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Head Distiller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Distiller

Canton, MA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

The Lead Distiller will be working with the Head Distiller in overseeing and executing all aspects of distillery operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality spirit production. This role ...

The Lead Distiller will be working with the Head Distiller in overseeing and executing all aspects of distillery operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality spirit production. This role ...

... distillation towers, calculating the required flow capacity and determining suitable pump type for the hydraulic transportation system based on required flow, pump head and fluid properties ...

... distillation towers, calculating the required flow capacity and determining suitable pump type for the hydraulic transportation system based on required flow, pump head and fluid properties ...

Head of Global Payroll

Louisville, KY · On-site

$175K - $260K/yr

... Trace Distillery has earned the title of "world's most award-winning distillery" through the ... As the Head of Global Payroll you will provide strategic oversight to a large global customer ...

Head of Global Payroll

Louisville, KY · On-site

$175K - $260K/yr

... Trace Distillery has earned the title of "world's most award-winning distillery" through the ... As the Head of Global Payroll you will provide strategic oversight to a large global customer ...

O.H.S.O. Central Sous Chef

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$49.60K - $67K/yr

... with head chef to maintain kitchen organization, staff ability, and training opportunities ... O. Brewery + Distillery is a local restaurant, brewery, and distillery that is a dog-friendly ...

Be Seen First

Summary: The Department Head of the Process Technology Department provides academic and ... Heat exchangers Cooling Towers Furnaces Boilers Pumps Compressors Drivers Distillation Columns DCS ...

Sous Chef

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$43.80K - $59.20K/yr

The Union Hall restaurant at Journeyman Distillery is seeking a culinary leader with proven success ... Communicate any maintenance, repair, or upkeep issues to the Executive Chef and Head of Maintenance.

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Head Distiller information

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$22K

$96.6K

$221K

How much do head distiller jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for head distiller in the United States is $96,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Head Distiller do?

A Head Distiller oversees the entire distillation process, ensuring quality, consistency, and efficiency in spirit production. They manage raw materials, fermentation, distillation, aging, and bottling while maintaining safety and compliance standards. Additionally, they develop new recipes, optimize production techniques, and supervise distillery staff. Their role requires expertise in chemistry, engineering, and craftsmanship to produce high-quality spirits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Head Distiller position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Distiller, you need deep knowledge of fermentation, distillation, and quality control processes, usually backed by experience in beverage or spirits production and relevant certifications. Familiarity with distillation equipment, safety protocols, and production management software is integral to the role. Leadership, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills help you guide teams and uphold product standards. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and consistent creation of high-quality spirits critical to a successful distillery operation.

What are some typical challenges a Head Distiller faces on the job?

Head Distillers often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistency across batches, troubleshooting complex production equipment, and adhering to strict safety and regulatory standards. In addition, balancing creativity in recipe development with operational efficiency can be demanding, especially when scaling up new products. Collaboration with production teams, quality control specialists, and sometimes marketing or sales staff is a regular part of the job, requiring both technical and interpersonal skills. Successfully navigating these challenges is key to producing spirits that meet both company standards and consumer expectations.
What cities are hiring for Head Distiller jobs? Cities with the most Head Distiller job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Distiller jobs? The most popular types of Distiller jobs are:
What states have the most Head Distiller jobs? States with the most job openings for Head Distiller jobs include:
Infographic showing various Head Distiller job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,611 per year, or $46.4 per hour.
Lead Distiller

$27 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Lead Distiller
Position Summary:
Trillium is looking for a Lead Distiller to join our team. The Lead Distiller will be working with the Head Distiller in overseeing and executing all aspects of distillery operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality spirit production. This role combines hands-on production leadership with inventory management, fermentation and distillation oversight, quality control collaboration, sanitation compliance, and continuous process improvement. The Lead Distiller plays a key role in achieving production goals, maintaining consistency and quality standards, and supporting research and development initiatives, while ensuring equipment, facilities, and records meet operational and regulatory expectations.
This position requires strong technical expertise in distillation operations, particularly continuous and hybrid still systems, along with demonstrated leadership, analytical skills, and a detail-oriented approach. The Lead Distiller works closely with Quality Control, Facilities, and Operations teams to optimize production performance, maintain preventative maintenance schedules, and uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and product integrity.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
Production
  • Operate low-pressure steam-fed continuous column and hybrid still with chilled water cooling, controlled by a central PLC system
  • Trouble shoot process & equipment issues
  • Work with Facilities team to make sure preventative maintenance schedules are being followed, and facility maintenance requests are submitted in a timely manner and work is scheduled at an appropriate time
  • Perform quarterly maintenance on both stills
  • Sensory evaluation of new make spirit, spirit in maturation, and finished goods
  • Oversee general day-to-day distillery operations to meet weekly and monthly production goals including: distillations, spirit transfers, production blending, finished goods blending, packaging operations support
  • Build production records based on approved benchtop blends and established recipes/formulas
  • Run CIP procedures with both strong acid and strong base chemicals, utilizing diaphragm and centrifugal pumps
  • Auditing CIP protocols to make sure appropriate sanitary standards are being followed
  • Use a detailed approach to uphold the highest standards of cleanliness for all customer facing spaces within the process plant
  • Scheduling distillery operations on a weekly basis
  • Oversee SOP development and train team members to standard

Inventory Management
  • Managing raw material inventory for the distillery including monthly inventories
  • Managing production supplies for distillery operations (filters, botanical bags, chemicals, etc)
  • Forecasting cooperage requirements per production schedule
  • Operation of pumps, motors, agitators & valves to execute daily fermented wash and spirit operations and tank transfers, controlled via a central PLC or manual control systems
  • Writing recipes in automated mashing software platforms

Recipe & Development
  • Help manage R&D program for continuous improvement of quality and process
  • Help determine concrete metrics for success for all R&D ventures
  • Work with team to ensure R&D projects are carried out efficiently with no interference on production needs
  • Oversee barrel sample withdrawal program for quality and maturation analysis
  • Track data for completed mashes, fermentations, and distillations; add data to master data tracker to identify trends in production
  • Work closely with Quality Assurance team to promote quality and consistency in our process
Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.
Desired Qualifications & Abilities
Qualifications & Experience
  • 3+ years of production distillery operations experience
  • 1+ years of supervisory or managerial experience
  • Leadership & delegation skills required
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Continuous column still experience preferred
  • Detail oriented and quality focused
  • Solid analytical, record keeping, problem solving, and organizational skills
  • Proficient in algebra, basic biology/chemistry
  • Proficient in basic chemical engineering preferred
  • Ability to work independently as well as in teams, in addition to multi-tasking
  • Professional communication skills with an efficient sense of urgency
  • Proficient in MS Office / Google Suite
  • Preferred forklift and power equipment related skill and experience
  • Ability to lift 65 pounds and move 175 pounds regularly
  • Ability to regularly stand, walk, use hands, reach, climb, work from heights, stoop, kneel, and crouch
  • Ability to work in a loud, wet, cold, hot, indoor and outdoor environment frequently

Benefits
  • Medical, dental and vision benefits with no wait period
  • Short term disability and life insurance
  • 401K plan with generous match with no wait period
  • Tenure Bonus Eligible
  • Paid time off
  • Educational Reimbursement Program
  • MBTA Pass discount
  • PPE Reimbursement
  • Trillium Comp Card
  • Trillium discounts
  • Philanthropy program
  • Employee gym

Pay Range: $27 - $30 per hour