Head Brewer, Exmoor Ales

We are currently looking for a passionate, organised, and driven Head Brewer to manage, lead and be responsible for our brewing, production, and distribution teams.

The Head Brewer role is a critically important part of the efficient running of our brewery. Acting as a central point, focussing on leading the team, delivering our core range of real ales, plus developing new products, including our seasonals and Pathfinder range.

This is a wonderful, rare opportunity to join our proudly independent business and help us continue to drive the company forward.

Key Skills

• Working closely with, and managing our Operations Manager and Production Manager to develop, motivate and manage the brewing, production, and distribution teams.


• Production scheduling to ensure the delivery of product just in time and on budget.


• Develop and oversee implementation of processes relating to wort production, fermentation, cellaring and packaging.


• Participate as part of the senior management team to strategise and create and manage plans to increase annual output in line with agreed sales forecasts whilst working on efficiencies and margin optimisation.


• Responsible for ensuring compliance with relevant industry legislation and food quality/safety standards, including annual audits for SALSA plus Beer and BFBI Feed Assurance.


• Maintain hygiene, record keeping and quality control to a high standard.


• Experience in managing and maintaining standard operating procedures, together with HACCP plans and COSHH.


• Develop and manage the delivery of seasonal, one-off, and small-batch beers, to a pre-agreed calendar and to appropriate costings.


• Maintain strong, open working relationships with suppliers and customers.


• Negotiate regularly with suppliers for the supply of raw material contracts and ordering of raw materials necessary to fulfil production and delivery schedule.


• Work with the sales team and operations to ensure availability and safe delivery of core products.


• Manage quality processes to maintain our excellent standard of product.


• Oversee and take ultimate responsibility for upkeep and improvements to beer quality, together with managing and solving any quality complaints.


• Continuously research new methods, processes, and materials to improve quality and deliver progressive products.


• Take the lead in acquiring and implementing new equipment to improve quality and efficiencies in consultation with company budgets.


• Manage the maintenance of all brewing equipment to ensure it is always fully functional, working with external technicians and suppliers as necessary.


• Represent Exmoor Ales at shows and events and engage with customers and key contacts to increase brand awareness.


• Work with internal stakeholders on initiatives for engagement across our social media channels.


• Foster relationships with other breweries and local producers to find opportunities for mutual growth and sales.


• Manage and participate in a weekend rota to cover any brewing or production requirements.
  
  5+ years' experience in commercial brewing


• Previous experience in managing a large team.


• Ideally, a relevant technical degree (e.g. engineering, brewing)


• IBD qualification or similar (GCB or above, desirable)


• Proficient IT and English skills


• Analytical capabilities


• Top-notch communication skills


• Project Management experience


• Work well under pressure.


• Flexibility, with the ability to adapt and problem-solve.


• Passion for brewing and hospitality


• Clean driving licence


• Forklift certified preferable., Public transport to the brewery isn't sufficient; therefore, applicants must have their own transportation., commercial brewing: 5 years (required)
  
  Exmoor Ales has had a long-standing reputation for producing award-winning ales since it was founded in 1979 in Wiveliscombe, Somerset. Focussed primarily on traditional cask ales but now also brewing small-batch craft ales, we proudly supply pubs, clubs, and other customers across the entire UK.
  
  This is a full-time, permanent position.


28 days leave per year.

The salary is commensurate with experience (£36 - £38k per annum).,
• Employee discount


• Free parking


• On-site parking


Schedule:

• Monday to Friday


• Weekend availability