Director of Brewing and Operations

Lawson’s Finest Liquids crafts and delivers the finest and freshest beer to delight our fans. We are a B Corp certified values-driven company that strives to be the finest, cultivate and support vibrant communities, and have fun. We are passionate about delivering world-class brews throughout our eleven-state region and beyond. The Director of Brewing and Operations will lead and oversee the entire brewing and production processes, lead the third-party manufacturing partnership, and ensure the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and safety. This role is responsible for strategic planning, team leadership, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in brewing and a strong track record of managing large-scale brewing operations, including working with third-party contract manufacturers. The Director of Brewing and Operations is a member of the Leadership Team, reporting to the CEO. 

Primary Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management: 

• Lead, mentor, and develop the brewing and operations teams, including brewing staff, QA, packaging, maintenance and support staff while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. 
• Set performance goals, cascade annual company goals, and conduct regular performance reviews. 
• Embody the company’s core values (be the finest, keep it authentic, take good care, focus on community and have fun) while operating in alignment with the mission, vision, and B Corp ethos, integrating them into general business operations and interpersonal interactions.  

Strategic Planning: 

• Collaborate with the executive team to develop and execute long-term strategies for growth, production expansion and innovation. 
• Identify opportunities for new product development, technology investments, innovation and market expansion in line with cold supply chain requirements. 
• Develop investment plans and lead capital projects, including new equipment installations, capacity expansions and facility upgrades. 

Production Management: 

• Oversee all aspects of brewing operations, including brewing, fermentation, packaging, quality control and transportation. 
• Ensure brewing, fermentation, and packaging processes meet production schedules while maintaining high quality standards and customer service requirements across the manufacturing network. 
• Monitor and optimize manufacturing processes to improve productivity, reduce costs, and lower environmental impact. 

Supply Chain and Cost Management: 

• Manage the full scope of the supply chain – from sourcing the highest quality and finest ingredients, to production and transportation of finished products, ensuring availability and cost-effectiveness. 
• Oversee inventory levels of essential raw materials and finished goods.  
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, distributors, and key customers. 
• Develop and manage the brewing operations budget, including raw materials, labor, and overhead costs. 
• Implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality or safety. 
• Establish, measure and report on operations key performance indicators to ensure successful attainment of company goals. 

Quality Assurance, Safety and Compliance: 

• Establish and maintain quality control measures to ensure products meet both internal and external standards. 
• Work closely with quality assurance team (internal and external) across the manufacturing network to address any quality issues that arise. 
• Ensure compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations, including those related to health and safety, environmental standards, and alcoholic beverage production. 
• Promote a culture of safety within the brewery, throughout the company and conduct regular training and audits. 
• Maintain up-to-date records and documentation.

R&D and Process Improvement: 

• Stay current with industry trends and technological advancements. 
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and operational efficiency. 
• Oversee all aspects of research and development. 
• Evaluate and implement new brewing technologies and processes. 
• Develop, vet, and debut new beer recipes in conjunction with the brewing team, sales, marketing and cross-functional teams. 

Third-Party Contract Manufacturer Management: 

• Monitor and manage the performance of contract manufacturers, including regular site visits, audits, and quality checks. 
• Negotiate contracts and manage agreements with third-party manufacturers, ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance with company policies and standards. 

Requirements & Expectations:? 

• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in brewery or beverage operations. Proven track record of managing production teams and optimizing processes. 
• Experience in supply chain leadership, multi-site production network and success managing third-party manufacturing partners.  
• Strong leadership, management and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Extremely organized, self-motivated, honest, hard-working and displays discerning prioritization skills. 
• In-depth understanding of brewing techniques, quality control, and regulatory requirements. Familiarity with sustainable brewing practices and environmental stewardship. 
• Advanced degrees or certifications in brewing or operations management are a plus. 
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.  
• Highly organized with demonstrated proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office software. Familiarity with OrderStream Portal, Vicinity and Microsoft Business Central a plus.  
• Knowledge of safe work operations, safety policies and procedures including sanitary handling of beverages, food and potentially hazardous chemicals and materials.? 
• Physically capable of a variety of duties including (but not limited to) repeated lifting of 50 pounds or more and extended amounts of physical activity with prolonged standing and talking.? 
• Based in our Waitsfield, VT, Headquarters (with occasional travel to conferences, key partners, and more). 

Compensation: 

This is a full-time exempt position and starting pay will be commensurate with experience. Robust benefits include paid time-off, paid holidays, profit sharing, company medical, dental, vision, a 401k plan with company match, on-site massages and yoga, a monthlong sabbatical after five years of service, and more! 

Lawson’s Finest Liquids is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to equity, inclusion and diversity. We believe that all forms of diversity make us better at everything that we do - fostering innovation and connecting us more closely to our customers and communities. Lawson’s Finest is especially interested in candidates who contribute to the diversity, inclusion and excellence of our organization. 

Lawson’s Finest Liquids provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.