Company Description Big Smoke Brew Co is an independent craft brewery and pub company based in Esher, Surrey, recognized for brewing modern, approachable, and award-winning beers. Since 2014, the brewery has focused on flavour, quality, and consistency, recently upgrading its facilities to increase annual capacity to over 4 million pints. In addition to brewing operations, the company runs a growing estate of 7 pubs and 5 branded venues in London airports, offering a dynamic hospitality environment. Big Smoke Brew Co’s success is built on a strong internal culture and a genuine commitment to training and developing team members. The company aims to provide an environment where people can build rewarding careers in the beer and hospitality sector.Role Description The Head Brewer is a full-time, on-site role based in the London Area, United Kingdom, responsible for overseeing all aspects of brewery operations. Day-to-day tasks include planning and managing production schedules, supervising brewing, cellaring, packaging, and ensuring all beer meets strict quality and consistency standards. The role involves developing and refining recipes, managing raw material procurement, and monitoring inventory levels to support both the brewery and pub estate. The Head Brewer will lead and mentor the brewing team, promote safe working practices, and maintain compliance with health, safety, and food hygiene regulations. Additional responsibilities include collaborating with management on new product development, supporting brewery tours or events, and contributing technical input to marketing and sales initiatives.Qualifications
- Strong technical brewing knowledge, including recipe formulation, fermentation management, and quality control methods.
- Experience with brewery operations such as production planning, process optimization, and equipment maintenance.
- Leadership skills to supervise, train, and develop brewing and cellaring team members in a collaborative environment.
- Understanding of health, safety, and food hygiene regulations relevant to brewing and packaging.
- Ability to manage inventory, raw materials, and supplier relationships efficiently.
- Good communication skills to work closely with operations, sales, and marketing teams and represent the brewery when needed.
- Previous experience in a commercial craft brewery at a senior or lead brewer level.
- Relevant brewing qualifications (e.g., IBD, brewing science degree, or equivalent practical experience) are highly beneficial.
- Comfort working in a hands-on, fast-paced production environment, including occasional evening or weekend work when required.
- Passion for modern, flavour-forward beer and interest in contributing to new product development and innovation.
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