Technical brewer: Job description

Technical brewers are responsible for managing the process of brewing and packaging beer. The role involves:

• taking responsibility for raw materials, operatives and technicians;
• maintaining the safe and effective running of the plant and machinery;
• ensuring a consistently high quality product is produced.

A technical brewer may specialise in just one area of production, which is particularly likely in the large breweries, while they may be responsible for all aspects of the process in small breweries.

Technical brewing remains a hands-on occupation, despite increasing reliance on technology. Celebration, special occasion or seasonal beers offer the opportunity to use creative skills to design new products.

Typical work activities

Whether overseeing all stages of production or specialising in one area, common tasks can include:

• checking temperatures and quality of samples and making any necessary adjustments;
• working with the laboratory team who carry out further tests to improve the product;
• finding new suppliers and reviewing existing ones;
• accurately recording raw materials, production stage timings and quality checks;
• managing resources and staff to meet objectives;
• working on new recipes for seasonal and speciality beers ensuring they appeal to a certain market or will enhance sales at a specific time of the year;
• designing beer labels.

In production management, the technical brewer is primarily involved in the following tasks:

• managing a production team;
• monitoring technical advances;
• planning budgets;
• warehousing and stock control;
• liaising with other sections of the company;
• problem-solving in situations where decisions may need to be made very quickly in order to maintain the quality of the product.