Head Brewer

Job Summary

The Head Brewer at Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery is responsible for leading all aspects of the brewery, from recipe development to quality assurance, and collaborating with the Board of Directors to align operations with the cooperative's vision.

About the Role

As the Head Brewer, you will be the face of the brewhouse, working directly with member-owners and taproom patrons. You will oversee the entire brewing process, from mashing to fermentation, and collaborate with the Beertender Lead and the Board of Directors to ensure exceptional quality and efficient production.

Responsibilities

• Execute the complete brewing process from milling to wort production to fermentation on a 7 bbl system.
• Design and scale new recipes, including classic PNW IPAs and lagers, as well as non-beer alternatives like seltzers and hop water.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop the brew schedule, balancing diversity of styles with historical sales.
• Maintain meticulous adherence to QA/QC standards; effectively identify, troubleshoot, and resolve any beer production or quality issues.
• Lead and execute a brewery cleaning, chemical safety, and sanitation program.
• Oversee yeast health, propagation, harvesting, and pitching protocols.
• Manage raw materials, hops contracts, packaging supplies, and chemical inventories while maintaining a corresponding operational budget.
• Maintain accurate production logs, batch records, and safety documentation in alignment with state, federal, and environmental regulations.
• Sourcing high-quality raw materials; managing budgets and vendor relationships.
• Partner with the Beertender Lead and the Board of Directors to align brewery operations with the Cooperative's long-term vision and strategic goals.
• Assist in the development and execution of both on-site and off-site community events, promotions, and collaborations with other local breweries and cooperatives.
• Provide technical beer education and training to tasting room staff and community volunteers as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of commercial brewing experience in a microbrewery, production brewery, or brewpub environment.
• Proven mastery of American-style ales, traditional styles, and modern craft trends.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with a genuine willingness to incorporate multiple considerations into brewing decisions.
• Deep understanding of yeast propagation, laboratory basics, mechanical troubleshooting, and rigorous CIP procedures.
• Familiarity and experience in managing inventory and record keeping.
• Independent, highly organized, and driven to achieve exceptional results without constant supervision.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a Head Brewer, Brewmaster, or Lead Brewer with proven experience managing commercial production volumes.
• Experience managing recipe creation, product and packaging records, and inventory management with Breww.
• Experience and familiarity with local and regional beer festivals. Knowledge of basic jockey box setup, operations, and tear down.
• Ability to lift 55 lbs repeatedly and move 165 lb kegs safely.
• Ability to stand, bend, twist, and work in hot, cold, wet, and loud environments for extended periods.
• Comfort working with brewery chemicals and wearing appropriate PPE.