Shift Brewer in Hebden Bridge

At Vocation Brewery, we believe beer should be an experience. We brew beers of substance, integrity and importantly, bold flavour. Whatever their style, all our beers are distinctly Vocation; interesting, worthy of comment, and a pleasure to enjoy. We have always followed our own path and sought to challenge convention. We continue to brew perched at the top of a hill, a place out on its own. It’s not the easiest place to get to, but it’s somewhere we have space to think and space to brew. We continue to brew in a spirit of independence and camaraderie to make original beers that stand out from the crowd. Our ambition is boundless, driven by a thirst to change drinkers’ perceptions and experiences of beer. Our success to date has been built on innovation, and this remains our relentless passion. We work hard to move things on and make things better. Our beers are the work of many hands. We pride ourselves on our team spirit, on shared triumphs over adversities and shared values. We believe that success is earned and shared and that we win when we are at our best…always. In short, we love what we do.

As a Shift Brewer, you are responsible for delivering safe, efficient and high-quality brewing operations during your shift. Working within a team of experienced brewers and reporting to the Senior Brewer, you play a hands-on role across brewing, fermentation and processing activities. You ensure that production plans are executed accurately, quality standards are maintained and operational targets are met. You are accountable for following and upholding SOPs, maintaining hygiene and CIP standards, recording accurate process data and responding quickly to any operational issues. You take ownership of your area – ensuring materials are organised, downtime is minimised and handovers between shifts are thorough and professional. This is a role that requires discipline, resilience and pride in process. You are expected to actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, applying 5S and CI principles to improve efficiency and eliminate waste. You do not simply operate equipment – you look for ways to make it better.

As part of the brewing team, you understand that exceptional beer is the result of consistent standards, teamwork and shared accountability. You contribute positively to shift briefings, support colleagues when needed and uphold the high standards that define Vocation. This role is a rotating shift role (days, late, nights). Flexibility in working arrangements is required and the requirement to cover fermentation activities over weekend and bank holidays according to a shared rota.

About You

You take pride in doing things properly and consistently. You follow processes carefully, maintain high standards and ensure that beer quality is never compromised. You pay attention to detail and understand that consistency in brewing and packaging is critical to delivering the Vocation brand. You take ownership of your work and strive to improve standards wherever possible. You actively apply 5S, visual management and continuous improvement principles to help improve efficiency and maintain a well-organised working environment.

Success is earned

You are reliable, disciplined and take responsibility for delivering your shift objectives. You follow SOPs, safety procedures and production plans with care and consistency. You respond quickly to issues and take a practical, problem-solving approach to minimising downtime and maintaining production flow. You remain calm under pressure and focus on resolving problems effectively. You take accountability for your area, ensuring production records are accurate, materials are managed correctly and operational targets are achieved.

Success is shared

You work well as part of a team and support your colleagues to ensure smooth operations across shifts. You communicate clearly during shift handovers and contribute positively to team briefings. You actively support the development of others by sharing knowledge, helping to train new starters and reinforcing best practice on shift. You take responsibility for maintaining standards within the team, not just your own work. You understand that great beer is the result of teamwork and shared responsibility. You are willing to help others, offer guidance and contribute to a positive, collaborative working environment. You take pride in being part of a team that delivers consistent, high-quality beer and supports each other to succeed.

Key results

• Carry out brewing, fermentation and processing tasks in line with production plans.
• Ensure production targets are met during your shift.
• Operate equipment safely and efficiently.
• Ensure materials are organised and available at point of use.
• Follow SOPs for all brewing and production activities.
• Maintain accurate production and quality records.
• Ensure beer meets required specifications for flavour, quality and packaging.
• Perform CIP processes and verify cleaning standards.
• Follow all health and safety procedures and report hazards immediately.
• Maintain high hygiene and housekeeping standards at all times.
• Complete asset care and cleaning tasks as required.
• Ensure safe systems of work are followed.
• Apply 5S and continuous improvement principles in daily work.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Record and monitor downtime, responding quickly to stoppages.
• Escalate maintenance issues in a timely manner.
• Take ownership of your area and ensure smooth operation during your shift.
• Complete clear, accurate and professional shift handovers.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and supervisors.
• Contribute positively to team briefings and discussions.

Key skills and experience

• Understanding of brewing processes or experience within a production environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow processes accurately.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Disciplined to organise own workload and work unsupervised.
• Awareness of HACCP / food safety / experience in a FMCG environment.
• Independent means to get to site for 3 shift system / weekend work.
• Commercial brewing experience.
• Brewing qualification or relevant scientific degree.
• Experience working with SOPs, quality systems or production records.
• Experience using continuous improvement tools (5S, CI).