Head Brewer

Head Brewer

Job Summary

The Head Brewer is the senior-most member of the Strong Rope Brewery production team, responsible for the overall vision, strategy, and execution of the brewery’s beer program that focuses on using 100% New York State malt and hops. This role combines hands-on brewing and technical oversight with recipe development, production planning, and team leadership. The Head Brewer will ensure that every beer produced meets Strong Rope Brewery’s quality standards while fostering innovation, efficiency, and a positive work environment.

Key Responsibilities

Recipe Development & Innovation

• Create and refine recipes that reflect Strong Rope Brewery’s brand identity and quality expectations.
• Oversee all pilot batches, special releases, and seasonal beers from concept through execution.
• Maintain consistency across core brands while implementing improvements where appropriate.

Production Management

• Develop and manage the overall production schedule to meet sales, distribution, and taproom demands.
• Supervise all stages of brewing, cellaring, packaging, and quality control.
• Troubleshoot brewing, cellar, and packaging issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain and optimize production processes for efficiency and consistency.

Team Leadership & Training

• Directly oversee the production team — providing mentorship, training, and professional development.
• Conduct regular production meetings, set clear goals, and communicate priorities.
• Foster a collaborative, safety-focused, and high-performing team culture.

Inventory & Recordkeeping

• Oversee all ingredient and material inventory, ensuring timely ordering and cost control.
• Maintain complete, accurate records in the brewery’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) database system.
• Track ingredient usage, production yields, and packaging outputs for analysis and forecasting.

Quality Assurance & Safety

• Implement and monitor quality control protocols from raw materials through finished beer.
• Ensure all team members follow cleaning, sanitation, and safety procedures.
• Lead safety training and maintain compliance with OSHA and other applicable regulations.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Work closely with ownership, sales, taproom, and distribution teams to align production with business goals.
• Represent Strong Rope Brewery at industry events, collaborations, and public engagements.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in a production brewery, including leadership roles.
• Formal brewing education or advanced brewing coursework preferred.
• Experience working with New York ingredients and farmers a plus.
• Familiarity with brewing software or ERP systems a plus.
• Proven expertise in recipe formulation, production planning, and brewery operations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to work in a collaborative work environment.
• Ability to lift 55+ lbs, move full kegs, work at heights, and work safely around hot liquids and chemicals.

Working Conditions

This is a physically demanding, hands-on, full-time leadership role. The Head Brewer will spend significant time in the brewhouse, cellar, and packaging areas while also performing administrative and strategic planning tasks. The position requires flexibility, adaptability, and a passion for both the craft and the team that makes it possible.