Manufacturing Supervisor - Buffalo Trace Distillery

Company/Location Overview

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Franklin County, Kentucky, whose rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787. Buffalo Trace is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye, and vodka on site, and is listed on the National Historic Register. Buffalo Trace has been awarded seven distillery titles since 2000 and has also garnered more than 150 awards for its premium whiskies. www.buffalotrace.com

Job Description/Responsibilities

Position Overview:

As a Bottling Supervisor at Buffalo Trace Distillery (Sazerac), you will lead the day-to-day operations of assigned bottling lines. You’ll supervise production teams, ensure adherence to safety and quality standards, maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, and drive continuous improvement in efficiency, cost, and output. You’ll play a key role in delivering defect-free products on time and within budget while fostering a positive, safe, and performance-driven team culture.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Execution & Operational Excellence

• Lead daily execution of bottling line operations to meet production plans while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and efficiency standards.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), downtime, yields, and throughput, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize line performance.
• Utilize data and systems to proactively identify production risks and bottlenecks; implement corrective actions in real-time to maintain operational flow.

Team Leadership & Performance Management

• Direct, coach, and develop a team of hourly production associates to achieve high levels of engagement, safety, and performance.
• Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture through consistent feedback, recognition, and performance development.
• Partner with HR and management to manage team schedules, attendance, performance reviews, and corrective actions.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure a safe working environment by enforcing all OSHA and company safety policies; conduct regular safety audits, toolbox talks, and incident investigations.
• Support company initiatives to achieve zero safety incidents and champion a safety-first mindset throughout the team.
• Ensure adherence to all regulatory and quality compliance standards including OSHA, FDA, TTB, and internal food safety programs.

Quality & Food Safety

• Maintain strict adherence to quality standards, product specifications, and sanitation requirements throughout bottling processes.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality issues, working closely with QA and production teams to prevent recurrence.
• Execute Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and ensure documentation is completed in compliance with internal and external standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Process Improvement

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Maintenance, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, and Engineering to drive performance and resolve issues.
• Participate in line start-ups, changeovers, and continuous improvement initiatives to support new product introductions or packaging changes.
• Recommend and implement improvements in process, equipment, or layout to reduce waste and cost, and increase efficiency.

System & Process Ownership

• Utilize production software, ERP systems, and digital tools for tracking production metrics, documenting performance, and managing workflow.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of all production-related documentation, logs, and reports.
• Support audits, inspections, and other regulatory or customer-driven evaluations as required.

Qualifications/Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Food Science, or a related field
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact across all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve, prioritize tasks, and manage time in a fast-paced environment
• Basic understanding of manufacturing or production environments (through coursework, internships, or related experiences)
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); familiarity with production software or ERP systems is a plus

Preferred Qualifications:

• Internship, co-op, or academic project experience in a manufacturing, operations, or supply chain environment
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies
• Familiarity with food or beverage production, packaging, or quality control standards
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance (e.g., OSHA, FDA, TTB)
• Strong leadership potential and interest in team management or operations supervision

Physical & Work Environment Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs without assistance
• Willingness to work an 8-hour shift and overtime as needed
• Comfortable working in loud, wet, and humid environments near moving mechanical parts
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality

Sazerac and its affiliates engage in personnel decisions and administer our personnel policies without regard to race, religion or creed, color, sex or gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. We affirm in policy and practice to support and promote the concept of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, provincial and municipal laws.

Sazerac requires all team members to act responsibly around alcohol and to responsibly consume alcohol. As such, the Company evaluates alcohol related offenses as part of its background check processes.

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