Job Summary
The Director of Compliance is responsible for leading and managing all regulatory, tax, and operational compliance functions across the organization’s distilled spirits operations. This role ensures full adherence to federal, state, and international regulations governing production, storage, distribution, labeling, taxation, and marketing of beverage alcohol products. The Director of Compliance serves as a strategic partner to operations, finance, marketing, and executive leadership, while maintaining rigorous oversight of reporting, recordkeeping, and regulatory interactions.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Regulatory & TTB Compliance
• Oversee all compliance with Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulations across multiple distillery locations
• Compile, review, and submit monthly TTB reports for all distilleries
• Audit daily operational records (production, processing, storage, transfers in/out) to ensure accuracy and compliance with TTB requirements
• Reconcile TTB reports against ERP system (NetSuite) data on a monthly basis
• Manage TTB-related filings including:
o Transfer in bond applications
o Claims (product destruction, losses, leaks, etc.)
o Power of Attorney documentation
• Oversee bond management and ensure appropriate coverage is maintained
Tax & Financial Compliance
• Oversee and assist federal excise tax (FET) reporting for retail distilleries
• Oversee and assist 5010 tax credit and OTS wine tax credit programs
• Ensure accurate reconciliation between compliance reporting and financial systems
• Support audits and inquiries related to tax and regulatory filings
State, Local & Corporate Compliance
• Direct all state reporting and product registrations, including platforms such as Ecompli and Avalara
• Manage licensing and permit requirements across all jurisdictions (state and local)
• Ensure compliance with state-specific alcohol regulations, including:
o Tennessee state compliance (TN ABC, TN Department of Agriculture, TN Transfer Laws, TN Whiskey and Moonshine regulations)
• Oversee solicitor permits and related obligations
• Monitor and file required annual corporate and regulatory reports across all applicable jurisdictions
Product Integrity, Labeling & Marketing Compliance
• Manage formula submissions and Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) processes
• Oversee label review and approval to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations
• Lead label transition initiatives (e.g., ADC, OTS Wine changes)
• Maintain and update product record templates (formula numbers, classifications, and specifications)
• Ensure product integrity standards are upheld throughout production and reporting processes
• Review and monitor all marketing, advertising, and promotional materials to ensure compliance with TTB regulations, state laws, and industry guidelines
Operational Compliance & Systems Oversight
• Audit daily transactions in NetSuite against TTB and operational records (receiving, shipping, production, processing and storage)
• Maintain and improve compliance documentation systems and workflows
• Manage product workbooks and ensure alignment with production activities
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of all compliance-related data across systems
International Compliance
• Oversee compliance requirements for international markets, including export/import regulations and documentation
• Ensure adherence to applicable foreign regulatory frameworks
Environmental & Extended Responsibility Reporting
• Manage Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) reporting across multiple states
• Monitor evolving environmental compliance requirements and implement necessary processes
Industry Engagement & Regulatory Monitoring
• Serve as an active committee member of DISCUS (Distilled Spirits Council of the United States)
• Attend industry seminars and educational forums on compliance and regulatory developments
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes at the federal, state, and international levels, proactively assessing potential risks to operations and advising leadership accordingly
Leadership & Team Management
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Compliance Coordinators
• Establish priorities, workflows, and performance expectations for the compliance function
• Serve as the primary internal expert on regulatory compliance matters
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, Legal, Supply Chain, and Marketing teams
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Regulatory Affairs, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in alcohol beverage compliance, regulatory affairs, or a related field
• Deep knowledge of TTB regulations, excise tax requirements, and state alcohol laws
• Experience with ERP systems (NetSuite preferred) and compliance platforms (e.g., Ecompli, Avalara)
• Strong analytical, organizational, and auditing skills
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and complex compliance programs
Key Competencies
• Regulatory expertise and risk management
• Attention to detail and audit rigor
• Cross-functional leadership and communication
• Process improvement and systems thinking
• Ability to manage multiple jurisdictions and evolving regulation
Working Conditions (Physical, Environment & Schedule Expectations)
● May require standing for extended periods (Production/Retail roles).
● Exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, or production environments.
● May require travel (Wholesale/Corporate roles).
● Ability to lift up to 20 lbs (if applicable).
● Compliance with PPE and safety requirements.