Head Brewer at Brockley Brewery

We are an innovative, quality-driven independent brewery seeking an experienced Head Brewer to lead our brewing operations, drive innovation, and uphold the highest standards of beer production, safety, and consistency.

We have been brewing in south east London since 2012, always staying true to what matters: great beer, good people, and strong community. Our small and dedicated team is committed to producing high-quality, characterful beers with consistency and creativity at their core. From flagship core range brews to seasonal and limited releases, we combine traditional brewing techniques with modern innovation.

As Head Brewer, you will oversee all aspects of beer production — from raw material selection through to packaging — ensuring quality, efficiency, and compliance at every stage. You will lead the brewing team, manage production schedules, maintain equipment, and ensure our brewery operates safely, legally, and to the highest technical standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, lead and manage all brewing according to the company's objectives
• Recipe development and continuous improvement of core and seasonal beers
• Manage raw material selection (malt, hops, yeast, adjuncts), keeping a close relationship with our suppliers to ensure traceability of all raw materials and finished goods
• Monitor brewhouse efficiency and implement process improvements
• Ensure consistent product quality and sensory standards
• Manage all steps of packaging process (carbonation, keg, cask and small packaging)
• Maintain accurate records
• Work alongside the Ops Manager on new product development and innovation
• Implement and maintain quality management systems
• Maintain rigorous hygiene and CIP procedures
• Troubleshoot issues in the brewing process, and work with engineers and contractors when required
• Maintain compliance with local and national alcohol production regulations
• Oversee brewhouse and cellar maintenance schedules and manage preventative maintenance planning
• Lead health & safety practices across production areas, while ensuring compliance with official policies and best practices
• Conduct risk assessments and implement control measures
• Ensure safe operation of all plant, pressure vessels, and utilities, and compliance with food safety standards and environmental regulations
• Production scheduling and planning, working closely with Sales to forecast demand
• Waste reduction and efficiency optimisation, always aiming for sustainable brewing practices
• Lead, mentor, and develop the brewing team, fostering a positive, quality-focused team culture
• Collaborate with management on strategic planning
• Represent the brewery at events, brewery collaborations, and industry functions when required
   

The Ideal Candidate

• We are looking for someone who combines technical excellence with leadership ability and a passion for craft brewing.
• Minimum 3+ years commercial brewing experience
• Proven experience in a senior or head brewer role (formal brewing qualification highly desirable, e.g. IBD or brewing science degree)
• Experience with modern brewhouse systems and cellar management
• Deep understanding of quality control processes
• Strong working knowledge of health & safety legislation
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Strong organisational and production planning skills
• Physically capable of working in a production environment, with constant physical tasks
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends if required
   

Key Personal Qualities

• Detail-oriented and quality-obsessed
• Calm under pressure
• Hands-on and proactive
• Innovative but consistency-driven
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Commercially aware
• Passionate about independent beer

Salary £32k-£35k depending on experience / 40h per week / 28 days annual leave including bank holidays / beer allowance and discounts.

If you are an experienced brewer ready to take ownership of a growing independent brewery’s production and quality standards, we would love to hear from you.

Apply with cover letter and CV outlining your brewing experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role.

Interviews with suitable qualified candidates may take place in advance (early applications encouraged).