Head Brewer for Hop River Brewing Company in Northern IN

[Hop River Marketing]

Position Title: Head Brewer
Location: Hop River Brewing Company, Fort Wayne, IN
Job Type: Full-time position, year-round
Reports to: Brewery Owners

Compensation:
• Salary Range $40,000 - $60,000 commensurate with experience level
• Benefits package including paid vacation, health, dental, and vision insurance
• Annual footwear allowance
• Potential for bonuses

Position Start Date: Immediate Hire

Hop River Brewing Company is searching for a talented Head Brewer with a creative and collaborative personality to push its current beer production forward to meet the region’s needs. Our ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, mature outlook, great team skills, and a positive attitude.

About the Brewery:
Located in Fort Wayne, IN, Hop River is an established 3-year-old, 15 BBL microbrewery. This community-focused brewery is entering a new chapter of growth after a year of pivoting, thanks to Covid. Located just north of downtown and in the heart of new city developments, the 15-person staffed company is looking ahead to great opportunities and community possibilities through positive taproom experiences and regional brewhouse distribution.

Hop River made a name for itself based on beer quality and consistency of their true-to-style flagship beers in cans and on draft. The brand has been highlighted by the taproom’s collaborative nature with local non-profits, artists, and businesses. The staff recognizes the importance of creating intentional connections, providing quality products, and offering knowledgeable and friendly service to meet customer needs. Hop River uses craft beer as a catalyst to create and sustain relationships within their four walls, understanding how internal culture ripples through the larger community.

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Click here for our Instagram Page.

QUALIFIED APPLICANT MUST POSSESS THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Brewery Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and coordinate all beer production activities in the brewery.
• Ability to operate brewhouse and cellar equipment to provide consistency in beer production.
• Performs cleaning activities with chemicals, cleaning equipment, and manual cleaning to ensure excellent sanitation and cleanliness.
• Responsible for brewhouse and cellar equipment maintenance and service scheduling.
• Work within and assure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are followed. Create new documented SOPs, audit current SOPs, and implement updates as needed.
• Create, manage, and update brew schedule based on production and on-premise beer needs.
• Responsible for recipe formulation, adjustments, and documentation.
• Assure maintenance of accurate daily batch records for all brewhouse and cellar production activities.
• Provide creative direction for beer portfolio, which includes:
  • • New beers, one-offs, pilot beers, off-premise, and barrel program
    • Work with sales & Taproom managers for style direction
    • Work with marketing for beer names and label development
• Direct management of all brewhouse and cellar staff to include hiring, training oversight, performance reviews, and disciplinary action when required.
• Use Ekos to record and document brewery operations, batch, and inventory management.
• Responsible for raw material selection, ordering, and inventory management.
• Work with marketing director for on-site and off-site festivals, events, and activities.
• Educate and mentor taproom staff on beer styles, sensory training, and off flavors.

Technical Qualifications:

• 3+ years of professional brewing experience in a brewery, brewpub, or production brewery
• Degree or Certificate in Brewing Science, Chemistry, Micro Biology, or Engineering is preferred

• Proficient technical knowledge in all applicable aspects of the brewing and packaging process.
• Develop SOPs to monitor and enforce high standards of quality and excellence
• Experience using good manufacturing practices (GMP)
• Experience working various positions on a canning line with the ability to safely work in close quarters to packaging equipment and conveyors

• Possess a strong mechanical understanding and background
• Be fearless toward DIY maintenance in the brewery and restaurant, if necessary
• Forklift operation experience/certification

Physical Qualifications:

• Ability to lift and move up to 55 pounds, climb ladders and ramps, crouch, and work in tight spaces
• Willingness to be frequently exposed to wet conditions and work in extreme temperatures

• Willingness and ability to work safely with industrial grade chemicals
• Willingness to work safely in environments with variable noise levels

Other requirements:

• High school degree or GED required
• Applicant must live within 30 minutes of the brewery OR be willing to relocate

TO APPLY: Please provide the following to Info@HopRiverBrewing.com

• Cover letter
• Your current resume
• Contact information for two references (not from friends or family)
• No phone calls will be accepted
• Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview