Head Brewer

Job Title: Head Brewer

Job Type: Full-Time

Wage Type: Salary

Compensation: $50,000-55,000

Benefits: Health contribution, paid time off

Start Date: March 2023

About Us

Gathering Place Brewing Co. (GPBC) is an independent production brewery with taproom locations in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood and Wauwatosa. We craft European-inspired beer perfect for gathering with family and friends. Since opening in August 2017 we have developed a strong following and have been nominated for Best Craft Brewery and Best Taproom in Milwaukee by local publications. We have grown each year and are on track to produce roughly 750-800 barrels in 2023.

The brewery features a 7 bbl brewhouse with five 14 bbl fermenters and one 14 bbl brite tank. Our beer is served in our 125-person tasting room and 100+ local bars and restaurants. Additionally, we have a canning line and distribute packaged beer to 100+ liquor and grocery stores in Southeast Wisconsin, including Sendik’s, Woodman’s, Festival Foods, and all Outpost locations. We opened a second taproom in East Wauwatosa in October 2022 that seats 60 inside with an additional 80 on the patio. 

We strive to make GPBC a cornerstone of the community and want people to see our brewery as a place to gather. GPBC donates at least 1% of sales to local non-profit organizations. We believe that the community should grow and prosper as GPBC grows and prospers.  

About the Position

The Head Brewer will lead the company’s brewing operations and be responsible for managing the brewing, fermentation, cellaring, and packaging activities.

The Head Brewer will develop and execute the brewing schedule to maintain a consistent supply of high quality beer for service in our taprooms and for outside distribution. We have a combination of year-round and seasonal beers that will continue, but we expect the Head Brewer to develop new recipes and put their skills, tastes, and personality into our beer lineup.

The Head Brewer will be responsible for maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment in the brewhouse and storage area. This position will oversee and manage the brewing team which currently includes a 30-hour/week cellerperson. The Head Brewer will continue developing this person into an assistant brewer role. We will expand the brewing team over time on the recommendation and guidance of the Head Brewer. 

The Head Brewer will actively communicate with the President and other members of the leadership team regarding brewing operations. This position will work closely with the Sales Associate to understand market conditions and adjust the production schedule accordingly. Additionally, the Head Brewer will work alongside the Taproom Manager and Marketing Associate to ensure two-way communication on beers, events, and programming. 

This is a full-time, salaried position that reports directly to the President. The successful candidate will excel working autonomously and in conjunction with others. The Head Brewer will be a member of the brewery’s leadership team, along with the President, Taproom Manager, Marketing Associate, and Sales Associate. The person in this role will have significant input in shaping how the position evolves over time. 

Responsibilities

• Develop new recipes and improve existing recipes with input from leadership team
• Set the brewing schedule and maintain inventories of raw materials and finished beer
• Ensure the highest quality and consistency through use of best practices to monitor and troubleshoot fermentation, in-process, and finished beer
• Manage yeast per best practices and industry standards, including pitching, cropping, and monitoring yeast
• Maintain the cleaning and sanitation of all equipment and work areas 
• Manage the brewing team, including setting schedules, ensuring the quality of work, and developing the knowledge and skills of the brewing team members
• Help develop and improve existing standard operating procedures that ensure all aspects of beer production and packaging align with safety, sanitary, and quality protocols while allowing for process improvement and workflow efficiency       
• Perform equipment maintenance, troubleshooting problems that arise, and repair as needed
• Assist the owner and other team members in developing growth strategies; assist in hiring and training employees; effectively communicate (written and oral) with the President and others to create a supportive work environment                                    
• Be an active brewery representative, including attending promotional events and festivals, occasionally participating in tours and other educational and marketing events which may require night and weekend availability                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Qualifications

• 3 years professional experience as a production brewer
• Formal brewing training (certificate/diploma) from a recognized and accredited brewing program (Siebel, UC-Davis, etc.) preferred
• Strong knowledge of brewing techniques, quality control, lab analytics and interpreting the results, yeast management, cleaning and sanitation, cellaring and packaging, and brewery equipment
• Experience in recipe formulation and development; a high degree of curiosity to use new ingredients and flavor combinations
• Knowledge of developing and documenting formalized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all brewery processes
• A commitment to safety and quality by following industry standards, best practices, and OSHA regulations and requirements
• Strong organization and time management skills and attention to detail; ability to multitask
• Ability to work well as a member of a team, lead others, and work independently
• Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to give and take constructive feedback
• A friendly attitude and willingness to interact with customers in the brewery and at festivals and other events
• Strong work ethic and flexibility as the brewery continues to grow 

Physical Abilities

• Ability to lift 55 pounds and move up to 165 pounds safely
• Ability to work in confined spaces, with a clear demonstration of safe work practices
• Must have the ability to regularly stand for long periods of time, perform tasks that require dexterity and precision
• Ability to work near moving mechanical parts
• Ability to frequently reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch
• Frequently exposed to wet conditions, exposure and handling of caustic chemicals
• Ability to work in to work in a loud environment with temperature fluctuation and humidity

The ideal candidate will be passionate about craft beer, passionate about the community, and seek ways to connect the two. Our staff wears multiple hats to ensure tasks are completed and the business is successful. We seek an individual who will be a team player and have a similar willingness to pitch in to get the job done. This position is a great way to break into the craft brewing industry and may lead to other and additional responsibilities over time. 

Gathering Place Brewing values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity employment. We encourage members of the BIPOC community and those from underrepresented groups to apply. 

Please send a resume and cover letter to joe@gatheringplacebrewing.com.