ABOUT MIDWEST BARREL CO.

At Midwest Barrel Co., we are revolutionizing the global barrel trade. From the heart of bourbon country in Kentucky, we connect barrels worldwide, building something truly iconic. Our ambition extends to our back office, where we believe operational excellence is paramount. We are seeking a proactive, high-capacity Business Operations Specialist who is passionate about organization, process improvement, and keeping operations running smoothly. If you are detail-oriented, adaptable, steady under pressure, and motivated by clarity, systems, and supporting a fast-moving team, you will feel right at home here.

POSITION SUMMARY

This is not your standard “office manager” role. This is a seat at the intersection of operations, technology, customer service, and culture. You’ll be the person who keeps the gears turning while also spotting inefficiencies and replacing them with smarter, faster systems. One day you might be refining payroll workflows, the next coordinating a high-impact team event, and the next rolling out an AI-powered process that saves hours of manual work. If you’re resourceful, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and get excited about learning new tech (especially AI), you’ll love it here.

REQUIREMENTS

• Energized by variety — no two days will look the same.
• Highly proactive and self-directed, with a “see it, fix it” mindset.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment and embraces change.
• Naturally curious and quick to learn new technologies, especially AI.
• Strong written and verbal communicator.
• Comfortable using (or quickly learning) platforms like Rippling, HubSpot, Aircall, Gorgias, Asana, Slack, and Google Workspace.

Customer & Partner Engagement

• Be the first point of connection for visitors — warmly welcoming guests and making a strong first impression.
• Handle inbound calls, emails, and social media inquiries with speed and professionalism.
• Coordinate on-site pickups with customers and vendors, ensuring a seamless experience.
• Support the customer service inbox and assist the sales team as needed.

People & Culture Support

• Assist with recruitment — from posting roles to scheduling interviews.
• Manage onboarding/offboarding to create smooth, memorable experiences.
• Support benefits administration and maintain accurate employee records.
• Help foster a positive, high-performance culture.

Payroll & HR Systems

• Oversee payroll processing with precision and timeliness.
• Manage daily use of Rippling and support employees in navigating the platform.
• Coordinate with 401(k) administrators to keep plans on track.

Operational Excellence

• Maintain and improve relationships with vendors (cleaning services, utilities, office equipment).
• Monitor and manage office supply inventory within budget.
• Oversee incoming/outgoing mail and local deliveries.
• Assist with invoice processing and accounts payable.

Technology & Process Innovation

• Identify bottlenecks and proactively implement technology to improve workflows.
• Explore and roll out AI tools to reduce manual work and increase efficiency.
• Champion change — test, learn, and train the team on new systems.

Culture & Events

• Organize and support team meetings, celebrations, and milestone moments.
• Keep internal communication flowing across teams.