At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead all brewing operations and ensure high-quality beer production.
- Company: Respected UK brewery with a focus on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Hands-on role in a fast-paced environment with opportunities for improvement.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make your mark in the brewing industry.
- Qualifications: 5+ years brewing experience and strong team leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
A growing and highly respected brewery within the UK drinks sector is looking to appoint an experienced and commercially aware Head Brewer to lead all brewing and production operations. As part of continued growth, this is a fantastic opportunity for a technically strong brewing professional to take ownership of end-to-end beer production, quality standards, team leadership, and continuous improvement across the brewery. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced production environment, enjoys leading teams, and is passionate about delivering high-quality products while driving operational efficiency and innovation.
The Role:
- Leading all brewhouse operations including mashing, boiling, whirlpool, and transfers
- Managing fermentation schedules, yeast health, and yeast cropping
- Overseeing conditioning, carbonation, and dissolved oxygen (DO) control throughout production
- Optimising brew lengths, yields, and minimising production losses
- Approving recipes and supporting new product development initiatives
- Maintaining accurate brew logs, production documentation, and reporting systems
- Ensuring compliance with BRCGS / SALSA and wider food safety standards
- Supporting and maintaining HACCP procedures across the brewery
- Investigating product non-conformances and implementing corrective actions
- Ensuring cleaning regimes and CIP validation procedures are consistently followed
- Supporting preventative maintenance schedules and basic fault finding where required
- Managing weekly and monthly production plans alongside tank utilisation
- Monitoring raw material stock levels and approving material specifications
- Leading, developing, and training the brewing team
- Driving health & safety standards across all brewing operations
- Identifying opportunities for yield improvement, oxygen reduction, and process efficiency gains
- Supporting wider operational cost control initiatives
About You:
- Minimum 5 years’ commercial brewing experience within a production brewery environment
- Previous experience managing and developing production or brewing teams
- Strong technical knowledge across recipe formulation, fermentation, yeast handling, and oxygen control
- Experience within beverage mixing, blending, or flavoured beer production would be highly advantageous
- Good understanding of BRCGS / SALSA or equivalent food safety standards
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving capability within a production setting
- Experience using production planning and reporting systems
- Formal brewing qualifications (IBD, Heriot-Watt or equivalent) would be advantageous
- Experience with centrifuges, high-speed canning lines, or high-gravity brewing is desirable
- Exposure to non / low alcohol beverage manufacturing would be beneficial
- Flexible and hands-on approach within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Head Brewer in Southampton employer: Advocate Group
Join a dynamic and innovative brewery that values quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement. As a Head Brewer, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and creativity, while enjoying the unique advantage of working in a fast-paced environment dedicated to producing exceptional beers. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on operational excellence, this is an excellent opportunity for brewing professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the UK drinks sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Brewer in Southampton
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Advocate Group.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Advocate Group!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Advocate Group, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Advocate Group, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Brewer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Advocate Group, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Advocate Group.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Advocate Group. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Advocate Group. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Advocate Group
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Advocate Group’s mission.
