Head Brewer

Head Brewer

Stonehome Brewing Company | Watford City, North Dakota

Stonehome Brewing Company is seeking an experienced, team-oriented, and motivated brewing professional to join our team in Watford City, ND, as Head Brewer. This hands-on position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of our Watford City brewery, including brewing, fermentation, cellar management, quality control, inventory, and equipment maintenance.

The ideal candidate takes pride in their craft, values teamwork and communication, and understands that quality beer starts with attention to detail, cleanliness, consistency, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This individual must be capable of independently managing brewery operations while working collaboratively with company leadership and other team members to support Stonehome's continued growth and success.

About Us

“Hopped Up on Homegrown” is more than a slogan at Stonehome Brewing Company; it reflects our commitment to North Dakota and the communities we serve.

Stonehome began as a community-focused pub in Watford City in 2016, with our craft brewery opening in the spring of 2017. In 2018, we expanded to a second location in the heart of North Dakota’s state capital, Bismarck.

The Stenehjem family built Stonehome around a shared passion for real, authentic craft beer and a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can feel at home. We take pride in producing quality beverages while remaining connected to the people and communities that make North Dakota special.

The Position

The Head Brewer is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of Stonehome Brewing Company's Watford City brewery. This includes overseeing brewing and cellar operations, managing production schedules, maintaining product quality, controlling inventory, coordinating equipment maintenance, and ensuring accurate production records.

The Head Brewer is accountable for ensuring the brewery operates safely, efficiently, and consistently while meeting production demands and maintaining Stonehome's quality standards.

Success in this role requires strong technical brewing knowledge, independent decision-making, sound judgment, organization, and effective communication. The ideal candidate takes ownership of brewery operations, proactively identifies opportunities for improvement, and works closely with the Brewery Operations Manager to coordinate production needs, manage resources, and support the overall success of Stonehome Brewing Company.

Key Responsibilities

Brewery Leadership and Daily Operations

• Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the Watford City brewery, taking ownership of production activities, priorities, and operational needs.
• Develop and manage brewing and cellar production schedules to meet inventory requirements and business demands.
• Plan and execute brewing operations for core offerings, seasonal releases, specialty beers, and small-batch products.
• Establish daily priorities, monitor production progress, and adjust schedules as necessary to maintain efficiency and meet deadlines.
• Ensure all brewery operations follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety requirements, and quality standards.
• Identify operational challenges, troubleshoot problems, and implement practical solutions to minimize downtime and maintain production.
• Communicate regularly with the Brewery Operations Manager regarding production status, inventory needs, equipment issues, quality concerns, and operational performance.
• Exercise independent judgment in managing daily brewery activities while escalating significant operational, financial, safety, or quality concerns to the appropriate manager.

Brewing, Cellar Management, and Quality Control

• Perform and oversee all stages of brewing and cellar operations, including wort production, fermentation, dry hopping, adjunct additions, yeast harvesting, carbonation, and preparation for packaging or distribution.
• Operate brewing and production equipment safely and efficiently, following established cleaning, sanitation, and maintenance procedures, including CIP/SIP cycles where applicable.
• Monitor fermentation progress, gravity, temperature, carbonation, and other critical production variables to ensure consistent results.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely brewing records and update brewing software daily.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and promptly investigate and report off-flavors, inconsistencies, contamination risks, or other quality concerns.
• Maintain consistent product quality across batches and take corrective action when results fall outside established specifications.
• Contribute to recipe development, process improvements, and new product experimentation while maintaining Stonehome's quality standards.
• Ensure ingredients, brewing processes, and finished products are handled and stored appropriately to preserve product quality and consistency.

Inventory, Maintenance, and Operational Accountability

• Monitor and manage brewing ingredients, finished beer inventory, production supplies, and cleaning chemicals to support uninterrupted operations.
• Maintain accurate inventory and production records, including ingredient usage, product produced, product on hand, and chemical consumption.
• Forecast ingredient and supply needs based on production schedules and communicate purchasing requirements to the Brewery Operations Manager.
• Maintain a clean, organized, functional, and safe brewery environment.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and coordinate preventative maintenance, repairs, and service needs as required.
• Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency, reduce waste, manage costs, and maintain equipment reliability.
• Ensure production activities, inventory records, and operational documentation are completed accurately and consistently.
• Monitor chemical usage and maintain appropriate handling, storage, and safety practices.
• Report equipment failures, maintenance concerns, and supply shortages promptly to minimize disruptions to brewery operations.

Communication, Teamwork, and Professional Development

• Work independently and exercise sound judgment while recognizing when to consult the Brewery Operations Manager on significant operational, financial, or quality-related decisions.
• Maintain clear, professional communication with company leadership and other departments to coordinate production and inventory needs.
• Take responsibility for operational decisions, promptly communicate mistakes or unexpected issues, and follow through on corrective actions.
• Remain adaptable to changing production priorities, business needs, and schedules.
• Assist other departments when needed to support the overall success of Stonehome Brewing Company.
• Maintain a professional, dependable, and team-oriented approach to daily responsibilities.
• Stay current with brewing practices, ingredients, equipment, safety standards, and industry developments to support continuous improvement.
• Work with taproom staff to develop beer knowledge as well as participate in beer releases and other community beer events.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum of two years of professional brewing experience required.
• Prior experience managing production schedules, brewery operations, or independent brewing responsibilities preferred.
• Working knowledge of brewing processes, fermentation science, cellar operations, sanitation, and brewery equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality, cleanliness, and safety.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage daily operations independently, prioritize competing demands, and make sound operational decisions.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and flexibility when responding to unexpected changes or workplace challenges.
• Willingness to ask questions, seek assistance when necessary, and communicate errors or quality concerns promptly.
• Ability to follow established procedures, maintain accurate records, and manage multiple production priorities.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 55 pounds.
• Ability to stand and work on your feet for extended periods, including shifts of eight hours or more.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment with varying noise levels, temperatures, and wet or slippery surfaces.
• Flexibility to accommodate changing production schedules and operational needs.

Position Details

Location: Stonehome Brewing Company, Watford City, ND

Reports To: Brewery Operations Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Annual Compensation: $53,000–$62,000+ depending on skills/experience

What We Offer

• Health Insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Relocation assistance
• Paid Holidays
• Possibility for paid continuing education

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume or detailed work history outlining relevant brewing experience, certifications, and specialized skills.

Please email application materials to [email protected] with “Head Brewer” in the subject line.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Anticipated Start Date: December 2026