We're hiring
Head Brewer & Production Manager
Location: Victoria, BC
Company: Whistle Buoy Brewing Company
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: $70,000 annually
About Whistle Buoy Brewing Company
Whistle Buoy Brewing Company is an award-winning craft brewery located in downtown Victoria, BC. We are committed to producing high-quality beer while fostering innovation, operational excellence, and a collaborative workplace culture. As our brewery continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Head Brewer & Production Manager to oversee all aspects of brewery production and lead our production team.
Position Summary
The Head Brewer & Production Manager is responsible for the complete management of brewery production operations, from recipe development and brewing through packaging, inventory management, quality assurance, equipment maintenance, production planning, regulatory compliance, and team leadership.
This is a senior leadership position requiring a unique combination of technical brewing expertise, operational planning, production management, inventory control, quality assurance, and personnel supervision. The qualified candidate will play a critical role in ensuring efficient brewery operations, maintaining product quality standards, supporting production staff, and meeting company sales and distribution demands.
Key Responsibilities
Brewing & Production Management
- Lead and execute all brewing operations, including milling, mashing, lautering, boiling, fermentation management, conditioning, filtration, transfers, and packaging preparation.
- Develop, maintain, and adjust brewery production schedules based on sales forecasts, seasonal demand, inventory levels, tank utilization, and distribution commitments.
- Create and refine beer recipes through research, development, pilot batches, and bench-top testing.
- Coordinate all brewing activities with cellar operations to ensure efficient production flow and tank turnover.
- Monitor fermentation performance and make technical adjustments to ensure beer quality and consistency.
- Oversee packaging planning for canned and kegged products.
Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance
- Establish and maintain quality control procedures throughout all stages of production.
- Conduct sensory analysis and quality evaluations on raw materials, in-process beer, and finished products.
- Maintain accurate brewing, fermentation, packaging, and quality assurance records.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, provincial, and industry regulations governing brewery operations.
- Prepare and maintain required documentation, including excise reporting, LDB reporting, production records, and product specifications.
Inventory, Purchasing & Supplier Management
- Forecast and manage inventory levels for malt, hops, yeast, adjuncts, packaging materials, chemicals, and production consumables.
- Coordinate purchasing and ordering activities to ensure uninterrupted production.
- Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors.
- Manage incoming deliveries and organize procurement schedules to support production needs.
- Monitor inventory costs and work to optimize purchasing efficiencies.
Equipment & Facility Management
- Oversee preventative maintenance programs for all brewery equipment and production systems.
- Troubleshoot operational issues and coordinate repairs as required.
- Ensure safe operation of all brewery equipment and adherence to workplace safety standards.
- Maintain brewery cleanliness and sanitation protocols throughout production areas.
Leadership & Team Management
- Supervise and support brewery and cellar staff.
- Coordinate staffing schedules and production workflows.
- Train and mentor production employees in brewing techniques, quality standards, safety procedures, and operational best practices.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable workplace culture.
- Conduct regular production meetings and communicate priorities across departments.
Cross-Department Coordination
- Act as the primary liaison between production, sales, distribution, and taproom teams.
- Provide regular updates regarding production schedules, packaging timelines, inventory availability, and product releases.
- Collaborate with management to align production goals with business objectives and customer demand.
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in craft brewing operations.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in a production management or brewery leadership role.
- Comprehensive knowledge of brewing science, fermentation management, quality assurance, and brewery operations.
- Experience managing production schedules, inventory planning, and raw material procurement.
- Experience supervising and training production staff.
- Strong understanding of brewery regulatory requirements and production documentation.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot brewing and production equipment.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
- Ability to lift up to 25 kg and perform physically demanding work in a production environment.
Preferred
- Brewing education, diploma, certificate, or related technical training.
- Experience working in a fast-paced craft brewery environment.
- Experience with production planning software, inventory systems, and brewery management tools.
- Forklift certification or willingness to obtain certification.
Compensation & Benefits
- Annual salary of $70,000
- Extended health and benefits package
- Two weeks paid vacation
- Staff beer allowance and employee discounts
- Professional development opportunities
- Opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of an established and respected craft brewery
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to nina@whistlebuoybrewing.com outlining their brewing experience, leadership background, and relevant qualifications.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.