Quote from Jesse Denherder on September 2, 2021, 1:21 pm

 

At Iron Fish Distillery, we set out to “Return Spirit to Its Origin” by making spirits from the ground up on our 120-acre farm.  Blending spirits in unique and interesting ways has been strategic, creating an amazing complementary dimension to our spirits offerings.  Our brand is now embraced by our region, state and beyond and our craft spirits production volume now ranks among the top three craft spirits manufacturers in the State of Michigan.   

After more than five years into our journey, we celebrate the support our community has shown us, and work hard every day to earn their affection through a tireless commitment to perfection and innovation. Our spirit portfolio has earned international accolades and critical acclaim, while our craft cocktail, and wood fired, local fresh ingredient menu has attracted 5-star ratings from local residents as well as guests from across the country. Our guests experience a warm inviting atmosphere where families, neighbors and friends travel out of their way and return with more friends to be part of the Iron Fish community.

We prize the team at Iron Fish Distillery that works tirelessly to create a unique farm destination experience anchored by exceptional spirits, cocktails, food and entertainment.  To support spirit creation, we are seeking  a Production Manager to lead our team focused on creating superior quality spirits at Michigan’s first farm craft distillery.  This mission critical role will direct, manage and enhance our manufacturing processes by working closely with our talented distilling/production team to continuously improve our approach and outcomes.   Finding a strong leader who can fit in well with our company culture where drive, collaboration and talent converge to make it all work. Iron Fish Distillery celebrates a collaborative work environment, and our team shares some common characteristics: 

We are passionate about craft spirits, committed to quality, share a positive world view, generous of spirit, adaptable and confident in our work but curious on how we can improve. At the core of this activity is the Production Manager, a hands-on role with oversight and directing of all production activities from distilling to barrel blending and processing of specialty food products.  

In Summary:

The Production Manager is responsible for creating, continuously improving and integrating all the components of production to meet shipping and inventory targets.  This includes overseeing and taking a hands on role in the overall efficient operation of spirits manufacturing that encompasses scheduling of products and team members; keeping equipment running effectively; maintaining quality, cleanliness and safety standards.

Management Structure: 

The Production Manager will be a member of the Management Team and collaborate with each member to carry out functional responsibilities.  This position reports to the Partner in Charge of Production and Facilities.  As the Production Manager this leader supervises all members of the production/maintenance team and also collaborates extensively with our:

• Head of Wholesale Sales
• Finance & HR Leads
• Director of Retail Operations

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee efficiency of facility processes: milling operations, mash operations, distillation operations, barrel blending, production equipment and facility maintenance, bottling, laboratory procedure, budgetary accountability, and ordering/inventory of spirit making supplies. 
• Develop quality requirements for outsourced grain and establish/evaluate buying arrangements with key suppliers (e.g.  grain, yeast, enzymes, barrels etc.) meeting high standards and requirements, based upon agreed upon production forecasts.
• Monitor equipment performance; guide preventative maintenance work and recommend upgrades/replacements where appropriate.
• Collaborate on spirit recipes with the Partner in charge of Production and Facilities.
• Stay abreast of and oversee compliance with federal and state safety rules and regulations.
• Fully support farm operations through providing guidance and assistance when necessary.
• Effectively communicate and coordinate with wide variety of contacts, externally including our suppliers and internally with Iron Fish team members responsible for wholesale distribution, retail operations, events, tours and farm production.
• Closely collaborate with management to create an inspired and educational experience for visitors to Iron Fish Distillery. Help influence the integration of spirits into cocktails and beverage offerings. 
• When necessary, must be able to lift up to 50 lb. units, operate heavy equipment including forklifts safely. 
• Develop and maintain a system of production, processing and storage record keeping meeting state, federal and internal requirements. 
• Ensure a safe work environment with associated protocols and SOPs.
• Take a lead role in screening and selecting highly talented and diverse production employees.
• Mentor, train and develop production team members.
• Assume the role of lead safety officer and coordinate quarterly training.
• Ensure all processes and procedures are followed consistently with particular attention to keeping the production team accident-free.
• Embrace and evolve the culture that reflects the values of Iron Fish Distillery.
• Participate in new spirit release promotions and assist with trainings to orient team members.
• Manage cleanliness, appearance inside production facilities and grounds
• Advancing our native yeast pilot project
• Interacting with the public, industry media and peers and staying abreast of new developments relative to spirits production

Job Responsibilities: Key Performance Measures, Inventory, Performance Monitoring and Systems

• Manage production inventory (raw materials, packaging/bottles, finished and barreled products and production supplies).
• Establish plans measuring specific production goals to continually improve efficiency.
• Holds team accountable for performance, effectively controlling costs associated with production (e.g. labor, direct operating expenses, utilities, repairs, downtime and workers’ compensation).
• Oversee lead distiller and barrel finishing lead responsible for distillation and blending to ensure that top-quality spirits are produced meeting standards for proper fill rates, proofing, labeling, etc.)
• Ensure high standards are consistently upheld in all areas and provides clear feedback and redirection to team members.

• Use all labor management tools and reports to ensure all team members are being utilized

appropriately and shift labor expectations are met.

• Manage rules and policies fairly and consistently.
• Ensure that proper inventory controls are in place.
• Ensure the safety and sanitation of the production and rickhouse facilities.

 

DESIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Situational Awareness: Able to take the pulse, make adjustments, anticipate bottlenecks, make informed decisions, and be confident in supporting others in their daily work.
• Attention to Detail: Able to keep tabs on multiple elements: spirits standards, costs, safety standards, levels of cleanliness, etc.
• Leadership: Is a leader in rallying the team during heavy shifts, resolving conflicts and getting the job done. 

• Values and respects diversity and models behavior that supports these values in an increasingly dynamic and diverse marketplace. 

• Encourage a collaborative team spirit among our employees and across functional areas.
• Management Skills: Experience and interest in managing costs and ordering, creating production/work schedules, reinforcing training standards etc.
• Organizational Skills: Keep work areas, production supplies/inputs well organized to promote efficiency and create a welcoming/safe environment for tour guests.
• Planning and Problem-Solving Skills: Plans, coordinates, and structures work activities to ensure efficiency; identifies critical paths associated with the completion of activities; obtains and manages resources so that work objectives are accomplished on time and within budget or prescribed guidelines.
• Able to deal with employee conflict, supply delivery order issues

and last-minute changes including anticipated guest traffic, or maintenance downtime.

• Interaction Skills: At ease in accurately communicating standards to staff, give direction, offer coaching and engage with vendors and guests.

• Stamina: Able to maintain the pace over long days or extended periods of peak production.
• Coaches and Develops – Objectively and fairly assesses talent; clearly communicates vision and expectations, readily shares knowledge and advice, provides candid, balanced feedback and

opportunities to enhance professional growth of team members.

• Acts with Character and Integrity – Is candid and forthright with self and others; follows through on commitments; protects the property, brand and well-being of others; understands and refuses to cross ethical boundaries; avoids potentially compromising business situations; does not turn away when standards are compromised and redirects when appropriate.
• Accounting literate – Able to read a profit and loss statement and strong spreadsheet skills.
• Ability to manage and track accurate inventory.

 

DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

• B.S. or equivalent in a related science/technological area.
• Proven experience and training in spirits making and brewing. 
• 3+ years of supervisory responsibility in a manufacturing setting.
• 2+ years of spirits making experience, or 4 years combined spirits and brewing experience.
• Superior organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Strong computer skills (MS Office with excel); Working knowledge of Stillhouse software a plus.

 

JOB PERFORMANCE METRICS

• Production versus Last Year
• Labor vs. Expectation
• Raw Materials, Supplies and Finished Product Waste and Rework
• Production Cost vs. Expectation
• Turnover
• Work days without accidents

• Labor Scheduling and Overtime Management

 

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES

• Communicates with Impact – Communicates in a clear, concise, complete and timely manner.

communicates with directness and candor, provides constructive criticism; actively engages in

debating ideas and the right course of action; communicates messages that others may be reluctant

to communicate (i.e., is willing to say what needs to be said).

• Coaches for Performance – Clearly communicates responsibilities and expectations; assesses

individual performance and provides clear and timely feedback; seeks opportunities to redirect or retrain

to raise performance.

• Connects and Engages with Others – Establishes a connection with and remains approachable to

others; establishes open and trusting relationships, treats all individuals fairly and with respect.

Develops a climate where individuals are committed to sharing information, asking for help when it is

needed, and achieving shared goals.

• Sets High Standards of Excellence – Consistently models and upholds high standards of excellence

in performance for self and others, ensures all systems, methods and procedures are followed

without exception, continuously looks for ways to improve performance.

• Creates Accountability for Performance – Teaches others to take personal ownership of decisions

and results (mistakes and successes); ensures others are held responsible for their behaviors and

attitudes while holding them to high standards; consistently provides feedback and recognition for

good work and applies appropriate consequences for non-performance, as necessary; follows up.

Please send inquiries to Heidi, info@ironfishdistillery.com

APPLY HERE