Head Distiller at small batch production distillery.

The Henley Distillery is looking for a Head Distiller to join this small, award-winning, energetic team in Oxfordshire owned and run by Master Distiller Jacob Wilson. A new role within the business, this position is a pivotal one, not only during the rapid growth of the Henley Gin brand but in the long-term running of this established and highly respected contract distillery with the capacity to produce 350k bottles per year.

The Head Distiller will be at the centre of the business, responsible for the day-to-day management of production using age-old techniques and outstanding sensory skills to produce premium quality spirits.

This is an excellent opportunity to join this ambitious business, playing a major part in its development and future success. An enthusiastic, self-motivated, fun individual who shares the same passion for exceeding our customers’ expectations for both quality and service levels.

A positive, can-do attitude is essential along with being hands-on and having a flexible attitude is crucial to our success. With time, you will be given more responsibilities with regards to process execution and will be asked to contribute to discussions and decisions around process improvement.

Responsibilities:

Overseeing the production and responsible for managing the day to day operations in the distillery, bottling line, packaging, despatch and warehouse ensuring efficiency, accuracy and forward planning.

Supporting compliance with legislative & governing bodies.

Planning for the future - keeping up to date with industry standards and trends, always striving to be the most sustainable business we can be.

Inventory management from goods-in to finished product.

Quality and hygiene control.

Leading by example with Health & Safety + regulatory compliance.

Regularly reviewing and updating SOPs to ensure best practice.

Running and assisting on distillery tours and helping customers who visit the site.

Supervision / management of the distillery assistants.

About you:

5+ years' experience working in distilling.

An excellent communicator.

Well-developed sensory skills for tasting and evaluating spirits.

Strong scientific knowledge with excellent computer skills.

Outstanding record-keeping skills and attention to detail.

Positive outlook and a strong team player.

Experience in managing people and processes.

Experience with SALSA compliance would be a bonus.

Passionate about recipe development and the spirits industry as a whole.

Experience of implementation and monitoring of Health, Safety & Environmental - H&S / Fire Safety / First Aid / HACCP / IOSH / COSHH.

A passionate multi-tasker who thrives when challenged.

Additional requirements / beneficial qualities:-

Full driving licence.

Henley on Thames, RG9 4LG: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work.

Fork lift licence (optional).

H & S certification (optional).

Option for overtime / weekend working.

Job Type

Full-time 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday 0830-1700hrs (working out of these hours may be needed where required by the business).

Salary in the range of £35,000 upwards, dependant on experience

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: From £35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Henley-On-Thames: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• distillery: 5 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: THDHD1