Company Overview
Junction 56 Distillery is an award-winning craft distillery located in Stratford, Ontario. We proudly produce premium spirits using high-quality ingredients and traditional distilling methods. As a growing business, every member of our team plays an important role in creating exceptional products and delivering outstanding customer experiences.
Summary
We're looking for a motivated, hands-on individual who enjoys physical work, takes pride in organization, and is excited to be involved in every stage of spirit production—from receiving raw materials to bottling finished products.
Position Overview
The Production & Operations Associate is primarily responsible for supporting all aspects of production, warehouse operations, and inventory management. From unloading grain deliveries and milling to distilling, barrel management, bottling, and shipping finished products, you'll be an integral part of our daily operations.
This is a production-first role, with approximately 80–90% of your time spent supporting production, warehouse, and operational activities. The remaining time may involve assisting in our retail store, supporting tours and tastings, making local deliveries, or helping with special events as needed.
Responsibilities
Production
- Receive and unload raw materials and packaging supplies.
- Assist with milling, mashing, fermentation, and distillation operations.
- Fill, empty, move, and maintain whisky barrels.
- Blend, proof, and transfer spirits as directed.
- Support bottling operations, including bottle preparation, filling, labeling, packaging, palletizing, and quality checks.
- Prepare production equipment for use and perform cleaning and sanitation following production runs.
- Maintain accurate production records and batch documentation.
Warehouse & Inventory
- Load and unload trucks safely and efficiently.
- Organize warehouse inventory and storage areas.
- Pick, pack, and prepare customer and wholesale orders for shipment.
- Conduct inventory counts and maintain inventory accuracy.
- Ensure products, raw materials, and packaging materials are stored safely and efficiently.
- Coordinate the movement of inventory between warehouse and production areas.
- Assist with deliveries using company vehicles as required.
General Operations
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized production facility.
- Perform routine equipment cleaning and preventative maintenance.
- Report equipment issues and assist with troubleshooting where appropriate.
- Follow all food safety, health & safety, and quality assurance procedures.
- Support the team with a variety of operational tasks as production priorities require.
Retail & Customer Support (Occasional)
- Assist customers in the retail store during busy periods or while covering staff absences.
- Support tastings, tours, and special events.
- Help prepare online and wholesale orders.
- Represent Junction 56 in a friendly and professional manner.
Qualifications
We're looking for someone who:
- Has experience in manufacturing, food & beverage production, brewing, distilling, warehouse operations, or another hands-on production environment (preferred but not required).
- Is comfortable performing physically demanding work and regularly lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Has the aptitude and willingness to learn to safely operate warehouse equipment, including a forklift (training can be provided).
- Is mechanically inclined and enjoys working with equipment and machinery.
- Possesses strong organizational and time management skills.
- Works well independently and as part of a team.
- Is dependable, detail-oriented, and safety conscious.
- Has a valid Ontario G driver's licence with a clean driving record.
- Is eager to learn new equipment, production processes, and inventory systems.
- Holds or is willing to obtain Smart Serve certification.
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
