Join Last St As Head Distiller

The Crafty Pint; Australia; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Relocation assistance may be available

Autonomy and creative input

Collaborative leadership team

Job summary

Last St Brewery & Distillery is seeking a Head Distiller to lead all distillery operations, ensuring quality, consistency and innovation across production.

Reporting to the Operations Director, you will mentor the production team, drive product development and represent the brand at industry events and collaborations.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of distillation processes and quality systems.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to balance innovation with commercial outcomes.
• Experience managing excise requirements.
• Experience within a growing craft distillery.

Responsibilities

• Lead all distillery production and day-to-day operations.
• Develop, refine and maintain spirits and liqueur recipes.
• Manage production scheduling and inventory.
• Oversee distillation, maturation, blending, bottling and packaging.
• Maintain consistent product quality across the entire range.
• Ensure accurate production records are maintained.

Skills

Distillation processes

Quality systems

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Excise compliance

Craft distillery experience

Job description

Last St Brewery & Distillery call Beechworth home and the impressive facility is filled with history. Right now, the family-run business is looking for someone to lead distilling into the future.

Job Description: Head Distiller

Location: Last St Brewery
Reports To: Operations Manager
Employment Type: Full time

About Us

Last St Brewery & Distillery is a proudly family-owned business operating from one of Australia's oldest and most unique brewery sites. Established in 1872, our beautifully restored brewery combines more than 150 years of history with an ambitious vision for the future. Supplied by our own pristine alpine spring water well beneath the brewery, we craft award-winning spirits, liqueurs and beers enjoyed across Australia. Our spirits have earned national recognition, including 19 medals at the 2026 Australian International Spirits Awards. Alongside our distillery, we've also built one of regional Australia's leading tourism destinations, recognised with multiple Gold Medals at the Victorian Tourism Awards.

Position Summary

The Head Distiller is responsible for leading all distillery operations, ensuring exceptional quality, innovation, consistency and efficiency across production.

Reporting to the Operations Director, the Head Distiller is a key member of the leadership team and will oversee product development, mentor the production team, improve production systems and contribute to the continued growth of the Last St Distillery brand. This role extends beyond production. The Head Distiller will also act as an ambassador for Last St Distillery, representing the business at industry events, festivals, collaborations and customer engagement opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all distillery production and day-to-day operations.
• Develop, refine and maintain spirits and liqueur recipes.
• Manage production scheduling and inventory.
• Oversee distillation, maturation, blending, bottling and packaging.
• Maintain consistent product quality across the entire range.
• Ensure accurate production records are maintained.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain exceptional quality standards.
• Monitor product consistency and implement process improvements.
• Champion innovation while maintaining commercial viability.

Leadership

• Lead, mentor and develop the production team.
• Build a collaborative, accountable and high-performing culture.
• Assist with recruitment and staff development.
• Promote workplace safety and operational excellence.
• Collaborate with the Head of Innovation, sales team, Operations Director and owners on new product development.
• Assist in planning future product releases.
• Support new product launches and commercialisation.
• Contribute ideas that strengthen the Last St product portfolio and brand.

Brand Ambassador

• Represent Last St Distillery at festivals, tastings, trade shows, industry events and collaborations.
• Participate in media opportunities, masterclasses and distillery tours where appropriate.
• Build relationships with customers, wholesalers, suppliers and industry partners.
• Help tell the story behind our products and contribute to growing the Last St brand.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with excise, food safety, workplace safety and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain equipment and coordinate servicing and maintenance.
• Oversee inventory management and production reporting.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strong understanding of distillation processes and quality systems.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to balance innovation with commercial outcomes.
• Experience managing excise requirements.
• Experience within a growing craft distillery.

Personal Attributes

We're looking for someone who:

• Leads by example.
• Is passionate about creating world-class spirits.
• Enjoys mentoring and developing others.
• Is creative, curious and commercially minded.
• Thrives in a hands-on environment.
• Represents the Last St brand with professionalism and enthusiasm.

What We Offer

• Leadership role within one of Australia's most unique brewery sites.
• Opportunity to help shape the future of a growing independent brewery.
• Significant autonomy and creative input.
• Collaborative leadership team.
• Competitive remuneration package.
• Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.