Head Brewer

Our client started in 2001 and are an unusual brewery as they are not only a contract brewer we also run three other breweries on our site. They brew and develop a wide range of styles of beers of high quality. Packaging in bottle, can, cask and keg. The New Brewery was built a few years ago in order to make the company sustainable in both an economic and ecological way. They currently employ 25 staff with 15 involved in production.

The Head Brewer is responsible for all aspects of the beer production process and day-to-day operations of the brewery from field to glass. It is a high-level role which can involve many different tasks including managing other brewers, making purchasing decisions, meeting with customers and other businesses, creating new types of beer, setting production goals and managing resources.

The Head Brewer should be highly experienced with the beer brewing process and is ultimately responsible for the quality of beers that the breweries produce. They will be involved with creative decisions including what kinds of beer to produce, where to source the best raw materials for that particular beer and what kinds of machinery should be used in the production process.

They must also consider the marketability of the beers they intend to produce and work in conjunction with sales staff and the brewery Directors to develop successful beers.

Head Brewer Responsibilities:

The Head Brewer must deal with all aspects of the beer production and packaging process, and will report to the Production Director.

The Head Brewer often acts as the main contact point for the brewery and will liaise with consumers, suppliers, beer trade associations and other businesses.

Selecting raw materials that are used in the brewing process – They must be able to evaluate the quality of the raw materials used in the brewing process and work with suppliers. They may have to perform or organise scientific tests on the raw materials to ensure they have specific qualities necessary for beer making.

Checking brew conditions – They must ensure that the production process is running correctly and brew conditions are met. They will have to manage other brewers and section supervisors, directing their attention as needed and ensuring the beer is meeting specific targets.

Record keeping and quality control – Detailed records of the beer production process must be maintained. That will include the quantities of raw materials used, the recipe for the beer, scientific analysis of the brew at different points and final taste testing.

Manage the day-to-day operations of the brewery, with some of their time on the floor of brewery, making sure that staff are working efficiently and the production process is running smoothly.

The Head Brewer will meet with customers and potential customers to showcase the quality of the beer that the brewery is producing. They may have to give customers guided tours of the brewery to demonstrate production capacity and the development of the brewery’s production capacity.

Responsibility for maintaining Occupational Health & Safety and ensure staff are working in a safe environment.

Managing hygiene on the production line and ensuring that food safety standards are maintained to achieve compliance with food standards for Salsa, Soil Association, and Marks and Spencer accreditation plus any others that might be required in the future.

Manage maintenance schedule on the production line – All equipment must be carefully maintained to ensure equipment failure does not delay beer production. The Head Brewer will also advise the Directors on the purchase of new equipment, with a financial justification.

Managing staff skill development – In addition to managing staff, the Head Brewer will help organise training to develop their skills.

Manage all the packaging processes.

Inventory control – ensure adequate raw materials and finished stock are available in a timely manner.

Budgeting – The Head Brewer will often have a specific budget which they must work within.

Improve the brewery – Goals which improve the productivity of staff and the production line must be established by the Head Brewer. Improvements in other areas including hygiene, capital expenditure, brew quality must also be continual.

The successful candidate will have man-management experience with a business acumen within a commercial brewery and brewing qualifications to IBD Diploma in Brewing level.

For more information, please contact Laurence Rougeaux at The Carling Partnership Ltd and/or email your CV to laurence.rougeaux@carlingpartnership.com

Applications from candidates already eligible to work in the UK.