Lab Technician - Product Development

Sazerac Company Overview

Build your career at Sazerac! With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American family-owned company with operations in the United States and around the world. Since the 2000s, Sazerac has averaged double digit growth every year! Sazerac Company produces and markets the most award-winning bourbons and whiskeys in the world, including Buffalo Trace, Pappy Van Winkle, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, and Sazerac Rye. Additionally, Sazerac owns many popular brands across a range of spirits, including Fireball, Southern Comfort, Seagram’s V.O., Myers’s, Goldschläger, Parrot Bay, 99 Brand, and Platinum Vodka.

We’re proud of our award-winning culture and distilleries. Our Louisville office has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” four times, and our Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned the title of “world’s most award-winning distillery” through the dedication of our craftsmen for well over 200 years. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, Sazerac provides extraordinary opportunities for growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, entrepreneurial industry.

Job Description/Responsibilities

The Laboratory Technician is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Sazerac Center for Innovation and Technical Excellence laboratory. Responsibilities will include sample preparation, testing, data analysis, and maintenance of the laboratory. Laboratory Technician will also participate in problem solving and continuous improvement initiatives to benefit Sazerac operations.

• Ensure activities, processes, and products are compliant with government agencies' regulatory requirements including OSHA, TTB, and EPA.
• Work with internal and external customers to support New Product Development, Production, Sales and Marketing, and Technical Services activities. Help to identify issues with internal or external customer service and work to put corrective actions in place. Serve as a professional point of contact between vendors and Sazerac Center for Innovation & Technical Excellence.
• Participate in writing, organizing and updating lab procedures. Follow all work instructions and provide feedback on laboratory specifications. Assist with cleaning and organizing the lab. Provide input for lab design efficiency, ergonomics, and safety.
• Participate in and maintain data from auditing activities, including analysis of vendor-provided data (e.g. allergens, nutritional, etc.), material inventory, production samples. Participate in plant and vendor audits. Support activities related to laboratory accreditation.
• Participate in problem solving activities to standardize and improve processes across Sazerac. Implement effective lab procedures for improvement of products and processes. Implementing and maintaining systems and procedures to organizing standards and samples for Sazerac Center for Innovation & Technical Excellence. Support efforts to improve sensory capabilities of personnel at all Sazerac facilities.
• Implement PDS for self-development that will emphasize improvement in at least one competency per year and better performance against position description outcomes.
• Develop a Career Plan that will encourage achievement of career development and/or advancement.
• Support the Sazerac Center for Innovation & Technical Excellence and the broader operation in achieving operational excellence through problem solving, implementing sustainable processes, and identifying opportunities for operational improvements. Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness of the Sazerac Center for Innovation & Technical Excellence laboratory.
• Develop and maintain solid professional working relationships both inside and outside the company. Set a positive example and act in a manner consistent with company values.
  
  

Qualifications/Requirements

MUST

• At least 21 years of age
• Bachelor's Degree
• Excellent oral & written communication skills
• Food Science or related degree
• Good physical health, capable of working on feet
• Proficient in Microsoft office products
• Strong analytical and technical skills
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Willingness to travel
• Demonstrated sensory aptitude
• Ability to communicate with all levels of an org
• Ability to handle multiple tasks at one time
• 1 years Lab/QC or related experience
  
  

PREFERRED

• Related Experience in Alcohol Beverage Industry