Brewmaster

Position Summary

The Brewmaster provides leadership and direction for all brewing related operations for the brewery.  Leads all brewing operations, oversees recipe development and is instrumental in identifying and improving all aspects of brewing operations concerning efficiency, cost reduction and profitability. This position will follow standard work methods and practice safe work habits to ensure production is as efficient and safe as possible.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Brewing:

·       Responsible for the development of recipes for products the brewery produces (beer, soda, water, flavor malt beverages, flavor distilled spirits, distilled spirits, etc.) for distribution and for sale in the Tap Room.

·       Maintains an organized file of recipes on the network and in the MRP system;

·       Writes beer descriptions for departmental needs throughout the brewery;

·       Programs recipes into the brew house computers.

·       Stays up to date with flavor and style trends within the industry and within Abita service area.

·       Maintains the use of standard operating procedures to ensure the beer is produced consistently, free of defects, true to style and of the highest quality.

·       Procures all raw materials related to beer production (testing to figure out what to use, ordering and maintaining inventory, negotiating contracts and pricing).  This includes managing the logistics of spent grain as well as managing the logistics of getting the bulk malt into the silos.

·       Coordinate with warehouse manager for proper storage and organization of brewing raw materials in cold storage and warehouse.

·       Responsible for entering and maintaining all inventory items in MRP and Accounting systems.

·       Tracks efficiencies of brew house operations, filtration, kegging, and other processes.

·       Oversees all aspects of the wastewater process, including the treatment plant.

·       Ensures staff are effectively executing their job duties and operating equipment according to SOPs by providing training and follow up to ensure accountability.

·       Work with brewery staff to ensure a clean and safe work environment at all times.

·       Keeps brewing practices and processes in line with industry standard and/or best practice.

·       Brewing is the creative center of the company.  Through use of the pilot system, this individual shall foster a sense of engagement and creativity within the brewing staff.

Contract Production:

·       Works with customers to develop recipes to meet their specification.

·       Responsible for compiling cost for brewing related raw materials.

·       Maintains an organized file of contract recipes on the network and in MRP system as well as programs recipes into the brew house computers.

·       Coordinates QC analysis with the Lab and communicates results.

Quality Control:

·       Establishes parameters for testing (ABV, IBU, color, pH, etc.), analyzes results and troubleshoots problems.

Maintenance:

·       Responsible for approving brewing related work requests and prioritizing the maintenance needs of the brewery.

Chemicals/CO₂:

·       Coordinates sanitation and cleaning chemical needs with the brewery lead for chemical purchasing.

·       Responsible for negotiating contracts, logistics and inventories of CO₂.

Cleaning:

·       Manages the cleaning of all brewing related equipment and areas within the brewery to ensure compliance with Food Safety requirements.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations.

·       Hours may vary if emergencies arise (typical workweek = 45 hours). 

·       Position requires standing for long periods of time (up to 12 hours), bending, stooping, twisting, and lifting products and materials weighing up to 50 pounds and move 170 pounds regularly

·       Routine pushing, pulling, reaching, upper body and arm rotation, arm extension, and climbing ladders.

·       Very high noise levels in/around bottling line (ear protection required when in that area).

·       Exposure to various temperature changes.

·       Able to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (ear plugs, gloves, boots, etc.).

Supervision of Others

This position is responsible for leading, developing and coaching all of the brewing personnel.

Education/Qualifications

·       Degree in Brewing Science or Technology is required.

·       At least 7 years of experience in a production brewery.

·       Proven success in a leadership role managing five or more employees.

·       Knowledge of safe work operations, safety policies and procedures.

·       Experience with brewery quality assurance and quality control plans.

·       Attention to details, ability to recognize when there is a problem.

·       Strong overall understanding of OSHA regulations and requirements.

·       Knowledge of computers (Word, Excel, Outlook).

·       Positive attitude with an ongoing sense of urgency.

·       Ability to understand and execute against deadlines.

·       Excellent time and people management skills.

·       Exceptional written and verbal communication and organizational skills.

·       Budget management proficiency.

·       Must be at least 21 years of age and eligible to work in the United States.

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The Abita Brewing Company reserves the right to revise and alter this job description as needed.