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Head Distiller - Distillery Operator
The Opportunity
We are a new startup distillery based in Pacific Harbour, Fiji is seeking an experienced Master Distiller or Distillery Operator to lead onsite daily operations, from mashing through to bottling of premium Gin, Vodka and Rum.
The role requires
- Management, control and monitoring of distillery processes and related activities. From sugar based mashes, through fermentation, distillation, blending, bottling and all related QA.
- Target monitoring relating to health and safety, distillate quality, production efficiency, energy management, production planning and cost efficiency.
- Full compliance with all Fiji Govt. Excise regulatory requirements and company procedures relating to site risk, ANZFA Food Standards and environmental constraints.
- Flexibility to adapt to different shift working practices and patterns, as required.
- Lead, manage and upskill a small team, with equality and cultural sensitivity.
- Demonstrated effective decision-making and problem solving skills as well as an ability to use initiative to adapt pre-set work plans.
- Use of online production recording and management reporting systems e.g. Xero, Unleashed, and related tools, spreadsheets and software.
- Indirect production activity (e.g. project teamwork) as the need arises.
- Working knowledge of distillery QA laboratory operations, processes and methods.
- Demonstration and promotion of positive actions and behaviours within and out with the workplace.
- Support to company directors, that is likely to include:
- The completion of plant operating, H & S, environmental and security checks.
- The suspension of contractor operations if they are in breach of compliance standards.
- Attendance during incidents or emergencies.
- Working closely with Maintenance subcontractors to ensure the safe and efficient operation of all aspects of the facility.
- Performing minor maintenance (cleaning, inspection and lubrication of equipment).
- Demonstrated experience (3-5 years) in the end to end production of Premium Neutral spirits, Vodkas, Gins and Rum.
Dimensions
You will be responsible for:
- Operating the distillery per Standard Operating Procedures.
- Monitoring and controlling the process.
- Perform required QA testing and analysis
- Identifying and correcting deviations from standard process parameters.
- Reacting to abnormal conditions, breakdowns, and emergencies.
- Maintaining accurate process and inventory records.
- Maintaining a high standard of distillate quality.
Top Accountabilities
Overall:
- Safe & efficient production of a high quality product.
Specifically:
- Organize and prioritize production operations and dispatches in accordance with agreed plans.
- Control, monitor and optimize all distillery processes to maximize performance in a manner which fully complies with all legal requirements and company standards and delivers high quality product.
- Identify and analyze any non-conforming deviations from the expected process parameters.
- Respond appropriately to a range of breakdown, accident or emergency situations. This will include initial contact with emergency service(s).
- Clearly communicate with own team and others to ensure the effective continuity of site operations both during and across shifts.
- Maintaining accurate process and inventory records.
Qualifications and Experience Required
- Minimum 18 years of age.
- Degree or Diploma in a related field of science (food, organic chemistry, chemistry, life sciences, chemical engineering) preferable, or equivalent industry qualifications and/or experience.
- Minimum of 3 years relevant process operating experience in distilling with demonstrated achievements.
- Demonstrated teamwork capability and can-do attitude.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Willingness to work towards industry qualifications.
- Full driving license.
- A working knowledge and understanding of health and safety, Excise regulations and environmental risk management principles.
- PC/Systems skills e.g. Excel, Xero, Google Docs etc.
- A working knowledge and understanding of electronic/paper business systems.
Remuneration will be commensurate with experience.
Contact
If you have any queries about our products, where to buy for stockist enquiries please use the contact form below.
Please note at this stage the distillery is not open to the public. We hope to run tours in the future. Stay tuned and sign up for our newsletter.
