-to-day distillery operations to meet weekly and monthly production goals including: distillations, spirit transfers, production blending, finished goods blending, packaging operations support
• Build production records based on approved benchtop blends and established recipes/formulas
• Run CIP procedures with both strong acid and strong base chemicals, utilizing diaphragm and centrifugal pumps
• Auditing CIP protocols to make sure appropriate sanitary standards are being followed
• Use a detailed approach to uphold the highest standards of cleanliness for all customer facing spaces within the process plant
• Scheduling distillery operations on a weekly basis
• Oversee SOP development and train team members to standard

Inventory Management:

• Managing raw material inventory for the distillery including monthly inventories
• Managing production supplies for distillery operations (filters, botanical bags, chemicals, etc)
• Forecasting cooperage requirements per production schedule
• Operation of pumps, motors, agitators & valves to execute daily fermented wash and spirit operations and tank transfers, controlled via a central PLC or manual control systems
• Writing recipes in automated mashing software platforms

Recipe & Development:

• Help manage R&D program for continuous improvement of quality and process
• Help determine concrete metrics for success for all R&D ventures
• Work with team to ensure R&D projects are carried out efficiently with no interference on production needs
• Oversee barrel sample withdrawal program for quality and maturation analysis
• Track data for completed mashes, fermentations, and distillations; add data to master data tracker to identify trends in production
• Work closely with Quality Assurance team to promote quality and consistency in our process

Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.

Desired Qualifications & Abilities

Qualifications & Experience:

• 3+ years of production distillery operations experience
• 1+ years of supervisory or managerial experience
• Leadership & delegation skills required
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Continuous column still experience preferred
• Detail oriented and quality focused
• Solid analytical, record keeping, problem solving, and organizational skills
• Proficient in algebra, basic biology/chemistry
• Proficient in basic chemical engineering preferred
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams, in addition to multi-tasking
• Professional communication skills with an efficient sense of urgency
• Proficient in MS Office / Google Suite
• Preferred forklift and power equipment related skill and experience
• Ability to lift 65 pounds and move 175 pounds regularly
• Ability to regularly stand, walk, use hands, reach, climb, work from heights, stoop, kneel, and crouch
• Ability to work in a loud, wet, cold, hot, indoor and outdoor environment frequently

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision benefits with no wait period
• Short term disability and life insurance
• 401K plan with generous match with no wait period
• Tenure Bonus Eligible
• Paid time off
• Educational Reimbursement Program
• MBTA Pass discount
• PPE Reimbursement
• Trillium Comp Card
• Trillium discounts
• Philanthropy program
• Employee gym