Operational Excellence Lead, Spirits Manufacturing

Join a Legacy. Elevate Performance. Repeat.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Bardstown is home to Barton 1792 Distillery, descended from the Tom Moore Distillery founded in 1879. Since 2009 we have been part of Sazerac Company, established in 1850 and recognized as a leading U.S. spirits supplier with the world’s most decorated distillery and a portfolio of award-winning brands.

Mission

Drive measurable, sustainable improvements across nine production lines that together produce approximately 10 million cases annually. Cut waste, simplify flow, and lift capability across every shift.

What you will tackle

• Lead CI events and methods: kaizen, 5S, value stream mapping, and structured root cause analysis.
• Build team capability in Lean and Six Sigma, including DMAIC, 5 Whys, fishbone analysis, and PDCA.
• Own root cause initiatives and implement preventive and corrective actions that address systemic issues.
• Set up project dashboards, track progress and outcomes, and calculate return on investment.
• Analyze production and downtime data to reveal trends and enable targeted countermeasures.
• Engage front-line experts to remove safety, quality, and production risks.
• Encourage ideas, close feedback loops, and strengthen a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Coach teams to standardize improvements and sustain gains over time.
• Define and deploy KPIs that clearly show impact and guide decisions.

Schedule and environment

• 24 by 7 operation; flexibility to work across all shifts is required.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 2 years of continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, or process improvement experience.
• Demonstrated leadership and cross-functional influence.
• Proficiency with computer systems and MS Office.
• Ability to communicate effectively at every level.
• Excellent facilitation, writing, and speaking skills.

Preferred

• Experience with high-speed bottling equipment.
• Supervisory background in a fast-moving production environment.
• Record of success in a unionized manufacturing setting.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing best practices.
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills.
• GMP and HACCP experience.
• Lean Six Sigma or similar certification.

Impact

Your efforts will be felt in safer processes, higher quality, and stronger throughput, helping a storied distillery continue to earn awards and customer loyalty.