Distillery supervisor
Also known as: distillery manager, distilling supervisor
About this occupation
Distillery supervisors coordinate the production processes comprised in the production of spirits and manage the workers engaged in the process. They verify distilled liquors being produced at specified amounts and proofs.
A specialisation of production supervisor.
Essential skills and knowledge
- apply HACCP
- temperature scales
- appropriate raw materials for specific spirits
- supervise crew
- manage staff
- apply GMP
- measure density of liquids
- rectify spirits
- take measures against flammability
- execute proofs of alcohol mixture
- mix spirit flavourings according to recipe
- spirit taxation regulations
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Bartenders (O*NET 35-3011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Clean glasses, utensils, and bar equipment.
- Collect money for drinks served.
- Balance cash receipts.
- Check identification of customers to verify age requirements for purchase of alcohol.
- Clean bars, work areas, and tables.
- Attempt to limit problems and liability related to customers' excessive drinking by taking steps such as persuading customers to stop drinking, or ordering taxis or other transportation for intoxicated patrons.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Enterprising
Top skills: Active Listening, Service Orientation, Social Perceptiveness, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Coordination
US median pay: US$34,340 a year (2025), 756,390 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.6)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Waiters and Waitresses
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
- Fast Food and Counter Workers
- Baristas
- Food Preparation Workers
- Chefs and Head Cooks
- Food Service Managers
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers
- Cooks, Restaurant
- Cooks, Short Order
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.