Quality & Blending Manager

Company Description Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Michter's Distillery, LLC (Michter's) has a rich and long legacy of offering traditional American whiskeys of uncompromising quality. With each of its limited production offerings aged to its peak maturity, Michter's highly acclaimed portfolio includes bourbon, rye, and American whiskey. Scope Michter's Distillery is seeking a Quality & Blending Manager at our distillery located at 2351 New Millennium Drive, Louisville, KY 40216. This will be an opportunity to become involved in the bourbon industry, one of Kentucky's finest traditions. This position will report to the Director of Forecasting, Planning& Blending with a dotted line to the Vice President of Production. The Quality & Blending Manager is responsible for leading all quality assurance and quality control functions across the distillery, processing, blending, and handling of whiskey, and ensuring that all whiskey products meet brand standards, regulatory requirements, and consumer expectations. This role oversees quality systems from raw materials through distillation, aging, bottling, and distribution. Primary Job Tasks and Responsibilities Ensure compliance with TTB, FDA, OSHA, state regulatory requirements, GMPs, HACCP principles, and company food safety standards. Identify, document, and report quality deviations or non-conformances. Manage, mentor, and direct departmental personnel to ensure efficient execution of quality and operational objectives. Ensure all documentation complies with federal, state, and internal regulatory requirements. Establish and monitor quality standards, specifications, SOPs, GMP and testing procedures for raw materials, in-process production, and finished goods. Lead the HACCP and GMP teams to ensure continued certification. Conduct routine audits of the company's Quality standards to ensure standards are being followed by all departments. Manage all product specifications to ensure the highest level of quality through both organoleptic and analytical analyses. Provide oversight of laboratory services and resources to the laboratory operations team for operation of technical equipment including but not limited to: GC, GCMS, HPLC, Spectrophotometer, Density Meter Analyzer, Turbidity Meter, lab filtration equipment and other analytical equipment to ensure the highest quality performance Execute blending of product formula specifications according to the approved blend form provided by the Director of Forecasting, Planning & Blending. Conduct warehouse sampling of whiskey to evaluate readiness for processing, blending, or release in accordance with established quality standards and approved formulations. Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product consistency and reduce defects. Maintain sensory acuity required to evaluate all types of matured whiskey and new make distillate for aroma, flavor, texture and consistency as part of quality assurance protocols. Monitor emerging technologies, and process innovation within whiskey and distilled spirits to recommend continuous improvement initiatives for consideration Prepare and set up product samples for tasting. Maintain rigorous documentation of experimental design, data, sensory outcomes, and learnings to support continuous improvement. Utilize computer programs for formulas, processing, and record keeping. Adheres all company policies regarding health and safety, environmental, and quality standards. Immediately reports all safety, environmental, and quality issues to Leadership. • Adhere and utilize PPE program when performing job duties. Clean and maintain all blending laboratory and work areas and all pieces of equipment daily using best management practices. Participate in trainings and other duties as assigned. Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, & Distilling, or related field preferred. Prefer a minimum of 5+ years of quality assurance or quality control experience in distilled spirits, or related regulated manufacturing environment. Prefer experience in whiskey blending, product development, and/or whiskey processing. Processing experience in a Distillery operation, Food Industry or Chemical industry a plus. Demonstrated experience with GMPs, HACCP, CAPA, root cause analysis, and audit management. Excellent analytical, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills Physical requirements o Individual must have the ability to physically perform job functions in all environments inside and outside. Environments may be extremely hot, cold, dusty, and loud. o Perform job functions which may include lifting, bending, and crouching while moving 550 lb barrels for continuous periods of time. o Individuals must be able to lift 40 lbs. on a continual basis and 60 lbs. as needed from the floor to shoulder height. o Climb at least four flights of stairs consecutively and climb ladders. Key Competencies Self-starter with precise attention to detail and demonstrates accountability for end-to-end execution. Working knowledge of TTB regulations and recordkeeping requirements Excellent communication skills - written and verbal with ability to simplify complex details to key messages and recommendations. Demonstrates expert technical skills with respect to Microsoft Office Suite of products and familiarity with inventory control software. Must possess a high level of organizational skill and ability to focus and deliver technical projects to completion. High accountability for proactive tracking and follow up. Able to prioritize under pressure. Flexible and willing to work necessary overtime to meet the needs of the business. Fosters and works well in a team environment. Applicants selected for further consideration after interviews will be required to complete a pre-offer, job-related sensory aptitude test as part of the hiring process. Successful completion of this assessment is required prior to any offer of employment. Reasonable accommodations are available in accordance with applicable law.

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Military leave Paid time off Parental leave Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person