Distillery Operations Lead for Craft Spirits

BrightSide Executive Search; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client, an established Australian spirits producer based on Sydney's Northern Beaches, seeks a hands-on operations leader to own day-to-day distillery activities from fermentation through bottling. You will lead a small production and warehouse team, optimise schedules, quality and compliance while collaborating with the commercial team on new product development.

This role offers autonomy, variety and direct exposure to customers and investors as the business scales, with opportunities to

Qualifications

• Experience in distilling, brewing, winemaking or beverage manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of production processes, quality control and operational workflows.
• Previous experience managing a production site or leading a small operational team.
• Practical mechanical aptitude, with the ability to troubleshoot equipment issues and coordinate repairs.
• Strong planning, scheduling and organisational skills, including managing multiple products and production timelines.
• Understanding of workplace health and safety, food safety and relevant production compliance requirements.
• A hands-on, proactive approach with the ability to work autonomously and take ownership of operations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence engaging with customers, investors and internal stakeholders.
• An honest, open and collaborative leadership style.
• A genuine passion for craft spirits, product quality and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end distillery operations across distillation, fermentation, blending, bottling and warehousing.
• Manage production schedules, inventory, raw materials and packaging to meet business demand.
• Lead, coach and develop a small production and warehouse team, including casual staff.
• Maintain production quality, consistency and compliance across all products.
• Oversee equipment performance, troubleshoot issues and coordinate maintenance and repairs.
• Manage excise reporting, food safety, WHS requirements and relevant regulatory compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement across production processes, workflow and operational efficiency.
• Oversee the new product development pipeline and support product ranging reviews.
• Collaborate with the commercial team on flavour development, product trials and production scale-up.
• Engage with customers, investors and industry stakeholders, including representing the business at events.
• Maintain accurate production records, inventory systems, standard operating procedures and safety protocols.

Job description

Our client, an established Australian spirits producer based on Sydney's Northern Beaches, seeks a hands-on operations leader to own day-to-day distillery activities from fermentation through bottling. You will lead a small production and warehouse team, optimise schedules, quality and compliance while collaborating with the commercial team on new product development.

This role offers autonomy, variety and direct exposure to customers and investors as the business scales, with opportunities to