Head Brewers: Supply & Demand Problem For Craft Breweries
The American Brewing industry continues to experience substantial growth. With over 3,000 U.S. breweries in operation this year, it is the largest number of breweries the U.S. has seen since the 4,131 breweries recorded in 1873.
The Brewers Association attributes this growth to two important factors:
1. The Dominance of “Mom & Pop” Breweries:
The majority of the 3,000 brewers are both small and independently run. The customer base for this large percentage of breweries live within 10 miles of the brewery they visit, giving local breweries the advantage of becoming a part of the identity and character of their communities. The modern brewery is getting back its roots as a neighborhood establishment.
The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) reports that as of June 2014, 4,526 permits for breweries have been requested. (Can the US take 4,500 breweries?)
2. The Focus Of Craft Beer On Quality
With no saturation point in sight, the market will need to address the risk of becoming over-crowded. For some industries an “over-crowded” market is a negative, but for craft beer the competition encourages commitment to quality. Quality becomes an important marker to differentiate the “outstanding” from the “ordinary”. Last year, the overall beer sales were down almost 2%, but craft beer sales increased 17%. While Big Beer is struggling, craft beer’s commitment to quality is a direct contributor to this success.
Brewers Association
Shortage Of Brewers For U.S. Craft Beer Industry
As the number of U.S. craft breweries continues to grow, there is an increased demand for qualified head brewers. To fill that demand, the industry has turned to “Big Beer”, luring professional brewers to come over to “craft beer”. Another resource are brewing schools, who train passionate beer lovers to become qualified brewers.
Often, it is difficult for home-brewers to make the transition into a professional brewer role. It takes unique experience to produce the exact same beer over and over again. Consumers are willing to pay more for a craft beer because there is an expectation of quality and consistency in the experience. Its a testament to the craft and skill that an artisan brewer possesses, to fulfill that expectation again and again.
Head Brewer Needed For Bay Area, CA Brewery
A Bay Area California brewery is seeking a consummate professional for a counter culture environment who possesses an intense fascination (if not passion!!) for craft beer. This person commands the performance of the brewery visions, plans and objectives, including financial performance. This person knows how to manage people, including but not limited to organization, employee motivation, problem solving. This person can simultaneously demand respect and create a productive, gratifying work environment.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Creating and maintaining a brew schedule which continues to supply 7 flagship ales and rotating seasonal beer to wholesale accounts and tap room.
- Acquiring all raw materials for beer production (grain, hops, yeast, fruits, cleaning chemicals, co2, and all other specialty ingredients)
- Managing the labor demands and costs in production of all products.
- Designing job descriptions and hiring in conjunction with owners additional employees, as needed.
- Maintaining and creating safety procedures in accordance with OSHA guidelines and holding monthly meetings to put into effect/address past/new safety procedures.
- Innovate and help create new recipes and seasonal beers.
- Continue maintenance program for equipment (compressor, bottling line, forklift, keg washer, sump pump, brew house, grain mill, and walk in)
- Continuing CCOF logbook, and certification process, as well as maintaining records of all ingredients. Brewer’s report of operations.
- Maintaining relationships with suppliers and assuring statements are filed properly.
- Assisting in the design, purchase and installation of production brewery.
- Manage packaging inventory and staffing – labels, bottles, cans
- Keeping abreast of beer scene and other restaurant happenings
- Must possess excellent communication, time management, and organization skills
Compensation – salary after trial period accomplished. $25/hour during trial.
If you think you have what it takes to be the lead brewer in a dynamic, growing environment, please submit a cover letter and your information HERE.