Technical brewer

Job description

Technical brewers are responsible for managing the process of brewing and packaging beer. They are responsible for the quality and consistency of the product.

The role involves:

• taking responsibility for raw materials, operatives and technicians;
• maintaining the safe and effective running of the plant and machinery;
• ensuring a consistently high quality product is produced.

A technical brewer may specialise in just one area of production, which is particularly likely in larger breweries, while they may be responsible for all aspects of the process in small breweries.

Technical brewing remains a hands-on occupation, despite increasing reliance on technology.

Typical work activities

Technical brewers can oversee all stages of production or they can specialise in one area; however common tasks can include:

• checking temperatures and quality of samples and making any necessary production adjustments;
• working with the laboratory team who carry out further tests to improve the product;
• introducing new or different methods of brewing;
• finding new suppliers and reviewing existing ones;
• accurately recording raw materials, production stage timings and quality checks;
• managing resources and staff to meet objectives;
• working on new recipes for seasonal and speciality beers ensuring they appeal to a certain market or will enhance sales at a specific time of the year;
• helping to design beer labels or marketing materials;
• planning budgets, keeping track of stock and records of raw materials.

Salary and conditions

• Typical starting salaries vary between £18,000 and £25,000.
• An increase in salary within any brewing company is dependent on increased responsibility. A shift brewer can expect to earn £25,000 - £33,000. A head brewer in a fairly large company may earn more than £40,000.
• Starting salaries vary according to the size of the company, geographical location and nature of the role.
• Larger breweries may provide benefits such as a pension scheme, healthcare and life assurance.
• Brewers typically work 40 hours a week but as the production process is continuous this will be spread over weekends and evenings. Flexibility may also be required as it is possible to be called into work at short notice if a problem has suddenly arisen.
• The environment is an industrial one and protective clothing needs to be worn as it is likely to be loud, hot and wet. Office work may also be required at some points.
• Although the number of women working as technical brewers is increasing, they are still underrepresented in this profession.
• Breweries are spread over most areas of the UK. However, the number of large breweries offering training is limited. Geographical mobility is important for those wishing to work for large breweries.
• The physical demands of the job can vary according to the nature of the brewery for which you work. The smaller the brewery, the more hands-on the job is likely to be. Good physical fitness is generally needed for maintaining machinery.
• Travel is occasionally required within the working day, although absence from home overnight is rare. Overseas travel is also occasional.
• UK brewing qualifications are internationally recognised and there are opportunities to work overseas, especially with multinational brewers.

Salary figures are intended as a guide only.

Entry requirements

A degree is typically required for entry into the role of a technical brewer. Relevant subjects include:

• applied chemistry;
• chemical and mechanical engineering;
• biological science;
• food science or technology.

The International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD)  at Heriot-Watt University is the only organisation in the UK to offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in brewing and distilling.

Postgraduate courses may be useful for those who do not have a related first degree. The University of Nottingham offers a Masters in brewing science but other subjects that may include brewing, such as biotechnology, may also be helpful. The University of Sheffield offers an MSc in Mircrobrewing for science and engineering graduates.

Entry without a degree may be possible at the level of production assistant or brewery technician and it may then be possible to work up to the role of technical brewer with experience and further qualifications. The Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD)  offers a range of training courses including the Fundamentals of Distilling and Fundamentals of Brewing and Packaging, which are useful for those who need more experience.  

Pre-entry experience in a brewing environment is useful. The larger breweries may be able to offer work placements or shadowing opportunities. Management skills are also highly valued so any experience that demonstrates these skills will be advantageous.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• general management and business awareness and decision-making skills;
• attention to detail and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels;
• familiarity with the technical language of the brewing industry;
• teamworking and leadership skills;
• scientific knowledge;
• a logical approach;
• creativity, particularly if celebration or seasonal beers are produced;
• physical fitness.

Some large brewery companies operate graduate recruitment schemes but places are limited and company websites should be checked for details of vacancies. 

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.

Training

Larger breweries offer more structured training programmes, which may involve visiting other production sites to gain an insight into how the whole business functions.

The Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD)  offers a range of training courses that are suitable for those who need to expand their knowledge and experience. The qualifications include general certificates and also diplomas in:

• distilling;
• packaging;
• brewing, which is internationally recognised and covers the principles of brewing science and technology;
• the Master Brewer (MBrew), which is recommended for those who have five years or more experience in a technical management role.

Brewlab  also offers a variety of training programmes, which range from one day workshops to three-month courses.

Continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities are available through the key professional bodies. For example, the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD)  and Brewing Research International (BRI)  offer short courses and advanced training units to enable industry professionals to develop knowledge of specialist areas or new developments within the sector. Contact individual bodies for further details.

Career development

It is possible to progress to the role of departmental manager, head brewer or technical director. With these more advanced roles comes a shift in emphasis, from plant or planning tasks to staff management and strategic issues.

Some technical brewers may need to move breweries or be prepared to relocate in order to progress in their career. 

Those aiming towards senior posts need to be able to lead a team of specialists and maintain an understanding of new research. As well as technical and scientific knowledge and an ability to manage people, an aptitude for business is essential. For example, an understanding of financial data systems is important for a departmental manager and vital for a head brewer. Sales, marketing and commercial experience prior to joining the profession is therefore an advantage.

Larger companies may provide the opportunity to progress into logistics, purchasing, quality assurance or health and safety roles.

Some technical brewers may go on to set up their own micro-brewery once they have gained significant experience. Brewlab  offers a three-day course in Start Up Brewing, which is designed for those who are considering setting up their own micro-brewery.

Employers and vacancy sources

Large brewing companies are the main employers of technical brewers but opportunities are also available in small or regional breweries.

Details of brewing companies can be found through the:

• British Beer and Pub Association
• Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD)  

There are also opportunities to work in breweries abroad as UK brewing qualifications are recognised on an international level. There are many international companies within the industry.

Individuals with extensive experience in the field may move on to working within education and research.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Brewer & Distiller International 
• The Brewery Manual  
• Carling Partnership Ltd  - the only specialist recruitment agency for the drinks industry.
• Food Manufacture  
• Foodmanjobs  
• Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD)  
• New Scientist Jobs  
• Careers service vacancy lists and databases.

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AGCAS

Written by AGCAS editors

Date: 

March 2013

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