Brewing Technical Specialist

Sleeman Breweries Ltd.; Guelph; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RRSP matching

Work-life balance

Benefits for family

Parental leave top-up

Employee product credit

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Discounts & perks

Professional development

Job summary

Sleeman Breweries is seeking a Brewing Technical Specialist to manage technical projects, drive continuous improvement, and oversee systems documentation. You will support product quality, safety, and efficiency across the brewery.

The role requires strong brewing experience, HACCP/ISO knowledge, and the ability to train and lead teams in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Onsite work with regular production interaction is expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of technical experience in the brewing industry.
• Post-secondary education in Science or a related field.
• Diploma in Brewing Science from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling or equivalent.
• Demonstrated knowledge of food safety programs, HACCP, ISO standards, and quality assurance principles.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to deliver training and presentations.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and update technical documentation including SOPs, work instructions, equipment specifications, and process standards.
• Provide training and communication on technical processes, system updates, and operating procedures to brewing employees.
• Maintain and oversee brewing information systems, quality systems, and related records and documentation.
• Manage brewing capital projects and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring project objectives, timelines, and milestones are achieved.
• Research, recommend, and implement process improvements and technical upgrades to enhance brewing performance.
• Act as a continuous improvement champion and lead waste reduction and operational excellence initiatives.
• Monitor beer analytical results and adjust recipes, ingredients, process parameters, and operating practices to maintain product quality standards.
• Lead and coordinate brewing trials, ensuring effective planning, execution, and reporting.
• Monitor brewery performance metrics, food safety requirements, microbiological standards, and departmental targets.
• Create and manage maintenance work orders and collaborate with maintenance teams to coordinate and prioritize work activities.
• Monitor wastewater treatment plant performance and recommend operational improvements where required.
• Support facility shutdown planning and maintenance activities as needed.
• Conduct departmental health and safety audits and promote safe work practices.
• Support implementation and continual improvement of the Food Safety Management System (FSMS).
• Provide backup support to the Brewmaster as required.

Skills

Technical brewing

Project management

Analytical thinking

Training & communication

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Independent & collaborative

Education

Post-secondary education in science/related

Diploma in Brewing Science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

At Sleeman Breweries, you’ll have access to benefits that support you today and help you plan for tomorrow:

• RRSP-matching program to help you save for retirement
• A commitment to work-life balance
• Benefits coverage for partners and kids
• Parental leave top-up for primary and secondary caregivers
• Employee product credit
• Tuition reimbursement program for eligible employees
• Employee and family assistance program
• Discount program with access to perks from big brands and local favourites
• Professional development opportunities including mentorship and leadership development

If you require an accommodation or an accessible format at any stage of the application or hiring process, please let the recruitment team know. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.

Why Join Sleeman Breweries?

What’s your story? Ours is about pushing boundaries to create Canada’s third-largest brewery known for unique craft and world-class brands enjoyed across the country.

As part of Sapporo Breweries, our story includes Sleeman Breweries in Ontario, Okanagan Spring Brewery in B.C., Wild Rose Brewery in Alberta, and Unibroue in Quebec.

When you join Sleeman Breweries, you join a company deeply committed to quality, sustainability, and creating an outstanding employee experience. People here care about what they do and the people they work with. Write your next chapter with us at Sleeman Breweries.

Get an inside look at what it’s like working at Sleeman Breweries by following @LifeAtSleeman on Instagram

Purpose and Impact

The Brewing Technical Specialist is responsible for the management of brewing department technical projects, continuous improvement initiatives, capital projects, technical systems, and related documentation. This role ensures brewing processes, equipment, quality systems, and wastewater operations are effectively maintained while supporting product quality, operational efficiency, food safety, and continuous improvement across the brewery.

Responsibilities

Technical Systems & Documentation

• Develop, maintain, and update technical documentation including SOPs, work instructions, equipment specifications, and process standards.
• Provide training and communication on technical processes, system updates, and operating procedures to brewing employees.
• Maintain and oversee brewing information systems, quality systems, and related records and documentation.

Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Manage brewing capital projects and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring project objectives, timelines, and milestones are achieved.
• Research, recommend, and implement process improvements and technical upgrades to enhance brewing performance.
• Act as a continuous improvement champion and lead waste reduction and operational excellence initiatives.

Brewing Operations & Quality

• Monitor beer analytical results and adjust recipes, ingredients, process parameters, and operating practices to maintain product quality standards.
• Lead and coordinate brewing trials, ensuring effective planning, execution, and reporting.
• Monitor brewery performance metrics, food safety requirements, microbiological standards, and departmental targets.

Maintenance & Environmental Stewardship

• Create and manage maintenance work orders and collaborate with maintenance teams to coordinate and prioritize work activities.
• Monitor wastewater treatment plant performance and recommend operational improvements where required.
• Support facility shutdown planning and maintenance activities as needed.

Health, Safety & Leadership

• Conduct departmental health and safety audits and promote safe work practices.
• Support implementation and continual improvement of the Food Safety Management System (FSMS).
• Provide backup support to the Brewmaster as required.

Skills and Qualifications (Required)

• Minimum 7 years of technical experience in the brewing industry.
• Post-secondary education in Science or a related field.
• Diploma in Brewing Science from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling or equivalent.
• Demonstrated knowledge of food safety programs, HACCP, ISO standards, and quality assurance principles.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to deliver training and presentations.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Work Environment (Onsite) This position is primarily onsite and requires regular interaction within a manufacturing environment. The role involves working approximately 40% of the time in production facilities and 60% in an office setting. Travel may occasionally be required. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn when working in production areas.

Think you have what we need but your credentials don’t perfectly line up? That’s OK! We know that some job seekers miss opportunities if they think their qualifications don’t fit. If you believe your skills and experience can make a difference here, we encourage you to apply!

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At Sleeman Breweries, we believe that better beer, and better workplaces, happen when people feel welcomed and valued for the differences they bring.

We are committed to fair hiring practices free from discrimination, and we encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

BETTER BEER. BETTER PEOPLE. GETTING BETTER

We thank all candidates for their interest however only those selected to proceed will be contacted.