Fort Point Beer Company - Laboratory Manager

[rbortnick]

Fort Point is an independent San Francisco brewery made up of people who believe the simple things in life can be a whole lot better.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Fort Point Beer Company is looking for a data-loving, self-starting Quality Manager/Laboratory Manager to build and manage a world-class Quality Department. This is a unique opportunity to create policy and structure from the ground up and lead our brewery into its next stages of growth. Fort Point Beer Company is a fast-paced, ambitious company poised for significant growth. The ideal candidate is creative, flexible, and eager to apply their past experience toward making the best beer possible.

This position will be responsible for developing and implementing our quality assurance program and will eventually oversee a small team of Quality Technicians. The Quality Manager/Laboratory Manager will have a hands-on role in daily analyses and will be responsible for developing an efficient and sustainable framework for the department. Success in this role means taking an organized and analytical approach to all work. This position plays an active role in daily production operations and is also expected to contribute their expertise to improving production processes, maximizing efficiencies, and recipe development. A strong knack for creative collaboration, clear communication, and a constant desire to teach, learn, and solve problems is key.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive quality analysis program based on industry best practices.
• Maintain a professional and organized laboratory environment while training and leading a team of Quality Technicians.
• Responsible for daily analysis of raw materials, wort, green beer, bright beer, and packaged beer.
• Perform routine chemical and microbiological testing on brewery equipment and utilities.
• Work with Production Managers to ensure healthy propagation and maintenance of all yeast strains.
• Help find solutions to production-related quality issues.
• Develop and improve laboratory SOPs.
• Manage laboratory inventory and provide direction on future equipment purchases.
• Perform and record all necessary equipment calibration and maintenance.
• Accurately record and organize laboratory data and prepare reports as necessary.
• Develop, organize and implement a sensory panel program.

EXPERIENCE:

• 3+ years working in a manufacturing or commercial laboratory.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field required - Chemistry, Biochemistry, Brewing Science, or Food Science preferred.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Brewing industry experience is preferred but will also consider candidates with experience in CPG, wine, food, or other related fields.
• Experience with continuous improvement and lean manufacturing methodologies is desired.
• Experience using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, alcolyzer, pH meter, microscope, density meter, qPCR, and other equipment as required.

SKILLS:

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets.
• Strong knowledge of basic laboratory techniques.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks and handle multiple projects.
• Impeccable attention to detail.
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve.

BENEFITS:

• Paid Time Off
• Paid company holidays
• Health Care: 100% Employer contribution to Kaiser Gold plan and 50% for Dependents; Buy-up to Platinum Plan option
• Supplementary: Eligible for Dental, Vision, and Life group plan
• Commuter pre-tax benefits
• FSA pre-tax benefits
• Discounted Planet Granite or other Gym membership
• Beer and Food benefits

Please submit a resume and brief cover letter through this link detailing your interest in the position and what quality means to you.