Production Manager - Brewery Vivant, Grand Rapids, MI

[breweryvivant]

Brewery Production Manager - Job Description

Please email resume and cover letter to kris@breweryvivant.com. Applications will be accepted until August 15, 2016. Only applicants with professional brewing experience will be considered.

Summary:
The Production Manager (PM) is a leadership position to oversee all of our beer production. The PM will ensure that production, process and quality goals are achieved as we work towards our capacity of 9,000 bbls per year. This position will oversee brewing, cellaring, wood-aging, packaging, warehousing, maintenance, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), production planning and purchasing. Ensuring a safe workplace, meeting production requirements, promoting quality improvement targets, operating sustainably, and having a mindset of achieving excellence will be of paramount importance.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Lead a production staff capable of meeting/exceeding the goals of the brewery.
• Ensure that all production activities are conducted in alignment with Brewery Vivant’s safety, quality and sustainability initiatives.
• Provide relevant training, coaching, and mentoring to team members.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations in accordance with Company policy and provide appropriate disciplinary measures when necessary.
• Work closely with the Head Brewer to generate daily production schedules and ensure that they are met.
• Maintain integrity of the main brewery and ensure there is no cross-contamination between it and the on-site wild fermentation facility.
• Interact routinely with the management team to ensure production schedules meet customers’ needs while balancing the age of full goods inventory and minimizing stock-out situations.
• Work with the production team to develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all aspects of production: brewing, cellaring, wood-aging, packaging, warehousing, maintenance and QA/QC.
• Develop performance and productivity metrics for all production areas and hold team members accountable for achieving these goals.
• Develop and maintain proper yeast management practices to ensure consistent fermentations that meet quality standards and keep pace with desired production goals.
• Own production sustainability goals and seek out innovative solutions to not only ensure achievement but continually enhance brewery performance.
• Oversee sanitation and upkeep of all production facilities including the main brewery, the wild fermentation cellar, and off-site warehouse(s). Look to incorporate elements of lean manufacturing principles as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers at all levels to meet company goals.
• Continuous interaction with Ekos brewery management software to streamline ordering and scheduling.
• Manage inventory and movement of all brewing and packaging raw materials.
• Develop and maintain a preventative maintenance program for all equipment to maximize overall production efficiency. The program will also include development and management of a critical spares inventory.
• Be the point of contact between senior management and the brewing team.

Job Requirements:

• Demonstrates a mastery of the brewing process
• Management level experience in a production brewery with firsthand experience in developing new processes and managing culture
• Formal brewing education and/or equivalent professional brewing experience
• BS or BA in Business, Management, Operations, Engineering or Chemistry is preferred
• 3-5 years of leadership experience, preferably in the craft beer industry
• Exceptional analytical, decision making and problem solving skills
• A strong understanding of process controls
• Extensive knowledge of food/brewing industry compliance standards including but not limited to OSHA, MIOSHA and knowledge of programs like HACCP
• Excellent computer based skills
• Familiar with Ekos brewery management software or similar brewery management software programs
• Familiarity with the operation and maintenance of the following: steam boiler, centrifuge, fork truck, roller mill, brewhouse, cellar, foeders, centrifugal pumps and various process controls

Personal Characteristics:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team
• Strong work ethic and ability to multi-task, prioritize and adapt to changing situations
• Detail oriented
• Strong organizational and problem solving skills
• Ability to give and take direction
• Driven to go above and beyond
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Passion for sustainability
• Commitment to quoting Spaceballs and The Big Lebowski

This position is a full-time exempt position and offers the following:

• Salary plus profit sharing if goals are met
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Company discounts and perks
• Healthcare plan: Medical, Dental & Vision
• Short and long term disability coverage, life insurance and AD&D
• 16 paid hours for volunteer work in the community
• Cell phone reimbursement

Who we are
Brewery Vivant is the world’s first LEED® certified commercial microbrewery and brasserie and one of a handful of Certified B Corporations. We brew beer inspired by the farmhouse breweries of Belgium & France and made with traditional methods that are blended with our own creativity. At our pub we strive to elevate the enjoyment of beer & food and the sense of community in everything we do. We operate with a bottom-up leadership style and an open book financial management system. It is our goal to hve a family of Vivant ambassadors as employees, all of whom feel valued and empowered to do what it takes to give great service to all of our stakeholders. Brewery Vivant prides itself on being a destination brewery in the “Beer City” of Grand Rapids. We are currently ranked as the 17th largest brewpub in the U.S. according to Brewer’s Association definitions and have limited distribution throughout the State of Michigan and Chicagoland.