Head Brewer

Upstream Brewing Company; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Employee dining and beverage privileges

Growth and development opportunities

Collaborative and creative work environment

Job summary

Upstream Brewing Company in Omaha is seeking an experienced Head Brewer to lead brewing operations. You will manage production, develop new beer offerings, and ensure high-quality standards in a collaborative environment.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of 5 years’ brewing experience and possesses strong organizational and leadership skills. Compensation is competitive based on experience, with benefits including health insurance and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of brewing experience preferred, including production brewing leadership.
• Strong understanding of brewing science, cellar operations, sanitation, and quality systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced hospitality-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all brewing operations, including production planning, quality assurance, and team leadership.
• Lead day-to-day brewing and cellar operations while maintaining quality standards.
• Develop new beer offerings and improve recipes and processes.

Skills

Brewing science

Leadership

Recipe development

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Education

Formal brewing education or certifications

Job description

Head Brewer

Upstream Brewing Company

Upstream Brewing Company is seeking an experienced, passionate, and highly collaborative Head Brewer to lead all aspects of our brewing operations.

This is a leadership role for someone who thrives equally in production, innovation, quality, team development, and hospitality. We are looking for a brewer who respects tradition, embraces creativity, understands systems and execution, and wants to help shape the future of an established and respected brewery and restaurant operation.

The ideal candidate is hands‑on, detail‑oriented, team‑focused, and takes pride in producing consistently exceptional beer while contributing to a strong culture across the organization.

Position Overview

The Head Brewer is responsible for overseeing all brewing operations, including production planning, cellar management, quality assurance, recipe development, inventory management, equipment oversight, regulatory compliance, and brewery team leadership.

This role works closely with ownership, culinary leadership, front‑of‑house management, and events teams to ensure the brewery remains innovative, operationally sound, financially responsible, and deeply connected to the guest experience.

Key Responsibilities

Brewing & Production

• Lead all day‑to‑day brewing and cellar operations
• Maintain beer quality, consistency, and freshness standards across all products
• Develop and execute production schedules based on business needs and seasonality
• Monitor fermentation, carbonation, packaging, and draft quality
• Maintain accurate brewing logs, SOPs, and production records
• Ensure proper sanitation and safety standards throughout brewery operations

Innovation & Product Development

• Develop new beer offerings, seasonal releases, and limited‑production features
• Collaborate with culinary and operations teams on beer dinners, pairings, events, and promotions
• Evaluate industry trends while maintaining alignment with Upstream’s identity and guest expectations
• Continuously improve recipes, processes, and efficiencies

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop brewery staff
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, collaboration, and pride
• Assist with hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management
• Work cross‑functionally with restaurant and operations leadership teams

Operations & Financial Management

• Manage brewery inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships
• Monitor product yields, loss, and overall operational efficiencies
• Support budget management, COGS control, and labor awareness
• Assist in evaluating equipment maintenance and future capital improvement needs
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal brewing regulations

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of brewing experience preferred, including production brewing leadership
• Strong understanding of brewing science, cellar operations, sanitation, and quality systems
• Experience developing recipes and managing production schedules
• Leadership experience within a brewery or hospitality environment strongly preferred
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced hospitality‑driven environment
• Passion for craft beer, hospitality, and continuous improvement

Formal brewing education or certifications are welcomed but not required for the right candidate with proven experience and leadership ability.

What We’re Looking For

• A brewer who is both creative and operationally disciplined
• Someone who values consistency as much as innovation
• A hospitality‑minded leader who understands the connection between the brewery, restaurant, and guest experience
• A team‑first individual who leads with professionalism, humility, and accountability
• Someone excited by the opportunity to help evolve and grow a long‑standing Omaha brewery

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation will be competitive and based on experience.

Benefits may include:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee dining and beverage privileges
• Growth and development opportunities
• Collaborative and creative work environment

To Apply

Please submit:

• Resume
• Brief introduction or cover letter
• Examples of beers, programs, or projects you’ve led or are proud of

We look forward to meeting passionate brewing professionals who are excited to be part of the next chapter at Upstream Brewing Company.