Quality Control Specialist (Bottling)

Job Type: Location Type: Not Specified

 

Summary:

IJW Whiskey Company, LLC (IJW) is a dynamic, fully integrated spirits company. Founded in 2017, we’ve compiled the largest independent library of aged Kentucky bourbon and rye and established a global presence including offices in Beverly Hills, Louisville and Tokyo, Japan, a 40-acre campus in Danville and a bottling facility in Harrodsburg. Our ambitious growth trajectory includes the recent groundbreaking of a new whiskey distillery in Shelbyville, KY, slated for completion in early 2025, and plans for a Japanese distillery in Chitose set to commence in 2025.

With over 100 years of combined industry expertise, our diverse team of seasoned professionals and dynamic newcomers has propelled IJW to the forefront of the spirits industry. Our strategic partnership with one of the nation’s largest independent Wine & Spirits distributors has enabled us to offer 22 products across four unique private label bourbon brands in 28 states. We have added to our spirits portfolio with our first Tequila brand launch in Q3 of 2024.

Role Overview:

We are looking for a Bottling Quality Control Specialist to join our team. QC Specialist will is responsible for monitoring quality and adherence to specifications for all bottling operations. Provides information to bottling employees on the interpretation and application of related quality standards by using problem-solving techniques and objective testing to assure conformance. Collects and reports quality, production, and process information to management. Primary conductor of laboratory testing and other departmental activities to maintain compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements. Responsible for coordinating the qualitative analysis of packaging materials, intermediates, finished products, and site water systems, ensuring compliance throughout the bottling process.

Job Responsibilities:

• Packaging material and finished goods quality control: ensure packaging materials meet established specifications, conform to traceability standards, and manage non-conforming materials.
• Partner with bottling team to identify and resolve bottling line disruptions related to packaging.
• Collect material samples, information, and measurements as required; collaborate with procurement to investigate issues.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions as required.
• Perform accurate and timely analysis of raw materials, intermediates, finished product, and other process samples.
• Verify data against specifications and release production to the next stage; request variances as needed.
• Participate in process and product troubleshooting efforts; partner with R&D to resolve liquid quality non-conformances.
• Perform data entry and analysis to maintain production logs and data capture tools.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment to ensure compliance.
• Ensure sensory samples are prepared, paneled, and reviewed in a timely manner.
• Ensure water systems meet quality standards and specifications.
• Conduct Quality System audits, suggest improvements, and follow up on corrective actions.
• Maintain analytical equipment, sensory standards, and product sample libraries.
• Assist in providing Quality training for employees as needed.
• Must comply with all safety requirements, training, and PPE use.
• Responsible for covering distillery, bottling, or processing operations as needed (vacations, leave, etc.).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Packaging Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or related STEM field.
• Minimum 2 years of quality control or laboratory experience in the beverage or food industry.
• Hands-on experience with packaging quality testing and defect identification.
• Proficiency with analytical instrumentation, laboratory equipment, and data analysis.
• Working knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, and TTB regulatory requirements.
• Strong troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and data systems.
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and visual) with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and access all areas of the production facility.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, noisy, hot/cold production environment.
• Combination of desk/computer work and extended time on the production floor.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with matching
• Health, dental, vision insurance
• Health savings and flexible savings account
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Life insurance