At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead 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 creativity.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make your mark in the brewing industry.
- Qualifications: 5+ years brewing experience and strong 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
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 employer: The Advocate Group
Join a dynamic and innovative brewery that values quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement. As a Head Brewer, you'll be part of a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and development, with opportunities to lead a passionate team in a fast-paced environment. Located in the heart of the UK drinks sector, this role offers a unique chance to make a significant impact on production operations while enjoying the benefits of working for a respected and growing company.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Brewer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow brewers, industry contacts, and even local brewery events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Head Brewer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for brewing shine through. Talk about your favourite recipes or innovations you've implemented – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss fermentation schedules, yeast health, and quality control. We want you to impress them with your expertise and problem-solving skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who can lead teams and drive innovation in brewing.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Brewer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Brewing:When writing your application, let your love for brewing shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your technical skills and passion for producing high-quality beer. We want to see how you can bring that enthusiasm to our team.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head Brewer role. Highlight relevant experience in managing brewing operations and leading teams. We appreciate when applicants take the time to align their skills with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and responsibilities in previous roles. We value clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit for the job!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our brewery and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Advocate Group
✨Know Your Brewing Process Inside Out
Make sure you can confidently discuss every aspect of the brewing process, from mashing to fermentation and conditioning. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've optimised these processes in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Brewer, you'll be leading a team, so highlight your experience in managing and developing brewing teams. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to motivate others and drive operational efficiency.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about yeast health, oxygen control, and BRCGS/SALSA compliance. Brush up on these topics and be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges related to them in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Quality
Talk about your commitment to delivering high-quality products. Share any initiatives you've led to improve quality standards or reduce production losses, showing that you're not just technically skilled but also passionate about brewing.
