Bourbon Specialist (Loretto, KY, US)

What makes this a great opportunity?

Maker's Mark Bourbon is the embodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit. Our founders, Bill Sr. and Margie Samuels, embarked on a deliberate mission to create a bourbon they would proudly share with their neighbors, family, and friends. In the early 1950s, they burned their old family whisky recipe and meticulously crafted every detail of their bourbon. One of their iconic decisions was to hand-dip every bottle in the now-famous red wax. Since then, our commitment to their vision has remained unwavering. We continue to craft our bourbon with purpose and consistency, striving to create remarkable experiences for fans worldwide.

At Maker's Mark, we are committed to upholding our founders’ vision while setting the brand up to achieve our global ambition. We will do so by thoughtfully expanding our international footprint through premiumization of our brand experiences, embracing purposeful innovation, and building our brand to be a powerful force for good.

Role Responsibilities

The Bourbon Specialist is responsible for delivering exceptional on-site hospitality, including conducting tours, tastings, and events. This role also involves the Gift Shop and Tasting Room, which encompasses cash sales, merchandise upkeep, inventory management, general cleaning, and providing Ambassador-level hospitality.

Position Responsibilities:

• Deliver best-in-class hospitality to all guests.
• Greet and engage with guests in an enthusiastic and professional manner.
• Acquire a comprehensive understanding of Maker’s Mark history and the bourbon distillation process.
• Foster a positive and welcoming culture among guests and team members.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with guests through booking platforms, phone, and email.
• Ensure compliance with safety measures for guests and coworkers.
• Communicate safety protocols during inclement weather or emergency situations.
• Share the story of Maker’s Mark in an informative and captivating manner.
• Lead tastings in an engaging and educational way.
• Accurately pour tastings while adhering to all relevant rules and regulations.
• Sort, organize, count, and manage inventory of merchandise and whisky.
• Process retail transactions using cash, card, and bill of lading.
• Assist with the setup, execution, and cleanup of events.
• Support the cleaning and maintenance of the workspace.
• Adhere to departmental requirements regarding Quality, Food Safety, Environmental, Health, and Safety regulations, fully supporting the company’s IMS objectives and initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Friendly and outgoing personality.
• Strong ability to work effectively with the public.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Strong work ethic and reliability.
• Ability to collaborate well within a team environment.
• Excellent phone and communication skills.
• Familiarity with general office equipment.
• Clear spoken English.

Non-Essential Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Prior experience in the beverage alcohol industry.
• Familiarity with Point of Sale (POS) application software.
• Experience in tourism or hospitality-related fields.
• Knowledge of Microsoft applications.
• Proficiency in a foreign language.

Reporting Structure: No positions report directly to the Bourbon Specialist.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Lift and carry moderate weights (up to 50 lbs).
• Walk and stand for extended periods (up to 6 hours).
• Speak clearly in English.

Work Environment: The employee will encounter the following environmental factors while performing the job:

• Indoor and outdoor settings.
• Various weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Slippery or uneven walking surfaces.
• Close collaboration with others.
• Proximity to machinery with moving parts.