Assistant Manager, Brewing Quality Assurance (SAPB)

About the Role

Lead the Quality Mission of the Brewing Department at the Samuel Adams Brewery in Breinigsville, PA. Work daily with the Brewing team to improve brewing processes through the use of SPC, Lean, and other Quality tools. This position serves as the backup to the Brewery SQF Practitioner and requires an intimate knowledge of brewing processes to consistently produce products in specification.

Responsibilities

• Analyze quality, microbiological, sensory, and process data to identify trends, assess risks, and drive proactive quality improvements across brewery operations.
• Utilize statistical and problem-solving tools to improve process capability, reduce variation, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Partner cross-functionally with Brewing, Operations, Research & Development, Planning, Corporate Quality, and other stakeholders to support brewery-wide quality initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
• Support a 24/7 brewing operation by providing final quality approval for product release and disposition decisions based on analytical, microbiological, and sensory results.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective and preventive action activities to address quality deviations, non-conformances, and consumer complaints.
• Monitor consumer complaints, audit findings, and inspection results to identify trends, mitigate risks, and implement sustainable improvements.
• Support and maintain site quality systems, including HACCP, supplier quality management, food defense, food safety, regulatory compliance, and certification requirements.
• Conduct daily and monthly brewery inspections to verify compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), document findings, and communicate opportunities for improvement to site leadership.
• Actively participate in sensory evaluation programs and taste panels to support product quality assessments and continuous product improvement.
• Serve as a quality champion by promoting a culture of quality excellence, food safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Develop, review, revise, and maintain Brewing Quality Assurance Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure compliance, accuracy, and alignment with operational, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee employee training and compliance with current SOPs, quality standards, laboratory practices, and food safety requirements to ensure the consistent execution of quality programs.
• Supervise laboratory personnel to ensure work is performed safely, effectively, and efficiently while providing coaching, training, development, and performance feedback to maintain a high-performing team.
• Conduct and document performance evaluations for hourly employees, establish development plans, and support succession planning and employee growth.
• Maintain proficiency across laboratory and quality functions to provide technical support, operational coverage, and guidance as needed.
• Oversee laboratory equipment qualification, calibration, maintenance, and service programs to ensure equipment remains fit for use and compliant with internal, industry, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the procurement and inventory management of laboratory supplies, consumables, and materials required to support quality operations.
• Support product and process trials by coordinating sample collection, test execution, data analysis, interpretation of results, and documentation to ensure quality standards and project objectives are met.
• Maintain awareness of emerging industry trends, technologies, testing methodologies, and best practices to support innovation and continuous improvement within the brewery.
• Act on behalf of the Quality Manager during absences, ensuring continuity of departmental operations, representing Quality in meetings and interactions with internal and external stakeholders, and preparing or communicating quality reports, metrics, and escalations as required.

Requirements

• 4-year/Bachelor’s Degree in a related science: Chemistry, Microbiology, or Food Science.
• 3-5 years of experience in an analytical laboratory in a Lean Manufacturing environment (brewing preferred).
• Analytical testing experience using GC, spectrophotometer, and densitometer.
• Previous supervisory experience.
• Strong communication skills.
• Tech-savvy; proficient with Excel, Word, Access, and Outlook.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed, which may require 12-hour days, weekends, and holidays.
• Working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and Food Defense principles (desired).

Physical Demands

• Pass a pre-employment physical exam to comply with specific role requirements.
• Certain roles may require the use of a respirator and passing the associated fit test.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, sometimes repeatedly.
• Regular walking and standing for long periods of time (up to 11 hours a day) on concrete, metal, and grated surfaces.
• Responsibilities may require crouching, stepping over, crawling under, bending, twisting, climbing, and reaching above head and shoulders repeatedly throughout the day.
• Responsibilities may require climbing flights of stairs, working from heights, or on elevated platforms.
• Ability to wear assigned PPE (safety shoes, gloves, facemask, hearing protection, and hard hat).
• Established dexterity to handle materials, operate equipment, and interface with computer systems with precision.
• Some roles (e.g., forklift operator) may require sitting for prolonged periods and having strong peripheral vision and depth perception.

Working Conditions

• 24/7 production environment.
• Frequent exposure to loud and constant noise.
• Non-environmentally conditioned spaces which may lead to extreme hot and cold temperatures.
• Operating environment is complex and densely populated with production equipment and forklifts, necessitating high situational awareness.

Pay

The salary range for this role is between $82,000 and $141,000. The starting salary within this range is dependent on related experience, skillset, and location. This position also qualifies for a discretionary annual bonus based on company and individual performance.

Benefits

• Healthcare coverage starting on day one.
• Stock purchase plan.
• 401k retirement plan.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Fertility/adoption support.
• Free financial coaching.
• Health & wellness program and discounts.
• Professional development & training.
• Free beer (eligibility discussed with recruiter).