Packaging Lead in Leeds

Join one of the UK’s most respected independent breweries. Founded in Harrogate in 1993, Rooster’s Brewing Co. has been at the forefront of British craft beer for over 30 years. As one of the pioneers of modern hop-forward brewing in the UK, we’ve built an award-winning reputation while remaining proudly independent and family owned. Since 2011, the brewery has been owned and run by the Fozard family, who continue to invest in both the business and the people behind it. Today, we brew a wide range of beers from our purpose-built brewery, driven by a shared passion for quality, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.

If you're passionate about producing exceptional beer, enjoy practical, hands-on work and want to be part of a supportive, close-knit production team, we'd love to hear from you. We're committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong. If you feel you're underrepresented in the brewing industry, or don't meet every requirement but believe you'd be a great fit for the role, we value diverse perspectives and know that great people come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

About the Role:

As Packaging Lead, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring every beer leaving the brewery meets our exceptional quality standards. Working alongside the Head Brewer and Production Manager, you’ll oversee all aspects of our packaging operation, including canning, kegging, centrifuge operation, and conditioning. You’ll also help support other members of the production team, maintain equipment, and champion quality, hygiene, and safety throughout the brewery, while we continue to expand our operations. This is a hands-on, physically demanding role. It involves manual handling, lifting kegs and casks, operating production machinery, and spending much of the day on your feet. We’re looking for someone who enjoys practical work, thrives in a busy production environment, and takes pride in doing things properly.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oversee packaging operations including line start-ups, product changeovers, equipment operation, and end-of-run cleaning.
• Ensure packaged products meet the brewery’s specifications by monitoring fill levels, carbonation, and can seam integrity, as well as conducting internal lab analysis and adhering to HACCP and SALSA standards.
• Maintain accurate production records and report any faults to line managers.

Detailed Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oversee the preparation and packaging of beer allocated from brewing schedule.
• Operate the centrifuge in line with product specifications.
• Operate and maintain MicroCan CL5 canning line and keg filling equipment.
• Identify and address any quality issues / concerns that may arise during packaging of beer.
• Provide guidance and technical support to production team members on packaging techniques and procedures.
• Immediately report any problems or concerns to Head Brewer or Production Manager.
• CIP centrifuge, conditioning vessels and packaging equipment when required.
• Monitor and measure pre-packaging checks including CO2, DO, TPO and haze.
• Strictly adhere to process procedures and cleaning regimes whilst maintaining a clean and sanitary brewing environment, adhering to all food safety regulations.
• Always follow strict Health and Safety and COSHH guidelines.
• Carry out any process requirements during conditioning (e.g. dry-hopping, carrying out finings tests, adding finings) where required.
• Wash dirty casks & kegs when required.
• Fill casks, ensuring correct and accurate quantities of finings used.
• Fill kegs to correct volume and pressure.
• Transfer beer, post fermentation, vessel to vessel when required.

What We’re Looking For:

• Technical Knowledge: A deep understanding and experience of the canning and kegging process.
• Qualifications: Professional brewing packaging qualification such as CIBD GCP and HACCP Level 2 or above are desirable, but not essential. Training / further education can be offered.
• Quality Assurance: Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain consistent quality standards.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot packaging issues and find solutions quickly.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication with other departments, including sales, marketing, and management.

Why Join Rooster’s?

• Your birthday off every year.
• 29 days holiday (including bank holidays and birthday), increasing with long service.
• 25% discount in the Rooster’s Taproom.
• Generous staff discounts on our webshop and full cases of beer.
• Free breakfast every day for the production & packaging team.