Bundaberg Distillation Manager

Job Description :

Who are we:

With over 200 brands sold in nearly 180 countries, we’re the world’s leading premium drinks company. From global icons like Johnnie Walker, Guinness and Tanqueray to local favourites like Bundaberg Rum, Mr Black & Ello, we create brands consumers love. Bring your passion and use your curiosity as you explore, collaborate and innovate. Together with passionate people from all over the world, you’ll test new ideas, learn and grow, and unlock a brighter, more exciting future.

Join us to create a career worth celebrating.

About the Function:

Supply Chain & Manufacturing is where our brands are made, moved and delivered to the world.

With over half of our people working across more than 100 sites, this is a complex, large-scale operation that brings together production, logistics, engineering and supplier partnerships.

It’s fast-paced and hands-on, with teams working together to ensure quality, efficiency and sustainability at every stage. From sourcing ingredients to getting products into customers’ hands, you’ll play a role in delivering the brands people know and love.

About the Role:

The Bundaberg Distillation Manager leads the team responsible for producing the new-make rum that will eventually become Bundaberg Rum.

This is an operational leadership role within a process manufacturing environment. You will lead people, coordinate production activities and work across the site to ensure the distillery operates safely, reliably and efficiently while consistently producing liquid to the required quality standard.

Previous experience in rum or spirits is not essential; we will invest in training the right candidate. We are interested in operational leaders with experience across manufacturing and process industries, including food and beverage, dairy, sugar processing, chemical production, water treatment, pharmaceutical manufacturing and other continuous or batch-processing environments. Production Coordinators looking to further develop their skills and capabilities are encouraged to apply.

If you bring strong operational leadership, an understanding of process manufacturing and the ability to learn, we can provide the support and technical development required to build your knowledge of fermentation, distillation and rum production.

Working closely with other site teams, you will oversee day-to-day distillery operations and lead improvements across safety, quality, reliability, efficiency and production performance.

Role Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the distillery process, with a strong focus on safety, quality, compliance and team performance.
• Lead and develop the distillery team, building capability, accountability and a positive culture of continuous improvement.
• Coordinate production activities to deliver the required volume and quality of rum in line with site production plans and priorities.
• Ensure fermentation, distillation and liquid-handling activities are completed safely and in accordance with established operating and quality standards.
• Monitor production and process performance, working with operators and technical specialists to identify trends, resolve issues and improve results.
• Partner with the Maintenance team to improve equipment reliability, plan maintenance activities and reduce unplanned downtime.
• Use production, process and quality data to support decision-making and identify improvement opportunities.
• Develop an understanding of the technical requirements associated with fermentation, distillation, spirit quality and regulated alcohol production.

Experience / Skills Required:

We are looking for an operational leader who can bring strong people leadership, sound manufacturing discipline and an improvement mindset to the role.

Ideally, you will have:

• Demonstrated experience leading or supervising people within a manufacturing, processing or similar operational environment.

• Experience working in a process-driven operation where safety, quality, reliability and operating discipline are critical.

• A strong understanding of safe manufacturing practices and controlled production processes.

• The ability to solve practical operational problems, manage competing priorities and respond effectively when conditions or plans change.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the confidence to use production and process data to understand performance and make decisions.

• A genuine interest in developing people and building a capable, engaged and high-performing team.

• A continuous improvement mindset and an interest in improving safety, reliability, quality, efficiency and cost performance.
• Experience in distillation, fermentation, brewing, beverage manufacturing, food processing, dairy, sugar processing, chemical manufacturing, water treatment or another continuous or batch-processing environment would be beneficial, but direct distilling experience is not required.
• A tertiary qualification in engineering, science, food technology, manufacturing or another relevant technical discipline would be beneficial. Equivalent practical experience in process manufacturing and operational leadership will also be considered.
• Experience with process control or manufacturing systems such as SAP, MES, SCADA or similar platforms would also be advantageous, but is not essential. Training will be provided in the systems and specialist processes used at Bundaberg.

Rewards & Benefits:

At Diageo, we offer more than just a role- we offer an environment where you can thrive, grow and be recognised for your impact.

• Competitive reward - Market-leading salary, performance-driven bonus and industry perks
• Industry-leading family leave - Generous paid parental leave for all parents, along with support for life’s key moments
• Health & wellbeing - Comprehensive support including mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance programmes
• Career growth - Access to global opportunities, leading learning programmes and clear pathways for development
• Inclusive culture - A values-led, inclusive environment where you can bring your whole self to work
• Product perks - Employee discounts and experiences across our iconic portfolio

Commitment to Inclusion & Diversity:

Our purpose is to celebrate life, every day, everywhere. And creating an inclusive culture, where everyone feels valued and that they can belong, is a crucial part of this.

We embrace diversity in the broadest possible sense. This means that you’ll be welcomed and celebrated for who you are just by being you. You’ll be part of and help build and champion an inclusive culture that celebrates people of different gender, ethnicity, ability, age, sexual orientation, social class, educational backgrounds, experiences, mindsets, and more.

Our ambition is to create the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world. Join us and help transform our business as we take our brands to new heights and build new ones as part of shaping the next generation of celebrations for consumers around the world.

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