Distillery Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Can you bring the art of craft distilling to life through unforgettable storytelling?

At Journeyman Distillery, every tour is an opportunity to immerse guests in the world of grain-to-glass spirits, handcrafted production, and the passion behind every bottle we create. Set within beautifully restored historic factories, our tours blend the science and craftsmanship of distilling with the stories that shaped these remarkable buildings. We're looking for an engaging, energetic storyteller who loves connecting with people and is excited to share both our craft and our history.

We're honoring traditional methods while pushing the craft spirits industry forward. As a Tour Guide, you'll become an ambassador for our award-winning spirits, our meticulous grain-to-glass process, and the remarkable history that makes every visit unlike any other. If you're passionate about people, craftsmanship, and creating memorable experiences, we'd love to have you on our team.

Basic Function: The Tour Guide serves as an ambassador for Journeyman Distillery by creating exceptional guest experiences through storytelling, hospitality, and product knowledge. This role promotes our brand, encouraging retail sales, and ensuring every guest leaves with a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and heritage that define Journeyman Distillery.

CORE VALUES

GRIT MAKES GREAT

• We believe that no challenge is too big and we take pride in hard work.
• Grit is our foundation - perseverance through adversity, strength in difficulty, and a relentless drive to succeed.
• Challenges are opportunities in disguise and we welcome them with determination and resolve.
• Nothing great happens by taking the easy route.

ALWAYS A JOURNEYMAN, NEVER A MASTER

• 'Good enough' isn't in our vocabulary.
• We are committed to constant improvement and the pursuit of excellence in distilling, brewing, and hospitality.
• Mastery is a moving target - and we embrace the grind, knowing the journey itself is what pushes us forward.

1st CUSTOMER

• Exceptional service defines us - through every touchpoint, every day (362 a year), until the last second and beyond (59:59+).
• This mindset extends to how we treat vendors, partners, and each other.
• 1st Customer is our culture - and our legacy
• As storytellers and champions of Journeyman, we embody the values we stand for, through every interaction.

Ambassador

• Taking pride and ownership in your work
• Engagement and active participation in your work and company activities
• Being a positive force in the workplace; creating a culture of positivity
• Extending common courtesy to self, employees, vendors, and guests 
• Being an evangelist and promoter of the company and brand

A LITTLE ABOUT OUR CULTURE:

• Journeyman is an in-person work environment. We believe in face-to-face interaction, collaboration, and problem-solving.
• Journeyman is a non-smoking workplace. We believe in productivity and in your good health.
• Journeyman's purpose is to serve our guests. We are open 362 days per year, including the 3 major summer holidays.
• Journeyman believes in a strong work ethic! We work hard, push forward, and are focused on growing something special!

At Journeyman Distillery, we believe hard work and dedication deserve to be rewarded. To that end, we provide a comprehensive benefits and incentives package.

Here’s a peek at what you will receive as a Journeyman employee:

• Outstanding Growth Opportunity!
• Paid Time Off – begins accruing on Day 1
• 401(k) with Employer Match available
• Medical Insurance – 30+ hours/week
• Dental, Vision, Life, Supplemental Insurance options – 20+ hours/week
• Free Quarterly Bottle of Spirit (21+)
• Loyalty Incentives (ask about our 5-Year Bottle Reward!)
• Employee Discount
• Monthly Founders' Day event with Bill Welter
• Annual Employee Putting Competition
• Annual Employee Holiday Party

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Greet all guests promptly at scheduled tour times.
• Outline the tour and timeline before beginning.
• Determine if any guests have physical restrictions that should be considered.
• Clearly and articulately provide information to guests in an engaging manner.
• Answer any questions that the guests have.
• Point out location of lavatories along the way.
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of our facility and related topics.
• Escort guests through the tour, taking breaks as needed.
• Keep the tour moving on schedule while still being considerate to guests.
• Know all safety and security protocols, should they be needed.
• Assist guests with retail purchase decisions, as necessary, during downtime.
• Perform any other tasks requested by the General Manager, key leadership, or the Owner.

Requirements

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND VISUAL SKILLS:

● Ability to carry out detailed written or verbal instructions independently and be self-motivated.

● Ability to provide effective written and verbal instructions, as well as to retrieve information from technical sources.

● Ability to use logical or rational thinking to solve problems.

● Ability to perform mathematical calculations including calculations involving fractions, decimals and percentages.

● Attention to detail and skilled in working with figures.

● Ability to visually verify various report results.

● Ability to accomplish the desired duties through the use of appropriate computer, company email and general office equipment

● Ability to perform light physical work; may be required to lift up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, up to ten pounds frequently and up to five pounds constantly, performing such activities as bending stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting and grasping for up to five hours without sitting.

● Ability to memorize and recite facts clearly and accurately.

REQUIRED WORK HABITS:

● Work habits include regular attendance, team work, initiative, dependability and promptness.

● Ability to work flexible schedule to include some weekend days.

EDUCATIONAL, DEVELOPMENT AND WORK-RELATED EXPERIENCE:

● High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree is a plus

● Significant work experience in customer service preferred

● Experience with public speaking is a plus

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works primarily indoors in spirits production environment.
• Potential exposure to sharp and rapid equipment movement hazards, sharp utensils, extremely hot wax, and dangerous chemicals/solvents if proper safety procedures are not followed.