Quality Specialist

Company Description 

Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Michter's has a rich and long legacy of offering traditional American whiskeys of uncompromising quality. With each of its limited production offerings aged to its peak maturity, Michter's highly acclaimed portfolio includes bourbon, rye, and American whiskey. 

Scope

Michter’s Distillery, LLC is seeking a Quality Specialist to work on site at 2351 New Millennium Drive, Louisville, KY 40216. This position will report to the Director of Quality and R&D. Responsibility includes, development, implementation, and management of quality systems. Collaboration with lab and operations personnel in analysis of raw materials, product, and process quality. This position will work closely with other operational and support personnel and plays a key role in ensuring that production maintains or exceeds established global quality standards set forth by Michter’s Distillery, LLC.

Primary Tasks and Responsibilities

·       Provide quality support for Distillery, Warehouse, Processing, and Bottling operations departments while overseeing quality systems and supporting sampling programs.

·       Lead investigations, root cause analysis, prepare quality reports, monitor compliance with specifications as related to quality.

·       Work cooperatively with the lab team within the quality program to ensure the highest quality via conducting accurate analysis, assigning quality ratings, evaluating results, developing standards.

·       Identify business opportunities, define business risks, and develop processes with quality in mind.

·       Coordinate recording and utilizing data as a tool to quantify business impact and draw conclusions that may lead to continuous improvement within quality systems while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. This includes working with managers, supervisors, and operators in all departments to track quality metrics and key performance indicators.

·       Manage ‘quality hold’ program, resolution, and tracking

·       Support complaint investigation, response, and resolution tracking

·       Conduct quality audits, Gap analysis, record results, and drive continuous improvement efforts.

·       Coordinate with department manager to maintain, create, and/or update standard operating procedures (SOP).

·       Liaise with raw material suppliers to optimize product quality.

·       Manage technical packaging functions.

·       Support Research and Development in developing, testing, and documenting new or improved products, procedures, and methods.

·       Perform job functions in a manufacturing environment including supporting operations on line, understanding processes, and/or understanding quality of raw materials.

·       Organize and conduct quality training for department(s).

·       Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Experience Required

·       BS in science-based degree with 1-4 years experience in quality systems and manufacturing.

·       Prior laboratory experience with working knowledge of basic analytical equipment, test methodologies, lab techniques, and best practices.

·       Strong experience with Excel and Office suite with good written and numerical analysis capabilities.

·       Self-starter, with effective communication and organizational skills.

·       Proven ability to establish programs, protocols, and test methods.

·       Ability to travel on a limited basis as needed to Michter’s sites, third party logistics, and suppliers.

·       Comfortable working in a dynamic environment within cross functional teams.

·       Knowledge of TTB regulations as well as State and Federal laws associated with beverage alcohol manufacturing is a plus

·       Must be willing and able to perform organoleptic analysis on alcoholic beverages.

·       Individual must have the ability to physically perform all job functions in all environments inside and outside.

·       Capable of performing job functions which may include lifting, bending, and crouching.

Individuals must be able to lift 40 lbs. on a continual basis and 60 lbs. as needed from the floor to shoulder height.