Empirical Spirits is seeking a production manager to help us take our growing production forward. We are a distillery and fermentation workshop in Copenhagen where we operate outside of the conventional categories of spirit production and instead focus on mining the best ingredients - from biodynamic heirloom barley to fermented Japanese bonito - for their full flavour potential.

As the production manager, you will be working alongside our headchef Lars Williams (formerly head of R&D at Noma) who has custom built our homemade vacuum stills. We distill at 10 degrees Celsius which allows us to retain botanical subtleties as well as the nuances created during fermentation, instead of heating everything to the typical boiling point and destroying the more delicate flavors,

No previous spirits or distillation experience necessary. We are looking for someone who has worked in a rapid growth startup environment and wants to be part of making something completely new, exciting and honest.

International candidates encouraged to apply.

THE ROLE

Our operations are growing rapidly, and we are therefore looking for somebody to oversee the production team as we grow. This team is responsible for taking the creations of the R&D team to market.

The production manager must be experienced, professional and personable. Responsibilities will include the planning, coordination and control of our manufacturing processes as well as ensuring that all products are produced efficiently and up to the company’s quality standards.

Larger scale production experience is required and minimum 2-5 years of professional work experience is preferred. Experience in beverage production, brewing and fermentation is a plus.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Oversee production and results

• Develop and assure adherence to company strategy and targets for the production, including setting relevant goals and plans for the entire production team
• Responsibility for overseeing production processes and utilities, both brewing and distillation, and ensuring adherence to standards and policies with respect to food safety and quality
• Maintains work flow by monitoring steps of the process; setting processing variables; observing control points and equipment; monitoring personal and resources; studying and improving methods; monitoring expenses and implementing cost reductions; developing reporting procedures and systems; facilitating corrections to malfunctions within process control points
• Completes production plan by scheduling and assigning personnel; accomplishing work results; establishing priorities; monitoring progress; revising schedules; resolving problems: reporting results of the processing flow on shift production summaries
• Ensures operation of equipment by calling for repairs; evaluating new equipment and techniques
• Provides manufacturing information by compiling, initiating, sorting, and analysing production performance records and data; answering questions and responding to requests

Strategic development

• Liase directly with test kitchen, sales, marketing, operations and executive management, ensuring clear communication across teams and progress on shared projects
• Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing organisation standards
• Creates and revises systems and procedures by analysing operating practices, record-keeping systems, forms of control, and budgetary and personnel requirements; implementing change

Staff management

• Accomplishes manufacturing staff results by communicating job expectations; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; coaching, counselling, and disciplining employees; initiating, coordinating, and enforcing systems, policies, and procedures
• Maintains staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees; developing personal growth opportunities
• Initiating and fostering a spirit of cooperation within and between departments
• Maintains safe and clean work environment by educating and directing personnel on the use of all control points, equipment, and resources

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Process Management and Improvement
• Financial Planning and Strategy
• Cost and Budget Coordination
• Production Management
• Supervision and Coaching
• Strategic Planning
• Dealing with complexity

Preferred Skills and Attributes

• Attention to the tiniest of details.
• Experience with food grade production
• Experience with compliance and quality control
• Experience in a startup environment
• High level of professionalism
• Expert management skills, including relationship building
• Consistently demonstrates initiative; self-motivated with strong performance orientation; organisational skills; strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to work independently and as a team leader
• An entrepreneurial spirit

Please submit a brief cover letter, CV and any other relevant documents and certifications as soon as possible. Deadline is June 15th, but we will consider applications on an ongoing basis.

For inquiries send an email to jobs@empiricalspirits.co.