Head Brewer - Drake's Brewing Company

Nosh.com; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 65,700 - 80,300; Full time

Job summary

Nosh.com is seeking a Head Brewer in San Leandro, California, responsible for supervising brewing operations and maintaining high-quality standards. This role involves managing a team of brewers, ensuring safety procedures are followed, and co-authoring operational guidelines.

The ideal candidate will have significant production brewing experience and be able to communicate effectively while leading a team. This full-time position offers a starting salary from $73,000 per year and the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Proven production brewing and leadership experience.
• Extensive knowledge of brewing practices and equipment.
• Ability to communicate and manage effectively.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage brewers and raw material handlers.
• Co-author standard operating procedures and ensure compliance.
• Oversee maintenance of beer production areas.

Skills

Production brewing experience

Leadership and coaching

Technical competence

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Education

5 years of production brewing experience

2 years of production leadership experience

Tools

Brewing equipment

Cleaning agents

Job description

Position: Head Brewer

Reports to: Director of Brewing Operations

Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Rate: From $73,000 per Year

The Head Brewer supervises the operation of both our 15-barrel and our 60-barrel brewing systems including milling, mashing, lautering, boiling, hop additions, whirlpool, and wort cooling. The Head Brewer is responsible for maintaining the timeliness, accuracy, and consistency of all elements of production brewing. As a team leader, this role is responsible for maintaining a healthy and positive team environment and provides management and supervision for respective brewers. The Head Brewer is also responsible for successfully meeting targeted production metrics. The Head Brewer maintains hands‑on responsibilities as a Brewer position, which include pre‑ and post‑cleaning and sanitation of all transfer lines and vessels, as well as cellar tasks such as yeast pitching and parts and hose maintenance. The Head Brewer will be responsible for coordinating and maintaining shift cohesiveness with other teams.

Job Responsibilities/Main Functions/Main Tasks

• Supervise and manage brewers and raw materials handlers, providing feedback, coaching, discipline or evaluations
• Work closely with the Brewmaster to achieve comprehensive production goals
• Co-author standard operating procedures and guidelines and coordinate with fellow Brewers to ensure cohesiveness
• Ensure execution of SOP’s
• Follow all safety procedures
• Order and ensure accurate inventory and quality management of raw materials and chemicals
• Guarantee accurate daily production records per company and federal requirements
• Oversee the shift maintenance of all beer production areas including equipment (e.g., mill room, brewhouse, fermentation, filtration, spent grain area, bulk grain and grain storage area, as well as all walkways and driveways around or leading to brewhouse and cellar)
• Assist maintenance technicians with equipment maintenance and repairs
• Follow daily and weekly cleaning schedules to maintain a clean working environment
• Represent Drake’s Brewing Company at beer festivals and other events
• Other duties as assigned

Core Competencies

• Leadership: Sets a positive example by following all Drake’s policies. Treats all staff members with respect and coaches and motivates employees.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others; contributes to the team's shared goal.
• Multitasking: Manages more than one competing task at a time; shifts priorities to achieve goals.
• Workload & Time-Management: Uses time productively and effectively; stays focused and meets deadlines.
• Technical Competence: Applies knowledge from formal training or extensive on‑job experience to perform the job; evaluates and advises on technical issues.
• Attention to Detail: Performs work thoroughly and conscientiously.
• Developing Team: Understands the needs, interests, strengths, and weaknesses of others, and holds team members accountable.
• Problem‑Solving: Identifies problems, evaluates options, and makes recommendations.
• Temperament: Handles conflicts calmly and with self‑awareness.
• Judgment: Makes fair and defensible decisions.
• Resilience: Remains flexible and durable in high‑stress situations; maintains a positive attitude.
• Effective Communication Skills: Presents information clearly, concisely, and logically; practices radical candor and reads between the lines.
• Passion for Hospitality, Good Food, and Craft Beer: Committed to providing the best possible guest experience and learning about craft beer.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 5 years of production brewing experience
• 2 years of production leadership experience
• Extensive knowledge of practices, methods, tools and equipment used in production brewing
• Ability to interpret technical bulletins and schematics related to equipment
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Excellent communication skills
• High level of professionalism
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team
• Ability to identify tasks that need to be completed and assign them to direct reports
• Working knowledge of the cellar process
• Understanding the role of sanitation in beer making
• Ability to safely handle cleaning and sanitizing agents
• Ability to work in a shared environment and be respectful of others
• Willingness to make difficult or unpopular decisions when necessary

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to frequently sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and climb
• Ability to communicate with management and other team members
• Ability to sit for periods of time and use a computer and other office equipment
• Ability to frequently lift at least 55 lb., move at least 180 lb., and work standing for several hours
• Ability to work safely around chemicals, loud noises, hot environments, wet environments, and other potential hazards
• Ability to frequently reach with hands and arms; use hands to touch or handle objects, tools, or controls