Head Brewer

Firehouse Brewing Company in Rapid City, SD is seeking a head brewer. This position is responsible for managing all aspects of brewing, cellaring and packaging operations, as well as being a key leadership role within the company. In addition to knowledge of the brewing process and brewery operations, the head brewer manages and trains the production staff, organizes the production schedule, and procures raw materials to ensure the smooth production of high quality, innovative and consistent beers.

Firehouse Brewing Company is South Dakota’s oldest continuously operating brewery, in business at its original location in downtown Rapid City since 1991. FBC is also a full-service restaurant with the adjacent Firehouse Wine Cellars wine bar, mercantile shop and Firehouse Skybox sports bar on the company premises.

Key Responsibilities

1. Brewery Operations

-           Brewing on a 15bbl, 2-vessel brewhouse

-           Recipe development for core and seasonal beers

-           Yeast handling and fermentation management

-           Cellaring procedures, including tank CIP and beer filtration

-           Packaging in kegs and cans (Wild Goose canning line)

-           Quality assurance/quality control practices and procedures

-           Raw material forecasting and purchasing

-           Brewery maintenance, troubleshooting, upkeep and improvement

2. Staff Management & Leadership

-           Managing and training the production staff

-           Managing and organizing a production schedule based on operational needs

-           Participating in sales and marketing meetings and initiatives

-           Representing the company at public events

-           Maintaining and growing supplier and distributor relationships

3. Administrative

-           COGS management

-           Maintaining accurate brewing, cellaring, packaging and inventory logs

-           Distribution order management

-           SOP sheet writing

-           Tax reporting

Requirements

Qualifications:

-           High school diploma or higher

-           5+ years of professional brewery experience

-           Preferred candidates will have 2+ years in a leadership role at a craft brewery

Physical Requirements:

-           Able to move/lift 55+ lbs repeatedly

-           Able to handle full kegs safely

-           Comfortable standing and working on feet for long periods in hot/wet/noisy environment

-           Able to crouch, work in tight spaces and climb a ladder

Technical Skills:

-           Strong knowledge of professional brewing equipment/systems and best practices

-           Proficiency in brewery cleaning and sanitation

-           Mechanical skills

-           Forklift driving

-           Basic computer skills – email, spreadsheets, record keeping

Salary Range

$55,000 - $65,000/year

Reports to

Company President

Benefits

Full-time employees are eligible for enrollment in company health insurance plans (primary, dental, vision) and matching 401(k) retirement plan. 2 weeks PTO.