Brewery & Distillery Lead — Create & Launch Beverages

Brewers Guild of New Zealand Incorporated; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cargo Collective is seeking a Brewery & Distillery Manager to own production and product development in a hands-on role at our on-site Brew Hall. You’ll lead end-to-end beer and spirits production, quality, stock management, and exciting new formats while collaborating with the leadership team.

Bring proven brewing and distilling experience, a passion for craft, and a knack for turning ideas into market-ready products. Queenstown lifestyle awaits.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a brewer; distilling experience is a strong advantage.
• Track record of developing new products from idea to market.
• Solid grounding in production planning, quality control, and process discipline.
• Comfortable with compliance—excise, food safety, FCP, record-keeping.
• Confident leading workshops and engaging with customers.
• Hands-on, practical, and calm in a busy operational environment.
• Commercially aware: production serves the wider business.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end production of beer and spirits from planning through to delivery.
• Lead new product development, recipe trials, and launch paths with the owner.
• Manage stock, kegs, packaging, inventory, and supplier relationships.
• Run tours, gin workshops, and public experiences with high customer engagement.
• Ensure compliance, health & safety, and audit-ready records.

Job description

The Cargo Collective is seeking a Brewery & Distillery Manager to own production and product development in a hands-on role at our on-site Brew Hall. You’ll lead end-to-end beer and spirits production, quality, stock management, and exciting new formats while collaborating with the leadership team.

Bring proven brewing and distilling experience, a passion for craft, and a knack for turning ideas into market-ready products. Queenstown lifestyle awaits.