Distillery Manager

Connecticut Distilling | Waterbury, CT
Full-time | On-site

Connecticut Distilling is seeking a hands-on Distillery Manager to lead daily production at our Waterbury facility. We produce spirits and beverages for our own brands and contract manufacturing clients, and we need someone who can organize the work, lead the team, and actively participate in production.

The right candidate is comfortable operating equipment, coordinating multiple projects, maintaining accurate inventory, and stepping into bottling or packaging whenever needed. You will be accountable for keeping production on schedule while maintaining quality, safety, and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate daily and weekly production schedules, including distilling, blending, bottling, canning, and packaging.
• Work directly in production, operating equipment and helping the team complete scheduled runs.
• Assign tasks, communicate priorities, and ensure employees understand their responsibilities and production targets.
• Meet production goals for output, quality, yield, and on-time completion.
• Take regular physical inventory and maintain accurate records of spirits, ingredients, packaging materials, and finished goods.
• Confirm materials, equipment, and staffing are ready before each production run.
• Identify shortages early and coordinate purchasing or replenishment to prevent delays.
• Assist with bottling, labeling, packing, and other production tasks as needed.
• Maintain accurate batch records, production logs, inventory movements, and loss reports.
• Monitor product quality throughout production and address issues promptly.
• Oversee cleaning, sanitation, preventive maintenance, and equipment readiness.
• Troubleshoot production problems and coordinate repairs when needed.
• Train employees on equipment operation, production procedures, and safe work practices.
• Keep the facility clean, organized, and ready for production.
• Communicate production progress, delays, staffing needs, and equipment issues to leadership.
• Identify practical ways to reduce downtime, waste, and unnecessary costs.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in distillery, brewery, winery, beverage, or food manufacturing operations.
• Experience supervising a production team or coordinating manufacturing schedules.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort operating and troubleshooting production equipment.
• Experience with inventory control, batch documentation, and quality checks.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage several production priorities.
• A dependable, accountable approach with consistent follow-through.
• Willingness to work alongside the team wherever help is needed.
• Familiarity with distillation, proofing, blending, sanitation, and alcohol production records is strongly preferred.
• Bottling or canning line experience is a plus.

Work Environment

This is an active role in a working production facility. Candidates must be able to perform essential duties, including standing for extended periods, moving materials, and working around production equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation. Schedule flexibility may be needed for production deadlines and occasional weekend runs.

What Success Looks Like

Production starts with the right materials and equipment ready. Employees know the plan. Inventory and batch records are accurate. Problems are addressed quickly, and finished products meet quality standards and ship on schedule.

Pay: $55,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,000 - $70,000