Technical brewer jobs

The position of technical brewer is one of the most senior roles in both the process of producing beer and the employment landscape of the beer industry. They are in charge of a broad variety of technical and management responsibilities, such as monitoring the brewing process, managing teams, and ensuring that brewing equipment is in good working order.

In a small brewery, the technical brewer is often tasked with supervising the whole of the brewing process, beginning with the procurement of raw ingredients and ending with the packaging of the finished product. However, at some of the bigger breweries, a technical brewer could be in charge of a particular beer type or a particular step in the manufacturing process of beer. The technical brewer has the final responsibility for ensuring the finished product is of high quality.

The Responsibilities of a Technical Brewer

The technical brewer is responsible for a broad variety of tasks, the specifics of which might change based on the brewery and the amount of beer it produces. In most cases, the following are some of the responsibilities that fall on the shoulders of a technical brewer:

Purchasing primary ingredients for the production of beer

The technical brewer is responsible for purchasing all of the raw ingredients that are required to produce beer, such as yeast, hops, and grains. They are required to have the expertise that is essential in order to obtain high-quality raw materials. It is possible that they will need to conduct scientific testing on the raw ingredients to guarantee that they are suitable for the beer that is being made.

Keeping an eye on the conditions of the brew and ensuring quality

The brewer will make use of their scientific knowledge as well as their years of expertise to guarantee that the manufacturing process is carried out correctly and that the circumstances for brewing are optimal. In order to do this, a comprehensive scientific study of the brew will need to be performed at various times along the manufacturing process. During the whole process of brewing, the technical brewer is responsible for ensuring that the highest possible standards of cleanliness are adhered to.

Maintaining in-depth documentation of the brewing process

The technical brewer is responsible for keeping highly precise records of the brewing process in order to guarantee that certain goals are attained and that the brewing conditions remain consistent.

Planning budgets

They can be required to keep track of the expenses they incur while also adhering to a set budget.

Cooperation with several providers

A significant portion of the employment of a technical brewer is spent liaising with distributors and manufacturers of raw ingredients, packaging, and bottles. The technical brewer is responsible for ensuring that the suppliers maintain a certain level of quality and addressing any difficulties that arise with the supply chain.

Keeping an eye on improvements and alterations to the technology

A technical brewer's responsibilities include ensuring that all of the equipment is well maintained and instructing their crew on how to carry out the required maintenance. They will also make judgments on the purchase of brewing equipment and provide advice to the brewery regarding how the production line may be improved using new equipment.

Control of the inventory

The technical brewer is responsible for maintaining a vigilant watch on the availability of raw ingredients as well as packaging materials. They are accountable for making ensuring that all of the ingredients that are required to brew beer are readily accessible at all times.

Taking charge of the process of packaging beer

ensuring that the facilities for packaging are functioning well and that there is a enough supply of kegs, bottles, and other packaging materials to choose from.

Managing the staff at the brewery

It's possible that they'll be responsible for managing team members working on the brew floor, either directly or via the management line of command. The brewer is responsible for ensuring that all of their employees are producing high-quality work and can effectively express directives to them.

Creating and evaluating new beer varieties

It may be necessary for the brewer to create new styles of beer, which is often done in collaboration with other brewers, marketing, and sales. Once a new recipe for beer has been developed, the technical brewer is responsible for taking the process and transferring it to the brew house floor in order to ensure that higher quantities of beer can be produced to the same quality.

Conditions of Employment

The majority of the technical brewer's time will be spent in the production area of the brewery, where they will be responsible for monitoring all aspects of health and safety as well as the proper operation of the brewing operations. This may be an unpleasant place to be because to its odor, noise, and perhaps even its heat and humidity. There is a possibility of working very long days as a technical brewer since the brewing processes that are taking place may at times determine the hours that they are required to work.

Technical brewers who are employed by smaller breweries may be required to have more adaptable work hours. This need is directly related to the kind of beer that is presently being brewed. Brewers who work at bigger breweries that are open 24 hours a day may be required to work in shifts and be on call at all hours of the night and day.

Brewers that specialize in technical brewing will also spend time in an office setting, where they will communicate with suppliers, maintain inventory levels, document brew data, and liaise with management.

Education

A technical brewer has to have in-depth scientific understanding, specifically in the fields of chemistry, microbiology, and/or biochemistry. A knowledge of engineering is also helpful when working with machines and optimizing industrial processes.

Acquiring the scientific knowledge necessitates earning a degree in one of the following fields:

The brewing and distillation of alcohol

Chemistry

Engineering of chemical substances

Microbiology

Science or technology related to food preparation

In addition to a scientific degree, a technical brewer is expected to have previous experience working in a brewery as well as a postgraduate degree or certificate in brewing. In order to give students with the information necessary for successful brewing, institutions like the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) provide great educational programs and tests.

Additionally, skills in management, logistics, or business may be sought upon by certain brewers.

Practical Experience

A technical brewer has to have excellent practical skills and the ability to solve problems, both of which often come from having previous job experience in positions that are comparable. Employers are also interested in hiring technical brewers that have expertise in the following areas:

Excellent leadership qualities

Modern manufacturing procedures, ideas and techniques

A comprehension of project management

Experience in mechanical or engineering fields

Extensive training and expertise in brewing

Abilities in maintaining records

Having experience in analyzing and bettering the procedures involved in the manufacture of beer

Competencies Required of a Technical Brewer

It is helpful to have a broad variety of vital talents while playing such a varied job. A technical brewer should have the following traits:

An excellent communicator and administrator.

The technical brewer is responsible for maintaining consistent communication with a wide variety of persons working in a variety of jobs, including but not limited to other brewers, production employees, management staff, suppliers, logistics, customers, marketing staff, and the general public. In addition to this, they should have the ability to lead and cultivate teams.

Being adaptable and ready to handle unexpected events is essential.

Brewers are often confronted with urgent engineering concerns that need prompt attention. It is crucial to have the ability to problem solve as well as keep flexibility.

Extensive knowledge of beer production together with a fervent interest in brewing

A technical brewer has to have extensive familiarity with the process of brewing beer as well as a genuine passion for their work.

Capable of bringing forth innovation

A technical brewer should always be looking for new methods to make the brewing process more efficient. If the brewery is working on creating new types of beer, the technical brewer has to be able to create new methods of production and procedures as well.

Observant, rational, and attentive to minute details

The process of manufacturing beer is broken down into phases, each of which must to be carried out exactly the same way for every batch in order to keep the same standard of quality.

Conditioning of the body

Because there is a possibility of lifting involved in working at a small microbrewery, the technical brewer has to be in good physical shape.