Brewmaster / Head Brewer

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Health benefits

Paid time off

Beer allowance

Access to brewing facilities

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, seeks an experienced Brewmaster/Head Brewer to lead the production team through the full brewing cycle, from recipe development to packaging and quality control.

The right candidate will bring deep brewing knowledge, a track record of creating innovative beers, strong leadership, and a commitment to quality, safety, and regulatory compliance in a collaborative craft brewery environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of professional brewing experience with 2-3 years in a Head Brewer or Brewmaster role.
• Deep understanding of brewing science, fermentation, and sensory analysis.
• Proven experience in recipe development and a strong portfolio of successful beer creations.
• Knowledge of brewing equipment and process control systems.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in inventory management and cost control.
• Strong commitment to quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
• A degree or formal qualification in Brewing, Fermentation Science, Food Science, or a related discipline is highly desirable.
• Passion for craft beer and the ability to innovate within diverse styles.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional nights and weekends, as required by the brewing cycle.

Responsibilities

• Develop, scale-up, and implement innovative beer recipes across a range of styles.
• Oversee all aspects of the brewing process, from mashing and boiling to fermentation and conditioning.
• Manage raw material procurement, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Implement and maintain rigorous quality control measures throughout the brewing cycle.
• Supervise and mentor the brewing team, fostering a culture of learning and excellence.
• Manage yeast propagation and health programs.
• Ensure efficient cellar operations and timely packaging of finished products.
• Maintain and operate brewing equipment, troubleshooting issues as they arise.
• Adhere to all health, safety, and hygiene standards within the brewery.
• Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams on new product launches and promotions.

Skills

Brewing science

Recipe development

Quality assurance

Leadership & team management

Communication skills

Inventory management

Cost control

Regulatory compliance

Fermentation science

Education

Brewing/Fermentation Science degree

Tools

Brewing equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned craft brewery celebrated for its innovative and high-quality beers, is seeking an experienced and visionary Brewmaster / Head Brewer to lead their production team in Paarl, Western Cape. This senior role is responsible for the entire brewing process, from recipe development and raw material sourcing to fermentation, maturation, and quality control. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of brewing science, a creative flair for recipe formulation, and a strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards of beer quality and consistency. You will be instrumental in driving the brewery's reputation for excellence and exploring new frontiers in craft beer. This is a unique opportunity to work in the heart of a celebrated winemaking and brewing region, contributing to the vibrant craft beverage scene in the Western Cape. A key focus will be on innovation, developing new and exciting beer styles while ensuring the consistent production of flagship beers. We are looking for an artisan who can blend technical expertise with a passion for brewing, leading a dedicated team to produce world-class beverages. Your leadership will set the standard for quality and creativity within the brewery.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, scale-up, and implement innovative beer recipes across a range of styles.
• Oversee all aspects of the brewing process, from mashing and boiling to fermentation and conditioning.
• Manage raw material procurement, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Implement and maintain rigorous quality control measures throughout the brewing cycle.
• Supervise and mentor the brewing team, fostering a culture of learning and excellence.
• Manage yeast propagation and health programs.
• Ensure efficient cellar operations and timely packaging of finished products.
• Maintain and operate brewing equipment, troubleshooting issues as they arise.
• Adhere to all health, safety, and hygiene standards within the brewery.
• Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams on new product launches and promotions.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5-7 years of professional brewing experience, with at least 2-3 years in a Head Brewer or Brewmaster role.
• A deep understanding of brewing science, fermentation, and sensory analysis.
• Proven experience in recipe development and a strong portfolio of successful beer creations.
• Knowledge of brewing equipment and process control systems.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in inventory management and cost control.
• Strong commitment to quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
• A degree or formal qualification in Brewing, Fermentation Science, Food Science, or a related discipline is highly desirable.
• Passion for craft beer and the ability to innovate within diverse styles.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional nights and weekends, as required by the brewing cycle.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary with performance-based bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities.
• Comprehensive health benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• A generous beer allowance.
• Access to state-of-the-art brewing facilities.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development within the rapidly growing craft beer industry.
• A creative and collaborative work environment, allowing you to bring your brewing vision to life in the picturesque surroundings of Paarl, Western Cape.