Head Brewer (full Time)

London, ENG, GB, United Kingdom

Job Description

Head Brewer



Location: Exale Brewery, Walthamstow, London (Unit 2C Uplands Business Park, E17)

About Exale



Exale is a vibrant, community-focused brewery & taproom based in Walthamstow, East London. We brew fresh, hop-forward beers on site and operate four venues across East London, each with its own unique character and connection to local communities.

We're known for our fun, inclusive, music-and-beer culture -- hosting DJs, live events, and food pop-ups -- as part of the wider Blackhorse Beer Mile scene. Our goal is to craft exceptional beer while building places people love to drink it.

As we scale up, we're looking for a passionate, technically skilled Head Brewer to lead our brewing operations, help expand our portfolio, and maintain the quality and consistency that define Exale.

Role & Responsibilities



As Head Brewer, you will lead on all brewing, packaging, sales and logistics activities and drive innovation within the brewery. Key duties include:

? Plan, schedule, and oversee all brewery activities (brewing, packaging, keg washing, daily quality checks)

? Leading by example in maintaining high levels of cleanliness / housekeeping on site

? Ordering all raw materials required for production (malt, hops, yeast, chemicals adjuncts etc.) and maintaining appropriate inventory levels.

? Develop and refine recipes; lead R&D and pilot/one off special brews

? Be responsible, and the first point of contact for all compliance related issues pertaining to the brewery on site (Health & Safety, Environmental Health, HACCP, due diligence)

? Liaising the managers of our four bars and with our third party logistics providers to ensure all orders are picked, packed and arrive on time and in good condition.

? Raising invoices, ensuring all sales information is up-to-date stock levels are accurate

? Take the lead on all preventative maintenance in the brewery, ensuring key machinery is serviced as required and unexpected breakdown are kept to a minimum.

? Lead and supervise the brewing/production team; mentor, train, and develop junior brewers

? Own the P&L for the production side of the business, keeping batch and materials costs in line with expectations

? Collaborate with operations, packaging, logistics, and sales teams to align production with demand

? Be an ambassador for Exale at brewing events, tastings, brewery tours, and public engagements

Essential Qualifications & Skills



? Proven experience (3-5+ years) in a commercial brewery, ideally in a senior brewer or head brewer role

? Strong technical knowledge and an interest for staying up-to-date with developments in the industry

? Experience in recipe development, sensory training, beer styles and the commercial acumen required to translate this into beers that are well received with our customer base

? Proficiency with QA/QC practices (gravity, pH, sending micro / ABV samples, off-flavour detection)

? The ability to think laterally to solve problems and a hands-on mechanical aptitude.

? Leadership experience with capacity to manage a small team

? Excellent organisational, planning, and forecasting skills

? Strong communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively a range of stakeholders with varying degrees of technical knowledge

? Passion for craft beer, creativity, and willingness to push boundaries

Desired / Nice-to-have



? Formal qualification in brewing science or a related field (CID diploma, MSc Brewing etc.)

? Experience with sour, mixed fermentation and barrel ageing

? Familiarity with packaging operations and ability to troubleshoot equipment as required

? Experience in London/local craft beer market

? A track record of developing and brewing amazing beers (any awards that demonstrate this are a bonus!)

What We Offer



? Competitive salary (dependent on experience)

? Performance-based incentives / bonuses

? Staff benefits across Exale venues (discounts, free meals on shift) EXALE BREW PUB CO.

? A creative, supportive team culture with opportunity for growth

? The chance to play a key role in a scaling an ambitious independently owned brewery

? Exposure as a public face of Exale (events, tours, media)

How to Apply



Please send your CV, a cover letter (explaining why you'd be great for this role), and examples of beers you've worked on (recipes, photos, sensory notes) to:

andy@exalebrewing.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 40,000.00-48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee discount Free parking
Ability to commute/relocate:

London: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

Brewing: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

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Job Detail

  • Job Id
    JD4144894
  • Industry
    Not mentioned
  • Total Positions
    1
  • Job Type:
    Full Time
  • Salary:
    Not mentioned
  • Employment Status
    Full Time
  • Job Location
    London, ENG, GB, United Kingdom
  • Education
    Not mentioned