Head Brewer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving craft beer industry, the spotlight on head brewers has never been more pronounced.

As brewing techniques advance and tastes refine, the demand for skilled artisans who can innovate, expand, and maintain our brewing processes only increases.

But let’s dive deeper: What’s truly expected from a head brewer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the craft of brewing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive Head Brewer job description template, tailored for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Head Brewer Duties and Responsibilities

A Head Brewer oversees the brewing process and ensures the production of high-quality beer.

They are skilled in the art of brewing and are responsible for recipe development, quality control, and maintenance of brewing equipment.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Creating and developing innovative beer recipes
• Overseeing the entire brewing process from start to finish, including mashing, boiling, fermenting, conditioning, filtering, and packaging
• Performing quality control tests to ensure the beer meets specific taste and quality standards
• Maintaining and cleaning brewing equipment to ensure it functions properly and meets health and safety standards
• Purchasing brewing supplies, ingredients, and equipment
• Implementing and monitoring fermentation schedules and procedures
• Conducting regular tastings to assess quality and consistency
• Supervising brewery staff and providing training when needed
• Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and taxes related to beer production
• Collaborating with sales and marketing teams to promote the brewery’s products

 

Head Brewer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a creative, detail-oriented Head Brewer to oversee our brewing operations.

The Head Brewer will be responsible for creating innovative and enticing brews, overseeing production, ensuring the quality of all products, and maintaining the equipment.

A successful Head Brewer must have a passion for craft beer, a profound understanding of the brewing process and the ability to work cooperatively with a team.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop new and innovative brew recipes
• Oversee daily operations in the brewery
• Ensure quality control throughout the brewing process
• Manage inventory of raw materials and brewing supplies
• Inspect and maintain brewing equipment
• Train and manage brewing staff
• Adhere to safety and cleanliness standards
• Coordinate with marketing and sales team to promote products
• Stay current with beer trends and industry standards

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Brewer or relevant role
• Strong understanding of brewing processes and equipment
• Knowledge of beer market and latest trends
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Physical strength and ability to lift heavy equipment and kegs
• Diploma in Brewing or relevant field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Head Brewer
• Work Environment: Brewery. The job involves physical labor and may require working on weekends and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Brewery Owner or General Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Head Brewer Do?

A Head Brewer, also known as a Brewmaster, works primarily in the beer production industry, at breweries of varying sizes and capacities.

Their main responsibility is to oversee the brewing process, from the selection of ingredients to the bottling or kegging of the final product.

This involves creating recipes, determining the right mix of ingredients, and monitoring the fermentation process to ensure the desired taste and quality.

Head Brewers work with equipment like brew kettles, fermenters, and filtration systems, and they must regularly clean and maintain this equipment to guarantee it functions optimally.

They also oversee the packaging and storage of the beer, ensuring it’s done properly to maintain freshness.

Their role also involves maintaining a safe and efficient working environment, adhering to health and safety regulations and ensuring all team members are properly trained.

Additionally, Head Brewers often collaborate with marketing and sales teams to develop new product lines, seasonal specials, and promotional campaigns.

They may also be involved in conducting tours and tastings, representing the brewery at events, and educating consumers about their products.

In smaller breweries, the Head Brewer might also take on business-related tasks, such as purchasing supplies, managing budgets, and overseeing staff.

 

Head Brewer Qualifications and Skills

A Head Brewer should possess a distinct set of skills and qualifications that reflect the demands and responsibilities of their role, such as:

• Advanced knowledge of the brewing process, including understanding the roles of different ingredients and equipment
• Strong problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues that arise during brewing and come up with effective solutions
• Excellent sensory skills to evaluate raw materials and finished products
• Physical stamina and strength, as brewing can be a physically demanding process requiring lifting of heavy equipment and ingredients
• Exceptional organizational skills to manage brewing schedules, inventory, and equipment maintenance
• Good interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with team members and other departments
• A deep understanding of quality control processes to ensure consistent, high-quality product output
• Knowledge of relevant health and safety regulations to maintain a safe and clean working environment
• Basic understanding of business principles such as budgeting, forecasting and cost management

 

Head Brewer Experience Requirements

Head Brewer positions generally require significant experience in brewing and the beer industry.

This can be achieved through a combination of formal education and practical on-the-job experience.

Entry-level candidates may have 2 to 3 years of brewing experience, which could be garnered through an apprenticeship or internship at a brewery.

During this time, they will gain hands-on experience in the brewing process, from the selection of ingredients to the final bottling and packaging.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are often considered mid-level and should have a solid understanding of the brewing process, including recipe formulation, fermentation, and quality control.

They might have also gained experience in managing a small team or running a small-scale brewing operation.

Those with more than 5 years of brewing experience are typically considered for Head Brewer positions.

These candidates should not only have a deep understanding of the brewing process, but also experience in managing a large team and overseeing a large-scale brewing operation.

In addition, they may have experience in product development, marketing, and distribution, which are key components in the success of a brewery.

Further, many breweries prefer candidates who have completed a brewing science or related degree, which provides theoretical knowledge to complement practical experience.

Certification from recognized brewing institutions, such as the Institute of Brewing & Distilling, can also be beneficial.

 

Head Brewer Education and Training Requirements

The path to becoming a Head Brewer usually begins with a high school diploma or equivalent qualification.

Many brewers start their career journey by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a field such as brewing, food science, microbiology, or chemistry.

These programs help to develop knowledge about the brewing process, fermentation, and the various types of grains and hops used in brewing.

However, formal education alone is not enough to become a Head Brewer.

A substantial amount of practical experience is also required.

This can be obtained through entry-level positions in breweries, such as a brewing assistant or cellar worker, where they can learn the hands-on skills necessary to run a brewing operation.

Certifications from recognized brewing organizations, such as the Institute of Brewing and Distilling or the Brewers Association, can significantly enhance a brewer’s credibility and expertise.

These are typically obtained after gaining some work experience and involve passing a series of theoretical and practical exams.

In addition to education and experience, head brewers need to have a strong understanding of health and safety regulations, quality control, and must possess good team management skills.

Many successful Head Brewers often continue their learning and development throughout their careers, by attending industry conferences, workshops, and seminars, and keeping up-to-date with the latest brewing technology and trends.

 

Head Brewer Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Head Brewer is $51,627 (USD) per year.

However, this can significantly vary based on factors such as years of experience in the brewing industry, the size and location of the brewery, and the complexity of the brewing operations.

 

Head Brewer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Head Brewer need?

A Head Brewer needs to have a thorough understanding of the brewing process, including the ability to develop and modify recipes.

They should possess excellent leadership skills to manage a team, and strong troubleshooting skills to resolve issues within the brewing process.

Attention to detail is crucial to maintain consistency in brews.

Physical stamina is also required as the role involves moving kegs and sacks of grains.

 

Do Head Brewers need a degree?

While it’s not a must, having a degree in brewing science, chemistry, microbiology, or a related field can be beneficial.

Some Head Brewers have also completed a brewmaster course from a recognized brewing school.

More important than formal education, however, is experience in brewing.

Many Head Brewers start out as brewing assistants and work their way up.

 

What should you look for in a Head Brewer’s resume?

Experience in brewing is the most important aspect to look for on a Head Brewer’s resume.

They should have experience in all aspects of brewing, from raw materials to finished product.

Look for a proven track record in crafting high-quality beers and managing brewing operations.

Certifications from brewing schools and knowledge of brewing software can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Head Brewer?

A good Head Brewer should have a passion for beer and the brewing process.

They should be innovative and creative, able to develop new and exciting recipes.

They must have excellent leadership skills and be able to manage a team efficiently.

Attention to detail is crucial to ensure consistency in brews.

They should also have strong interpersonal skills to liaise with suppliers, staff, and customers.

 

What is the career progression for a Head Brewer?

A Head Brewer often starts their career in an entry-level position within a brewery, such as a brewing assistant or cellar worker.

With experience, they can move up to a brewer’s position and eventually become a Head Brewer.

Some Head Brewers may even go on to open their own breweries or become Master Brewers, overseeing multiple breweries within a larger organization.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of what it means to be a head brewer.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about brewing beer.

It’s about concocting the perfect blend, one batch at a time.

Armed with our handy head brewer job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why limit yourself?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards drafting precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every batch of brew is part of a larger masterpiece.

Let’s craft that masterpiece. Together.

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