Head Brewer

Equals Brewing Company Inc.; London; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Equals Brewing Company is seeking a Head Brewer to lead the Brewing Department and ensure the production schedule, quality, and safety standards are met. You will drive continuous improvement while collaborating with other departments to support product development initiatives.

You will mentor a multi-shift brewing team, manage training, and be responsible for wort production, cellar operations, and overall brewery performance. This role is based in Ontario, Canada.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in a brewing environment with strong leadership experience.
• Experience managing a team and coordinating training.
• Knowledge of GMP, safety, and quality controls in a brewery.
• Proficient in data tracking and process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Brewing Department to meet production goals with a focus on safety and quality.
• Coach and upskill team members; manage on-the-floor training and orientation for new hires.
• Oversee wort production, milling, and cellar operations; coordinate with Packaging on delays.
• Maintain SOPs, review KPIs, and drive continuous improvement across brewing systems.
• Ensure equipment maintenance and adherence to sanitary practices and GMP policies.

Tools

Google Sheets/Excel

Job description

(Please note that the salary range listed is intended as a guideline. The final compensation will be based on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications.)

About the Role

Are you an experienced brewer with strong leadership skills and a passion for continuous improvement? Are you energized by a fast-paced environment where quality, safety, and innovation come together? If so, we want to hear from you!

As a Head Brewer at Equals Brewing Company, you will lead the Brewing Department’s daily operations, ensuring the seamless execution of the production schedule and supporting a safe, high-performing team. You'll focus on delivering high-quality beer and beverages, collaborating with other departments, and supporting customer product development projects.

About Us

Equals Brewing Company was founded in 2018 and has quickly grown into a trusted producer of beers, ciders, ready-to-drink, and non-alcoholic products for some of Ontario’s and Canada’s leading beverage brands.

We're the creators of Bangarang Hard Seltzer and Shake Lager, a gold medal winner at the Canadian Brewing Awards. More recently, we added Side Launch Brewing Company to our portfolio, an established Ontario craft brewery known for its award-winning beers and strong community presence.

At Equals, we believe our success is driven by our people. We're a small, fast-moving team that values ownership, collaboration, and problem-solving. As we continue to grow, we're looking for people who are ready to take initiative and help strengthen the systems that support our expanding operations.

What You’ll Do

The Head Brewer plays a critical role in ensuring the brewing team meets production goals while maintaining exceptional quality and safety standards. This leadership role supports the continuous improvement of brewing operations and fosters a positive team culture. They will work closely with the Brewing Specialist to manage the team, deliver production results, and improve product quality and brewery systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Accountable for the safety of the brewing team and supporting site-wide safety initiatives. Work to identify and resolve safety issues.
• Foster a culture of quality. Maintain the brewing department’s GMP policies, cleanliness and hygiene standards, best sanitary practices, and organizational standards.
• Deliver high quality upskilling and training by working one-on-one with team members to instill in them best practices and operational excellence. Coordinate on-the-job training with new hires and existing team members.
• Schedule work in the department at the daily level by executing the weekly schedule. You are accountable for the department’s plan attainment. Contribute feedback that affects schedule adherence to Planning team (processing errors, personnel issues, operational issues).
• Oversee wort production on brewhouse, including milling and ensuring schedule adherence.
• Manage and own completion of Cellar work: to deliver weekly requirements. This includes centrifuge and filtration, dealcoholization, finishing, blending, RTD production, dry hopping, associated CIPs and preparation work. Flash pasteurization and kegging operations are also managed under the brewing department. Be highly connected with work progress in order to update internal customers (i.e., Packaging team) about delays and trigger plan changes if needed.
• Be knowledgeable and technically competent on all equipment in the department: mill, brewhouse, CIP, centrifuge, filters, dealcoholization machine, keg washer/filler, pumps. Able to troubleshoot issues, identify needs for repair or opportunities for changes.
• Be knowledgeable and able to solve quality problems related to beer and beverage - fermentation performance, wort production, clarification, blending, sensory.
• Schedule labour amongst 4 crews working a continental pattern 24/7. Own vacation approval, absences, and balancing skill level and cross training requirements across all shifts.
• Schedule and ensure routine equipment upkeep tasks are completed - gas, water and product filters, tank teardowns and PRV testing, acid washing.
• Track brewing KPIs (extract loss, weekly production volume, microbiology score) to drive improvements in yields, throughput, and quality performance.
• Update and develop SOPs when processes are created or improved and ensure all relevant team members are trained on the process.
• Perform sensory evaluations of in-process and finished beer for quality sign-off.
• Support operations and teams across the site as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Able to influence and lead others - You are comfortable being direct, yet professional, to elevate and motivate your team
• Strong documentation practices, high proficiency in complex spreadsheets, strong mathematical skills
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. You are able to make informed judgment calls when the answer is not clear, and will own your decisions
• Team player - You will act like an owner making the best decisions for your team and the success of the business, working outside of your regular duties or comfort zone when needed
• Organized, self starting, and motivated

What We’re Looking For

• Education in Brewing, Distilling, Food Sciences, Brewery Operations, Brewing Science, Chemistry, Food Production, Microbiology, or a related field is an asset
• 3+ years working in a brewery - strong technical knowledge of brewing sciences and technology
• Experience in a Team Lead, Supervisory or Management capacity within brewing or related industries
• Proficient in computer applications: Google Sheets/Excel, Docs, and email

What to Expect

• Primarily day shift Monday-Friday, with flexibility to support off-shifts and weekends as required
• Fast-paced work environment. Combination of office and production floor setting, with heavy machinery and loud noise levels
• Ability to lift items up to 25 kg. Standing, walking, bending, and lifting as needed

Why Join Us?

• Be Part of Something Growing: We're a nimble, ambitious team making big moves in the industry. We have worked to become an established partner, while still offering flexibility and taking on new challenges to stay at the forefront of contract beer and beverage manufacturing.
• Room to Make an Impact: You'll have the opportunity to contribute ideas, improve processes, and help shape our brewery’s success. There are few barriers in front of someone willing to work hard, prove themselves, and stand above their peers in order to grow in the organization.
• Work with Great People: Join a team that values collaboration, problem solving, and a shared commitment to quality.

Hiring Process & Accessibility Information

Please note that Equals Brewing Company may use AI-assisted tools as part of our recruitment and hiring processes to help review applications and assess qualifications. This posting reflects a current vacancy and we are actively accepting applications.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The strength of Equals Brewing comes from our diverse team members. We are an equal-opportunity employer and encourage everyone with relevant qualifications to apply. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, accommodation will be provided to candidates with disabilities during the recruitment and selection process. If you are invited to participate in the process and require accommodation, please let us know in advance.