Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

ETHRA Ingredients

Sheridan, Wyoming – Job Onsite

Position Overview

The Chief Operating Officer will lead ETHRA Ingredients’ operational strategy and execution, with a particular focus on commercial distillery operations, bulk spirits production, supply chain management, and financial performance. The COO will oversee production planning, quality control, inventory, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.

This role will partner closely with ownership to strengthen existing operations, expand production capabilities, and build scalable systems that support long-term growth in the bulk spirits industry.

The ideal candidate combines extensive, hands-on bulk distilling expertise with executive leadership—someone who understands large-scale fermentation and distillation, production economics, and the operational discipline required to grow a successful spirits business.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead distillery and bulk spirits production operations, including mashing, fermentation, distillation, proofing, blending, storage, and transfers

· Oversee production scheduling, capacity planning, equipment utilization, and plant performance

· Optimize production yields, throughput, cost per proof gallon, and overall manufacturing efficiency

· Establish and maintain standard operating procedures, quality controls, and production reporting

· Oversee bulk alcohol inventory, tank and barrel management, batch tracking, and reconciliation

· Manage relationships with grain suppliers, bulk spirits producers, cooperages, and logistics partners

· Direct procurement, warehousing, transportation, and supply chain planning

· Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, including TTB reporting and recordkeeping

· Lead facility safety, equipment maintenance, operational risk management, and capital improvement planning

· Partner with ownership on budgets, forecasting, capital allocation, and strategic growth initiatives

· Identify opportunities to expand production capacity, improve margins, and scale operations

· Build, mentor, and lead distillery, production, and operations teams

Qualifications

· 10+ years of progressive experience in commercial distilling and bulk spirits production required

· Extensive hands-on experience leading distillery operations at commercial or industrial scale required

· Proven senior operational leadership experience in a distillery or bulk alcohol manufacturing business

· Deep technical knowledge of fermentation, distillation, proofing, blending, maturation, and bulk alcohol handling

· Demonstrated success improving production yields, throughput, operating costs, and plant performance

· Strong knowledge of TTB regulations, distilled spirits records, and compliance requirements

· Experience with production budgeting, inventory controls, supply chain management, and capital projects

· Strong mechanical aptitude and familiarity with distillation equipment and facility operations

· Ability to lead teams and thrive in an entrepreneurial, fast-growing environment

· Bachelor’s degree in Fermentation Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Business, or related field preferred

What We Offer

· Competitive executive compensation and performance incentives

· Opportunity to shape the growth and operating strategy of a bulk spirits business

· Collaborative, entrepreneurial work environment

· Onsite leadership role in Sheridan, Wyoming, near the Bighorn Mountains

Join Our Team

• If you are an accomplished distillery executive with deep experience in commercial bulk distilling, a passion for operational excellence, and the drive to build a scalable business, we invite you to apply and help shape the future of ETHRA Ingredients.