Stranahan's Distillery - Head Blender

[lcloninger]

***To apply, please email resume to lcloninger@proximospirits.com
This job is located primarily in Denver, CO

SUMMARY:

The Head Blender is the primary consumer facing representative and the voice of the Stranahan’s Brand and Distillery, communicating the brand story in a consumer and retailer friendly manner. Responsible for leading multiple aspects of the short- and long-term liquid programs for Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey and Great Jones Bourbon including profiles and cask finishes for the flagship spirits. Leads ongoing experimentation and creation of new products for loyal fans and plays a big role in hosting VIPs, Trade, media, etc., at the distillery. Will have experience and a robust technical understanding of the distillation process and production elements required in the operations of a distillery.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

Marketing: Up to 40% of time

• Be the primary storyteller and educator for the Stranahan’s brand and its guiding philosophies, including category education on American Single Malt.
• Liaise with trade, media, other distilleries, and sales to promote the Stranahan’s distillery and its products.
• Work closely with Marketing and PR team to execute the brand plans for the year.
• Work closely with the Brand Manager and distillery production teams on the establishment of the core brands structure and new product development.
• Work closely with the Brand Manager to develop and execute a 5-year pipeline of products including limited editions, barrel programs, and distillery exclusives that support the innovation and development of super premium specialty products.
• This role will also support the product innovation needs and 5-year pipeline of products required for the Great Jones Distillery located in Manhattan, NY.

Marketing Travel: +25% of the time

• This role is based in Denver but will require time to be spent in New York City and Black Dirt Distillery, Warwick, NY to support Great Jones Distillery.
• Travel required with general travel locations including New Jersey, Manhattan, upstate NY, and domestic US.
• Travel required for media events, photo shoots, VIP media influencer tours, media interviews (phone and in-person), marquee events such as Aspen Food & Wine and distiller speaker panels.

Operations: Up to 30% of time

• Elevate brands whiskey credentials through new product innovations including, specialty blends, cask finishing, etc.
• Become trained in the operational activities of the distillery, and additional distilleries in the company portfolio as required.
• Be knowledgeable in the distillery’s week to week distillation activities.
• Collaborate with the distillery team on defining and refining the core products within the brand portfolio to be released at the distillery and nationally.
• Develop a long lead product pipeline with Marketing, Distillery Operations, and New Product Development teams to help inform on long term liquid planning.
• Supports the distilleries with sourcing specialty casks, management of specialty and aged barrel inventories, liquid selections, and blending programs.
• Maintain quality control for liquids across the brands to ensure consistency
• Lead the Master Tasting Team for taste evaluation of maturing whiskey inventory and blends in support of the brands.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have production and operations experience within a distillery and exhibit an understanding of the scientific principles underlying distillation and blending and be able to articulate them in a consumer-friendly manner.
• Must have experience with mashing, fermentation, aging of spirits and showcase a fundamental understanding of the distillation process.
• A passionate individual who isn’t afraid to experiment and try new things in an effort to make innovative products that also live up to the brand’s liquid standards.
• A charismatic individual who can converse with media and trade easily; enthusiastic about the spirits industry, engaging story teller promoting the brand.
• A leader who enjoys being a team player, and enjoys problem solving and is solution orientated.
• Able to stand for long periods of time and lift up to 40 lbs.

Stranahan’s Colorado Single Malt Whiskey
[FONT=Times New Roman][FONT=Calibri]Stranahan’s