Director of Beer

At Indeed Brewing Company, we’re cultivating an artfully eclectic line-up of beers from the heart of Northeast Minneapolis and in the Walker’s Point neighborhood of Milwaukee. Well-known as an engaged and community-oriented brewery, Indeed believes innovation isn’t just one thing—it’s a culture created around good people, good beers, and good experiences.

The Director of Beer is a champion of craft; this role requires expansive knowledge of beer coupled with a keen eye for what’s next. At Indeed Brewing, Beer is one of our three pillars, along with People and Experiences, and the Director of Beer should be deeply invested in all three. As the production leader, this role will have the experience to recognize the strengths of existing methods, the patient persistence to effect change, and the ability to make key decisions and strategy for the advancement of the brewery as a whole. With extensive experience in a production brewery environment, the Director of Beer will bring his or her invaluable knowledge of brewing, packaging, and quality to bear on our fast-growing operation. This position reports directly to the COO.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work closely with operations leaders (Operations Manager, Head Brewer, Brewery Quality Coordinator, Packaging Manager, Forecasting & Fulfillment Manager, Warehouse Manager and Facilities) and other colleagues to hire, train and mentor. Manage a knowledgeable, diverse, and dedicated production, packaging, facilities and warehouse staff.
• Provide direction, development, evaluation, coaching, training, mentorship and leadership to the Beer team to ensure career growth and the production of great beer and other Indeed made beverages.
• Ensure there is bandwidth for innovation and contribute to a diverse and well-developed line-up of beers and craft beverages including THC and barrel aged programs.
• Create and communicate a clear vision for the future to inspire and drive the brewery to achieve and surpass business goals and objectives. Own the financial operating and capital budgets of both breweries, delivering YOY savings through cost saving initiatives and facilitate future growth of the brewery through continuous optimization of current processes.
• Ensure operations comply with Quality, Health, and Safety standards. Manage a work environment that is safe for all employees and visitors implementing procedures, conducting training, and addressing and curing safety deficiencies.
• Lead all day-to-day activities necessary to produce the highest quality and consistent beers. Perform brewery audits and work with QC to ensure the highest quality, consistency, and repeatability of brewing as well as troubleshoot any production issues.
• Ensure that the beer team adheres to all SOP’s while improving when applicable. Identify areas of increased operational efficiencies and drive a continuous improvement culture throughout the beer team. Develop performance and productivity metrics for all production areas.
• Leverage our ERP system to streamline the data collection process and work with department managers on production planning, forecasting, and budgeting.
• Identify and correct production bottlenecks and assist in managing equipment selection required to execute growth initiatives. Oversee equipment selection, building, installation, programming, and commissioning.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

Leadership-specific Responsibilities:

• Ensure the company's strategic objectives and plans which have been set are being met. Analyze and monitor the progress of department employees towards achieving the objectives and targets set.
• Coach and develop oneself and others by infusing learning into day-to-day leading; places an equal priority on development and accountability through motivation, hands-on coaching, regular exposure, and stretch assignments; build development plans in partnership with teammates when necessary.
• Communicate regularly and transparently with teammates at all levels, understanding that honesty and clear communication channels are enablers of overall team success. Be a champion of change, ensuring a full understanding of change is shared with the team in a way that helps everyone get on board.
• Establish a vision and set direction by enabling teammates to understand how their responsibilities and actions directly align to the common purpose and overall performance and success of the company; motivates and inspires while setting expectations to bring out the best in everyone.
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• 5+ years progressive experience in a similar role in the brewing production environment ideally as a senior level production manager at a 20,000 bbl+ production brewery.
• 5+ years managing, training and motivating a team of 10 or more employees with multi-unit and union experience preferred. Exceptional leadership and management skills.
• Degree in Brewing Science or related field or equivalent experience; advanced degree preferred
• Expert knowledge of the entire brewing process; proven ability to troubleshoot quality & production issues. Proficiency in all aspects of green, dry-hopped, barrel-aged, and brite beer production and understanding of Laboratory Operations / Quality Control procedures.
• Expert knowledge and understanding of brewery equipment, including maintenance and repair as well as new equipment selection and installation.
• Proven ability to communicate and collaborate with other departments and key stakeholders to deliver a high-quality product. Experience successfully working on strategic goals and initiatives with others.
• Interest in and familiarity with a wide range of brewing styles and products; familiarity with other fermentables is a plus. Passion for craft beer and a deep understanding of the industry.
• Focus on developing and delivering high level strategy to ensure alignment and achievement of all production goals. Strong financial acumen and proven project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, self motivated with a high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent leadership skills with the proven ability to lead and motivate a team and maintain a positive morale in the workforce.
  
  
  

WORK SCHEDULE:

• Full time salaried position
• Ability to work some nights and weekends
• Some travel required up to six times/year
  
  
  

BENEFITS:

• Competitive pay starting at $70,000/year
• Paid time off, paid sick time, paid holidays and paid parental leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision & Accident Insurance
• 401K with company match
• Generous beer benefits
• Merchandise discounts
• Uniform and PPE reimbursement
  
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit for prolonged periods of time, stand, walk. The employee occasionally will lift and/or move objects up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

Indeed Brewing Company welcomes diversity of thought, culture and background. We recruit, employ, train, and compensate regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, veteran status, disability or age.