Head Brewer

We are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, and passionate Head Brewer with a positive attitude to join and lead our production team. This is a vital role where you will be entrusted to maintain Maplewood's high standards and design the exceptional beer and spirits for which we are known. The ideal candidate will also be eager to learn and contribute to our distillery operations.

You will report directly to our Founding Brewer and will serve as a guide for our close-knit production team. We are looking for a leader who is positive, kind, accepting, and energetic—someone who will uphold and grow our enthusiastic culture. You will ensure the entire production process is completed properly, and the team will rely on you. We thrive in a collaborative environment and encourage creativity, experimentation, and innovation.

This position will be based in our Chicago Logan Square facility. However, a vehicle is required for occasional travel to our Glen Ellyn location. We anticipate this will be 2-3 days a month to check in on operations at that location. The brewer at the Glen Ellyn location will report directly to the Head Brewer.

If you possess this skill set and have a creative spirit, we invite you to join our dedicated crew.

Essential Responsibilities:

Brewing Production

• Oversee all brewing operations at the brewery, including: day-to-day process issues, recipe management, operating policies, procedures, release parameters, and safety policies.
• Work with Department Heads to create a brew schedule that accommodates customer market demands.
• Worth with and manage contract partnership production.
• Collaboratively design new recipes for seasonal and specialty beers continuing our commitment to innovating unique, creative beers of the highest quality. 
• Prepare weekly staff/monthly schedules for brewing, beer transfer, and related tasks needed to meet production needs. 
• Work with production team on all batches
• Assist in all production tasks, including, but not limited to:
• Mashing, wort production, boiling, etc.
• Cleaning-up/CIP operations.
• Preparing, inventorying, and organizing raw materials 
• Running the still: desire to learn the fundamentals of distillation, including mashing, fermentation, distillation, and spirit finishing.
• THC/CBD and RTD product production.
• Assist in cellaring tasks, including, but not limited to:
• Transferring products, monitoring fermentations, conditioning, carbonation, yeast harvesting, cleaning-up, etc.
• Maintaining accurate records of cellar activities.
• Proofing and filtering distillery products.
• Assist in packaging tasks, including, but not limited to:
• Kegging, canning, bottling, barrel harvesting.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment
• Communicate well across departments
• Be able to multitask in a fast paced, physically demanding work environment
• Develop, publish, and adhere to our production schedule
• Develop and refine new recipes
• Handle ordering of raw materials, brewery chemicals, and related ingredients.
• Represent Maplewood and participate in events, festivals, and promotions, as needed.

Brewhouse Management

• Enhance, and/or develop and enforce the policies and procedures of the organization, including creating and documenting comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for:
• Brewing and cellar operations
• Equipment operations, including cleaning and sanitization procedures.
• Safety protocols.
• Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) programs and procedures.
• Manage and supervise brewing staff:
• Lead brew-team meetings communicating current objectives, production performance to plan, challenges and successes, troubleshooting, and taking corrective action when necessary.
• Oversee and develop the brewhouse staff through technical, supervisory, and line assignments in all functions supported by standard job descriptions, performance objectives, and performance assessments.
• Conduct performance evaluations for brewhouse staff.
• Development and utilization of training materials and programs.  

Quality Assurance

• Ensure that proper samples of raw materials in addition to in-process and finished beer are collected and analyzed appropriately to ensure a quality finished beer.
• Approve beer for release based on quantitative and qualitative parameters falling within operating and exception limits.
• Work with staff to resolve quality issues, elevate significant problems to the appropriate management staff.
• Ensure the cleanliness and sterilization of tanks, screens, inflow pipes, production areas, and equipment, using hoses, brushes, scrapers, or chemical solutions.
• Oversee functionality and maintenance of brewing equipment, CIP equipment, water delivery equipment, and sewer related systems.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and repair equipment.
• Handle ordering of replacement parts to arrive on time and in proper amounts. 
• Ensure keg quality and proper draft rotation in our cold room.

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills:

• Experience: 3+ years commercial brewing experience in the Craft Beverage Industry
• Comprehensive knowledge of the craft beverage industry and emerging trends
• Strong written and oral communication skills with a great relationship-building personality
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Organized, self-motivated, efficient, and have high standards for organization and clean production
• Ability to work flexible hours when necessary
• Knowledge of typical brewing equipment and brewery lab equipment (e.g., pH meters, density meters, dissolved oxygen and C02 meters, etc.)
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and also independently at times..
• Technical proficiency performing routine maintenance on equipment and troubleshooting
• Understanding of beer flavor defects and their causes.
• Understanding of beer chemistry and biology.
• Strong time management and ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong personnel management and leadership skills.
• Thorough understanding of manufacturing COGS.
• Ability to drive a forklift.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to continually lift and/or move at least 55 lbs and maneuver full kegs
• Ok working in common brewery conditions (loud, wet, hot, cold, around brewery equipment, handling chemicals, with other brewers, etc.)
• Frequently bend and maneuver around tight/confined spaces
• Able to stand for the duration of the shift when necessary

Compensation:

• This position has a competitive base salary commensurate with experience and includes a performance-based year-end bonus.
• Health / Dental / Vision @ 50% Cost
• Life Insurance
• 401k at 3% match
• Paid vacation