Head Brewer

Job Description

Balter Beerworks is an award-winning Knoxville brewery and restaurant known for producing high-quality craft beer, delivering exceptional hospitality, and serving as a gathering place for our community. We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and hands-on Head Brewer to lead all brewing operations, continue our commitment to quality, and help shape the next chapter of Balter’s growth.

This is a leadership role for someone who takes pride in creating great beer, building strong teams, maintaining rigorous quality standards, and driving operational excellence.

The Head Brewer is responsible for all aspects of brewery production, including recipe development, brewing operations, cellar management, packaging, quality assurance, inventory management, compliance, and FOH team beer education.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable in the brewery, in the lab, managing schedules, controlling costs, and representing the brewery within the local craft beer community.

Key Responsibilities

Brewing & Production

• Execute and oversee all brewing operations
• Maintain consistent quality across all beer brands
• Manage brewing schedules to meet production goals
• Lead recipe development and seasonal beer programs
• Monitor fermentation, conditioning
• Maintain accurate production records and reporting
• Enforce quality control standards
• Perform routine sensory evaluations
• Manage yeast health and propagation programs
• Ensure beer stability and consistency
• Oversee lab testing and quality documentation

Inventory & Cost Control

• Manage raw material purchasing
• Maintain ingredient and packaging inventories
• Monitor brewery yields and losses
• Control brewing costs and improve efficiencies
• Work closely with ownership on annual budgeting

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all TTB, state, and local regulations
• Maintain brewery safety programs
• Manage SDS documentation and chemical handling procedures
• Oversee equipment maintenance and preventative maintenance programs

Community & Brand

• Represent Balter at beer festivals and industry events
• Collaborate on beer releases and marketing initiatives
• Serve as a brand ambassador within the craft beer community

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years professional brewing experience
• Minimum 1 year in a brewery leadership role
• Strong understanding of brewing science and fermentation
• Experience with cellar operations and quality programs
• Ability to lift 55+ pounds and work in a production environment
• Excellent communication and leadership skills