Technical Brewer

A technical brewer is one of the most senior positions in the beer production process and in the beer industry job landscape. In a small brewery, the technical brewer is usually responsible for managing the entire brewing process from sourcing raw materials through to packaging. However, in some larger breweries, a technical brewer may be in charge of one particular variety of beer or a specific part of the beer production process. The technical brewer is ultimately responsible for the quality of the end product.

The technical brewer will spend most of their time in the production area of the brewery, ensuring that all Health and Safety and brewing processes are running smoothly. This can be a smelly, noisy environment that may be hot and humid. Sometimes the work hours of a technical brewer can be dictated by the brewing processes that are occurring — there can be long work days involved.

Technical brewers working at smaller breweries may need to have flexible working hours, depending on what beer is currently being made. Brewers at larger breweries that operate 24 hours a day may work in shifts and have unusual hours.

Technical brewers will also spend time in an office environment, communicating with suppliers, recording inventory levels, recording brew data and liaising with management.