Brewery Production Manager (Full Time) (Production) (Brewer)

Located on the banks of beautiful Lake James and under the backdrop of the rugged Linville Gorge, we are an Appalachian farmhouse brewery situated on 15 acres of a historic dairy farm. Fonta Flora Brewery integrates the soul of agriculture with the artisanship of zymurgy to create a menagerie of rustic and savory libations. With an emphasis on seasonal flora, Fonta Flora brings English tradition and Belgian inspiration to the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina by utilizing local artists to help conceptualize the notion that fermentation is yet another medium for creating art. This uniquely artisan approach to beer yields a sustainable product filled with culture from our very own community.

We are currently seeking a full-time Brewery Production Manager to manage the daily beer production and packaging processes.

Job Purpose

The Brewery Production Manager (BPM) will be responsible for daily management of the Production team and processes. The position will have oversight for the hands-on operation of the production lines, as well as training/cross training of new and current staff. The BPM will act as support to the Head of Brewing Operations and will fill in, as needed. The BPM should be a capable Team Leader who creates cohesion and process improvements while promoting a positive environment amongst the Production team. The time expectation for the position will be Monday-Friday day shifts.

The successful candidate for this role will be heavily focused on Production Processes and Team Leadership. The individual should possess brewing knowledge and have the ability to learn, speak, and train the Fonta Flora story and the beers we produce. In addition, the BPM must possess attention to detail to complete tasks and hold staff accountable for proper procedures. Experience with scheduling, training, and leading shifts will be crucial to success.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the Brewery Production Manager must be a proud representative of the Fonta Flora brand and culture we strive to curate.

ERRDAY Job Tasks

-      Responsible for all operations in the brewery. Responsible for all things production from milling grain to canning and bottling and everything in between. This includes brewing beer, beer transfers, barrel work, all aspects of packaging, and all tank and line cleaning and sanitation

-      Production management to ensure all scheduled actions are being performed with the finest attention to detail.

-      Responsible for maintaining a clean and clutter free work environment

-      Operate and maintain all brewery equipment; including mill, all brewhouse equipment (vessels, valves, burners, flow meters, controllers and probes), fermentation tanks, hoses and parts, packaging equipment (all aspects of wild goose canning line, meheen bottler, and GW Kent gravity filler and rinser), and cellar (keg washer, brite tanks, glycol controllers)

-      Working alongside Head of Brewing Operations and directly with outside company service departments to find solutions to ongoing issues on equipment

-      Communicating and ordering from vendors

-      Working with Packaging Lead to ensure all inventory is accounted for as needed including cans, bottles, pak teks, labels, etc.

-      Manage and train new and part time staff

-      Record and keep impeccable production records through existing spreadsheets and data logs

-      Ability to create and adhere to preventative maintenance schedule

-      Working with Head of Brewing Operations to ensure all scheduled items are adhered to and adjusted if needed.

-      Finding ways to maintain and increase brewhouse, fermentation and packaging efficiencies.

-      Starting and ending each day with short meetings amongst production crew on goals and targets for the day and week.

-      Maintain high team morale along with positive culture

-      Checking and maintaining well water and gas supply

-      Manage preventive maintenance and equipment service processes

-      Maintain open and continuous communication with Production staff and serve as a point of contact for their inquiries, suggestions, or concerns

-      Ensure a safe working environment, while identifying and recommending corrective actions for safety issues.

-      Ensure a positive work environment for the Production team, while responding to and resolving all issues in partnership with Head of Brewing Operations and HR

-      Manage individual administrative duties and paperwork professionally

-      Understand and comply with all federal, state, and local laws

-      Proudly represent the Fonta Flora brand both on and off site

-      Other tasks as assigned

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

-         Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a Brewing environment; 1 year of direct Brewing Production experience

-         Some experience in all aspects of production- brewing, cellar, barrelwork, packaging.

-         Background or knowledge in maintenance and troubleshooting equipment

-         Experience with brewing software

-         Mechanical aptitude and technical abilities are required

-         Must possess an exceptional work-ethic and character, as well as great communication and leadership qualities. Must be a team player.

-         Must be committed long-term to this role and the success of Fonta Flora Brewery

Physical Requirements

-         Ability to work in a hot and cold environment

-         Ability To lift 55lb grain bags

-         Ability to lift or move (with assistance) kegs or cases of beer, up to 165 lbs assisted.

-         Standing for extended periods of time

-         Able to work four 10 hours shifts a week

-         Comfortable using multiple chemicals while using proper PPE

-         Must be at least 21 years old

Compensation:

-      Salary / Exempt: competitive based on experience

To Apply:

If you think you would be an amazing fit for this position, please send your resume and a little about yourself to Jeremy at: jeremy@fontaflora.com .

Fonta Flora Brewery does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we recognize our responsibility to embrace and promote diversity, equity and inclusion (“DEI”) throughout all aspects of our company culture.