Production & Distillery Equipment Operator

Production & Distillery Equipment Operator

Reports to:

Production Manager / Distiller

Top Shelf Distillers’ core objective is to provide memorable and unique experiences to all clients and community partners with carefully crafted unique spirits. We strive to always be learning, growing, and doing more.

We weave these values into everything that we do.

We proudly use locally sourced ingredients. We continually support Ontario-based non‑for‑profits. We host our customers and friends at our distillery with a variety of best‑in‑class events, and we deliver that same experience across the country.

Our team is the heart of everything we do.

The operations/production team works to execute processes that provide our high‑quality products to clients in a safe and comfortable work environment.

As a vital member of the plant operations team, the Production & Distillery Equipment Operator is responsible for following all safety and quality rules and procedures, process setups, process execution, including operation of equipment, process wrap‑up, housekeeping and other tasks as defined by Top Shelf Distillers procedures and assigned by the production manager. The Production & Distillery Equipment Operator will be responsible for the team on shift and accountable to report progress and any issues that may have occurred to the next production lead on shift.

As the Production & Distillery Equipment Operator, your position is an integral role in ensuring our product demands are on track, inventory levels are accurate, and that the team's daily workload objectives are met. The position requires excellent verbal, written, and physical communication skills, strong organizational skills, calm nature in stressful environments, problem‑solving, and a self‑driven attitude.

• Ensure assigned process activities are carried out safely and effectively within the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and GMP standards.
• Ensure policies, safety standards, regulations and protocol are followed and adhered to.
• Maintain knowledge and awareness of plant safety and fire prevention as part of each process execution, varying from process to process.
• Run simple, medium and complex processes and follow process directives under the general supervision of the Production Manager. Provide accurate calculations of weight, volume and concentrations.
• Lead a team to execute projects. Ensure the project is completed safely, meeting all quality specifications, and on budget.
• Run, understand and troubleshoot all plant processes and equipment.
• Ensure accurate and up‑to‑date records are maintained. Communicate with company leaders as required. Provide accurate and timely communication notes to the Production Manager and other team members.
• Maintain the plant and area of operation in clean and safe working conditions, including cleanup of spills from processes.
• Lead by example with a positive attitude. Work effectively with others as a team, and ensure positive and productive work relationships are maintained within the department and company.
• Train all operators in the understanding and troubleshooting of all equipment and processes.
• Coach and develop a competent and motivated team.

• Reliability and professionalism.
• Technical/mechanical aptitude.
• Knowledge of plant safety, fire prevention and lockout systems.
• Safety‑conscious.
• Ability to maintain several flows of product simultaneously while processing.
• Team player; works with people and other groups effectively with a solid commitment to a team approach to problem‑solving.
• Has a positive work attitude and shows initiative.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to perform shift work.
• Knowledge of GMP, WHMIS and HACCP.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to operate in a stressful environment while staying calm and assessing what is required.
• Openness to continual learning.
• Computer literate; working knowledge of Word and Excel, along with Google equivalents, is an asset.
• Demonstrate leadership and communication skills—Ability to translate and communicate instructions effectively.
• Initiative,…