Lab Manager

At Russian River Brewing Company, quality is at the core of everything we do. Founded by Vinnie and Natalie Cilurzo, we produce world-renowned beers from our Santa Rosa and Windsor locations. We foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment focused on quality and continuous improvement and doing things the right way.

What You Will Do

• Lead, manage, train, and work alongside the lab team, ensuring a strong commitment to quality standards
• Collect and analyze samples throughout the brewing and packaging processes
• Design and perform targeted lab analyses to support operational decision making
• Partner closely with Brewing, Packaging, and Production teams to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and drive corrective actions
• Maintain product quality through adherence to good manufacturing practices, specifications, and quality procedures
• Develop and maintain laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Manage yeast and microorganism programs across both breweries, including future yeast propagation
• Oversee the sensory program using DraughtLab software
• Record, analyze, and report lab results to key stakeholders
• Monitor dissolved oxygen (DO) and total package oxygen (TPO) and communicate results to the packaging team
• Operate, maintain, and train others on laboratory equipment and systems
• Coordinate with internal or external technical support when needed
• Support continuous improvement efforts and participate in industry learning opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop team members
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills
• High level of organization and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Positive, flexible, and team-oriented mindset
• Demonstrated commitment to high quality standards
• Passion for science, quality, and beer
• Ability to build strong cross-functional relationships
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook; Smartsheet experience is a plus
• Professional demeanor
• Must be at least 21 years of age

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Food Science, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a laboratory management or lead laboratory technician role, preferably in the craft beer industry
• Minimum of 2 years of people management experience
• Experience with quality control and quality assurance programs
• Working knowledge of laboratory safety standards and chemical handling
• Experience with microbiological testing and analytical methods in a production environment

Work Environment

• This role operates in a brewery laboratory environment and includes:
• Working with laboratory equipment and testing procedures
• Handling chemicals and biological materials using proper safety protocols
• A mix of sitting and standing throughout the day
• Occasional lifting and physical tasks
• Collaboration across production, packaging, and brewery operations

Additional Information

• This position includes direct supervisory responsibilities
• Schedule flexibility is required, including occasional evenings and weekends
• All employees are expected to follow safety protocols, wear appropriate PPE, and adhere to company policies