Head Brewer
37.5hrs a week plus 30 minutes sampling time every third weekend.
Usual hours Monday – Friday between 7am and 5pm depending on business requirements.
Welbeck Abbey Brewery is a well established brewery based between Worksop and Mansfield, operating on a 24HL brewkit. The majority of volume is in casks, however sales in kegs, minikegs and bottles are growing.
As Head Brewer at Welbeck Abbey Brewery you will be responsible for planning, coordinating and overseeing all aspects of the brewing process. The successful candidate will have the chance to manage a small team, improve systems and processes at the brewery, and develop all our product lines. Around 50% of the job is working on daily beer production in the brewhouse, and 50% management.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership
- Oversee the brewing process from raw ingredients through to final packaging.
- Train and lead a team of four members to work effectively in a fast paced and physically demanding environment.
- Develop the team’s skills in collaboration with suppliers, Universities and other breweries.
- Work with the brewery manager in all aspects of recruitment and performance management.
- Champion excellence in adhering to workplace policies and procedures
- Conduct regular safety audits and maintain a safe working environment.
Raw Material & Supplier Management
- Order and manage stocks of all raw materials, cleaning materials, and processing aids.
- Deal with all forward contracting.
- Develop, maintain, and relationships with suppliers and undertake audits.
- Ensure all materials conform to specifications.
- Regularly review and source new suppliers to ensure quality and competitive pricing.
- Oversee yeast management, including counts, viability, cropping and storage.
Legislative adherence
- Maintain accurate stock and production records on Breww and in the paper files
- Ensure all compliance with all regulations including Health and Safety, food safety, and COSHH. This also includes maintaining the SALSA Beer+ standard.
- Ensure all lab analysis and QA checks are undertaken in accordance with policies and procedures.
Production Oversight & Optimisation
- Manage all elements of production, resolving issues related to raw materials, equipment or targets, working with the wider team to ensure the right products are available in a timely manner.
- Apply scientific knowledge to monitor and adjust brewing conditions throughout the process.
- Supervise fermentation tracking, quality checks, pH and temperature management.
- Manage all standard operating procedures and update on a regular basis to ensure accuracy
Packaging Management
- Oversee preparation of beer for packaging
- Planning and executing packaging across small pack, cask and bottle.
Recipe Development & Innovation
- Work with the whole team to create seasonal and specialty beers, targeting specific markets when required.
- Experiment with new brewing techniques and styles, applying the latest innovations and techniques.
- Seek ways to continually improve product quality and methods of production.
Equipment & Maintenance
- Ensure all equipment is well maintained and staff are trained in preventative care.
- Organise servicing when needed and advise on upgrades to improve production.
Contribute to decisions on equipment purchases.
Our ideal candidate
- +5 Years experience in the brewing industry
- 2 years experience in a senior production role (not necessarily brewing)
- Strong organisational and project management skills
- Thrives in a fast paced and high pressure environment
- Is a hand-on creative problem solver who enjoys a challenge
- Can demonstrate strong and resilient leadership in times of crisis
- Works well in a small team and enjoys autonomy
- Proven leadership experience in any industry/voluntary role
- Comprehensive understanding of modern brewing practices and quality control systems
- Experience in regulatory compliance in food/drink production
- Experience managing budgets, cost control, ordering and minimising waste
- Has a progressive attitude to use of technology and implementing new practices
