Brewing Operations Manager

Department: Production 

Reports To: Brewmaster 

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Location: Hood River, OR 

Summary

As the Brewing Operations Manager you will be responsible for supporting the Brewmaster in the planning and execution of brewing operations to ensure excellence in quality, productivity, and efficiency. This role will require time to be split between administrative office tasks and hands-on technical support on the Brew Deck, Cellar, and Finishing as needed. The ideal candidate is comfortable in a dynamic, start-up environment and is willing to support all aspects of the business. 

Working Relationships:

Although this role has no direct reports, the Brewing Operations Manager is a member of the Brewing department leadership team and works very closely with the Brewing Supervisor to support and lead the Brewing team. This role reports to the Brewmaster and requires regular collaboration across departments, especially with Planning and Packaging teammates.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Management: 

• Lead brewing operations staff to ensure consistent and efficient brewing of company products. 
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, and workforce planning in alignment with sales and operations requirements. 
• Set and manage goals, budgets, and performance metrics, participating in key management processes. 
• Promote accountability, performance, and professional growth among team members. 
• Mentor and coach team members for personal and organizational success. 

Collaboration and Communication:  

• Collaborate with the Brewmaster and others to maintain product consistency, develop new products, and address quality issues.  
• Ensure clear communication of production metrics, safety, and plan attainment.  
• Represent Full Sail Brewing in the craft brewing community. 

Continuous Improvement: 

• Implement lean manufacturing practices to minimize waste and optimize production. 
• Drive continuous improvement in operations, including employee training, process optimization, and equipment maintenance. 
• Develop standardized programs, processes, and reports for operational performance and continuous improvement such as checklists, adherence and improvement to Master Cleaning Schedule, SOP development and true root cause problem solving tools 
• Participate in company-wide improvement initiatives. 

Operational Effectiveness: 

• Monitor operations effectiveness through data-driven KPIs to improve productivity, safety, quality, and cost-efficiency. 
• Ensure timely movement and recording of supplies, materials, and finished goods. 
• Provide technical and process support on a daily basis.  

Quality Leadership: 

• Drive reduction in CFUs through root cause and methodical problem solving 
• Develop quality programs for all new to Full Sail products 

Safety and Compliance:  

• Lead by example following safety and food safety policies and procedures. 
• Develop and enforce process and equipment safety training.  
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and compliance within the team. 

Qualifications

Experience: 

• 5-10 years of brewing management experience with a proven track record in scalable brewing operations. 
• 3-5 years of team supervisory and management experience. 
• Experience in beverage, food, or similar consumer packaged goods. 
• Experience in improvement initiatives, lean practices, and commissioning new equipment. 
• Certified Cicerone, Diploma from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling, and/or other Brewing Certifications preferred. 

Technical Skills: 

• Proficiency in process control, root cause troubleshooting, and familiarity with automated brewing systems. 
• Knowledge of QA techniques and beer analytics, including refrigeration, boiler operation, and CO2 distribution. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite and familiarity with CMMS, MES, and ERP systems (Netsuite experience is a plus).
• Experience with reliability tools and techniques (e.g., Pareto Analysis, FMEA, RCM, RCA). 

Leadership and Management Skills: 

• Strong analytical, change management, and leadership skills. 
• Effective communicator with strong leadership and team development skills. 
• Ability to balance detail-oriented decision-making with strategic thinking. 
• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

Safety and Compliance: 

• Knowledge of OSHA equipment and workplace safety protocols. 

?What we offer  

• 90% Employer-paid Medical and Dental benefits. Excellent plan offerings.    
• 401k with company match.  Vested right away.  
• Employer paid Accident, Disability and Life Insurance.    
• Company Paid Time Off- 140 hours annually (approx. 3.5 weeks)    
• Company Paid Holidays- currently 7 annual paid holidays.   
• Employee shift beers     
• Food and beer discounts in the Full Sail Pub for employees and their guests.