Position: Human Resources Business Partner (Senior)

Location: Bardstown, KY (onsite)

Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, typical hours

Days: Monday – Friday, some evenings, and weekends for interaction with all shifts

Reports to: SVP Human Resources, located at The Bardstown Bourbon Company

Status: Salaried (Exempt)

Company/Location Overview

Bardstown Bourbon Company is pushing the boundaries of innovation while honoring the traditional art of making great whiskey. With the most modern, technically advanced whiskey distillery, Bardstown Bourbon combines the highest quality distillation and spirited hospitality into a modern, authentic bourbon experience unlike any other on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail™. Bardstown Bourbon was named 2023 Worldwide Whisky Producer of the Year by IWSC, Brand Innovator and Distiller of the Year at the 2025 Icons of Whisky, and the brand’s Amrut Indian Whisky collaboration, the first of its kind, was honored as the highest-rated American Whiskey by Whisky Advocate in 2024. Bardstown Bourbon Co. is part of Lofted Spirits, one of the largest co-manufacturing American Whiskey distillers in the U.S.

Another distillery in the Lofted Spirits entity is Green River Distilling Co., located in Owensboro, KY. Green River is the 10th-oldest licensed distillery in KY (DSP-KY-10). Green River brand Wheated Bourbon won “World’s Best Bourbon” at the 2025 NY World Spirits Competition. For more information, visit www.bardstownbourbon.com or Green River Whiskey 

Job Summary

The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) (possible Senior HRBP aligned with experience) will serve as a strategic advisor and trusted partner to leadership within the bourbon distillery as well as corporate functions. This role supports a workforce that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern production, ensuring HR strategies strengthen culture, operational excellence, and long-term business growth. The HRBP(Sr) will lead initiatives across talent management, compliance, payroll/benefits, organizational development, employee relations, and workforce planning, aligning people practices with the unique demands of bourbon production, bottling operations, hospitality, and corporate support functions. The HRBP (Sr) acts with integrity, models Company Values, and ensures confidentiality of all employee data and matters.  

Job Description/Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership

• Collaborate with leaders to align HR strategies with business goals. The primary client for this role is Bardstown Operations(distillery, maintenance, bottling, lab, and warehouse)with strong cross-functional support to other areas.
• Provide guidance on organizational design, workforce planning, and succession strategies tailored to distillery operations.
• Use HR analytics to identify trends in turnover, engagement, and retention, recommending proactive solutions.

Talent Attraction, Development & Retention

• Partner with hiring managers to recruit skilled distillery/bottling employees, technical experts, and leadership roles, and other roles as required.
• Assists as needed in performance management processes and supports leadership development programs.

Employee Relations & Culture

• Build strong, transparent relationships across all levels of the organization, from production floor to executive leadership.
• Actively build employee relationships and trust in HR by being out in employee work areas.
• Manage complex employee relations issues, ensuring compliance with labor laws and company policies.
• Support culture-building initiatives that reflect the heritage, craftsmanship, and community values of the bourbon industry.
• Participate in the broader HR community locally, ex.Nelco, KAM, KDA, etc.

Change Management & Organizational Effectiveness

• Guide leaders through organizational changes, including expansions, new production lines, changes in production schedules, etc.
• Lead initiatives to improve HR operational efficiency, team effectiveness, and cross-functional collaboration.

Compensation, Benefits & Compliance

• Partner with other HR team members to ensure competitive pay structures aligned with industry benchmarks.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and industry-specific regulations, including all standards relevant to distilling and warehousing. Including multi-state requirements for other located employees. This applies to personnel files, compliance documents, benefit plan administration, leave management, payroll, etc.  
• Lead benefit compliance/administration for 401k Safe Harbor Plan.
• Partner with other HR team members on all health/welfare plan administration and compliance.
• Serve as a payroll backup for both entity payrolls.
• Assist with leave of absence management for the Bardstown entity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related discipline
• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, including strategic HRBP responsibilities
• Experience in manufacturing, food & beverage, or a similarly regulated environment strongly preferred.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect people initiatives to operational outcomes.
• Knowledgeable and conversant regarding health and welfare benefits and standard healthcare regulations such as ERISA, COBRA, ACA, and HIPAA
• Experience with ADP is a plus
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Qualities and Skills

• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Situational self-awareness to build relationships with hourly and salaried employees
• Outgoing demeanor, presence on the floor with employees
• Ability to work independently with strong problem-solving skills
• Sense of urgency, ability to multitask, and complete project deadlines
• Strong team player who will jump in and assist other HR team members at any time
• Models our Company Values: Team, Trust, Accomplishment, Agility, and Fun.

The Bardstown Bourbon Company is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. It is the policy of The Bardstown Bourbon Company to provide full and equal employment opportunities to all employees and potential employees, without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other legally protected status.