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Distillery Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Distillation and dehydration * Evaporation and drying systems (DDGS/Fiber/HSW/etc..) These products ... The technology manager will act as a resource for all plant operations leader and organizational ...

Operator

Grand Junction, IA

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

This position operates machinery in the cook, distillation, evaporation, and centrifuge areas of a ... Assists team members on plant site as directed by the Team Leader and Production Manager * Ensures ...

Operator

Grand Junction, IA

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

This position operates machinery in the cook, distillation, evaporation, and centrifuge areas of a ... Assists team members on plant site as directed by the Team Leader and Production Manager * Ensures ...

Operator

Grand Junction, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

This position operates machinery in the cook, distillation, evaporation, and centrifuge areas of a ... Assists team members on plant site as directed by the Team Leader and Production Manager * Ensures ...

Space Planning Analyst

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$92K - $138K/yr

... Trace Distillery has earned the title of "world's most award-winning distillery" through the ... Experience integrating syndicated data and space management tools to develop shelving and category ...

Senior Operator

Charles City, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

... and managing utilities. Shift work required. Responsibilities: * Operates batch and continuous type reactors, high pressure reactors, filters, solvent distillation equipment, centrifuges and ...

... distillation, extraction, filtration, and drying, while also beginning to lead small to moderate ... Assess and manage risks associated with chemical processes, ensuring the safety of personnel and ...

... distillation, extraction, filtration, and drying, while also beginning to lead small to moderate ... Assess and manage risks associated with chemical processes, ensuring the safety of personnel and ...

... distillation, extraction, filtration, and drying, while also beginning to lead small to moderate ... Assess and manage risks associated with chemical processes, ensuring the safety of personnel and ...

Material Handler

Ashton, IA

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

... distiller's syrup, or biomass into trucks and rail cars. Team members in this position use ... Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills * Self-awareness in the face of ...

Material Handler

Ashton, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

... distiller's syrup, or biomass into trucks and rail cars. Team members in this position use ... Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills * Self-awareness in the face of ...

Material Handler

Ashton, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

... distiller's syrup, or biomass into trucks and rail cars. Team members in this position use ... Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills * Self-awareness in the face of ...

Distillery Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$26.8K

$58.9K

$106.6K

How much do distillery manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for distillery manager in Iowa is $58,855.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $64,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a distillery manager do?

A Distillery Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a distillery, ensuring the safe and efficient production of spirits such as whiskey, gin, or vodka. They manage staff, monitor production processes, maintain quality control, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, Distillery Managers may handle budgeting, procurement of raw materials, and contribute to product development and marketing strategies. Their role is vital in maintaining the quality and reputation of the distillery’s products.

What does a distillery manager do?

A distillery manager oversees all administrative duties of the distillery, as well as the production and warehousing of beverages after they distill. In this role, you supervise the coordination of all departments within the distillery, from product development and production to supply and operations. Your responsibilities include monitoring profit and loss, forecasting future production levels and costs, and maintaining consistency in the amount of alcohol and ingredients in each batch. You are also required to keep licensure in the state and city of operation and ensure you meet the qualifications to remain a craft distillery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a distillery manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distillery Manager, you need a strong background in food science, chemistry, or engineering, along with experience in beverage production and quality control. Familiarity with distillation equipment, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance systems is essential, and certifications like HACCP or a diploma in distilling can be advantageous. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and ensuring smooth operations. These skills are vital for maintaining product quality, operational efficiency, and compliance in a highly regulated and competitive industry.

What are some common challenges faced by a distillery manager, and how are they typically addressed?

Distillery Managers often face challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, managing supply chain disruptions, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and regulatory standards. Addressing these issues typically involves developing strong quality control processes, building reliable relationships with suppliers, and staying up to date with industry regulations. Effective communication and leadership skills are crucial, as the role requires close collaboration with production teams, quality assurance, and sometimes marketing or sales departments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Distillery jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Distillery jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Distillery Manager jobs in Iowa?

For Distillery Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Distillery Manager jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Distillery Manager jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Distillery Manager job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,855 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Ethanol Technology Manager - Cedar Rapids, IA

Archer Daniels Midland

On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


ADM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 366 rated logistics


Job description

Ethanol Technology Manager - Cedar Rapids, IA
This is an exempt level position
Position Summary
The Ethanol Technology Manager supports plant process areas related to the production and optimization of ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, and co-products within dry and wet mill operations.
Primary process areas include:
  • Grain handling and preparation
  • Liquefaction and saccharification
  • Fermentation
  • Distillation and dehydration
  • Evaporation and drying systems (DDGS/Fiber/HSW/etc..)
These products and systems are produced through core unit operations such as:
  • Enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation
  • Distillation and molecular sieve dehydration
  • Evaporation and thermal drying
  • Centrifugation and separation
  • Heat integration and energy systems
  • CIP and chemical treatment systems
This role focuses on continuous improvement, optimization, and reliability of ethanol plants, while collaborating across multiple facilities to standardize best practices and drive performance.
The technology manager will act as a resource for all plant operations leader and organizational engineers in the application of engineering principles to process design, troubleshooting, and deployment of new technologies, ensuring plant systems operate at safe, optimal, and cost-effective conditions.
This position plays a key role in achieving production targets, yield maximization, energy reduction, and carbon intensity improvements.
Essential Job Functions
  • Demonstrate technology leadership and promote a strong process safety culture.
  • Benchmark ethanol plant performance (yield, energy, uptime) against internal and external best-in-class operations and drive improvements.
  • Standardize and replicate best practices across ethanol sites, including fermentation efficiency, dryer performance, and energy usage.
  • Manage and prioritize a portfolio of process improvement and capital projects across site operations.
  • Collaborate with corporate and plant teams to align on technology deployment, modernization, and automation opportunities.
  • Evaluate and implement new process technologies (e.g., enzyme systems, fermentation controls, heat integration, CO capture).
  • Provide hands-on support in troubleshooting process bottlenecks (fermentation upsets, distillation inefficiencies, dryer constraints).
  • Establish and track KPIs: ethanol yield, DDGS quality, energy usage (BTU/gal), uptime, and chemical usage.
  • Work closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to implement reliability and efficiency improvements.
  • Mentor plant engineers and operators on process optimization and best practices.
  • Establish and maintain regular contact and communications with the managers and superintendents at the target support facilities
Required Skills
  • Strong commitment to process safety and operational excellence.
  • Deep understanding of ethanol-related unit operations:
    • Fermentation kinetics
    • Distillation & molecular sieve systems
    • Evaporation and drying
    • Centrifugation and separation
    • Heat exchangers, utilities, and energy systems
  • Experience in process optimization and yield improvement using data analytics and plant KPIs.
  • Ability to work effectively across operations, engineering, and leadership teams.
  • Working knowledge of PFDs, P&IDs, mass & energy balances, and control strategies.
  • Willingness to work in plant environments and travel to support multiple sites.
  • Results-driven with strong problem-solving capability.
Required Education
Bachelor's degree in:
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Bioprocess Engineering
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • or related technical field
Required Experience
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in ethanol and or bioprocessing operations
  • Strong background in process engineering, operations support, or plant leadership
Desired Experience
  • Experience in ethanol plant operations leadership or advanced process technology roles
  • Exposure to:
    • Advanced process control (APC)
    • Fermentation optimization / enzyme technology
    • Energy reduction initiatives
    • Carbon intensity / CO capture strategies
Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. 
REF:110487

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