Head Brewer

About Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery

Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery is proud to be a trailblazer in the craft beer industry as the first cooperative brewery in Washington State. Grounded in the cooperative business model, we are a brewery and tasting room built of, by, and for our members, while proudly serving the general public. In addition to original recipes, we feature member-sourced beer recipes scaled to our commercial system and host regular events and educational opportunities that celebrate our community.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and collaborative Head Brewer to lead our brewery operations. This role is unique in the craft beer world: you will not only be responsible for executing high-quality core and seasonal beers, but you will also act as the face of the brewhouse for our community, working directly with member-owners and interacting with our taproom patrons. The Head Brewer works closely with the Beertender Lead and the Board of Directors to maintain exceptional quality, help manage production schedules, and champion the cooperative spirit both inside the brewery and throughout the broader Seattle community.

Key Responsibilities

1. Production & Recipe Development

• Wort Production: Execute the complete brewing process from milling, to wort production, to fermentation on a 7 bbl system.
• Recipe Development: Design and scale new recipes, including classic PNW IPAs and lagers, as well as non-beer alternatives, including but not limited to: seltzers, hop water and other non-alcoholic options.
• Production Scheduling: Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop the brew schedule, balancing diversity of styles with historical sales. Execute the brewing calendar and cellar schedules to maintain optimal inventory levels of core, seasonal, and experimental beers.

2. Brewery Operations & Quality Control

• Quality Assurance: Maintain meticulous adherence to QA/QC standards; effectively identify, troubleshoot, and resolve any beer production or quality issues.
• Sanitation & Cellar Management: Lead and execute a brewery cleaning, chemical safety, and sanitation program.
• Yeast Management: Oversee yeast health, propagation, harvesting, and pitching protocols.

3. Administration & Budgeting

• Inventory & Vendor Relations: Manage raw materials, hops contracts, packaging supplies, and chemical inventories while maintaining a corresponding operational budget.
• Compliance & Record Keeping: Maintain accurate production logs, batch records, and safety documentation in alignment with state, federal, and environmental regulations.
• Inventory & Procurement: Source high-quality raw materials; malt, hops, yeast, fruit, and packaging supplies while managing budgets and vendor relationships.

4. Community & Cooperative Engagement

• Collaboration: Partner with the Beertender Lead and the Board of Directors to align brewery operations with the Cooperative's long-term vision and strategic goals. Work directly with different members of the Board of Directors on brewery projects throughout the year.
• Events & Education: Assist in the development and execution of both on-site and off-site community events, promotions, and collaborations with other local breweries and cooperatives.
• Staff Training: Provide technical beer education and training to tasting room staff and community volunteers as needed.

Qualifications & Experience (Required)

• Commercial Brewing Experience: Minimum of 3 years of commercial brewing experience in a microbrewery, production brewery, or brewpub environment.
• Style Expertise: Proven mastery of American-style ales, traditional styles, and modern craft trends.
• Cooperative Mindset: Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with a genuine willingness to incorporate multiple considerations into brewing decisions.
• Technical Skills: Deep understanding of yeast propagation, laboratory basics, mechanical troubleshooting, and rigorous CIP procedures.
• Administrative Skills: Familiarity and experience in managing inventory and record keeping. 
• Self-Motivated: Independent, highly organized, and driven to achieve exceptional results without constant supervision.

Qualifications & Experience (Preferred)

• Leadership Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience as a Head Brewer, Brewmaster, or Lead Brewer with proven experience managing commercial production volumes.
• Administrative Skills: Experience managing recipe creation, product and packaging records, and inventory management with Breww.
• Events: Experience and familiarity with local and regional beer festivals. Knowledge of basic jockey box setup, operations, and tear down.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 55 lbs repeatedly and move 165 lb kegs safely.
• Ability to stand, bend, twist, and work in hot, cold, wet, and loud environments for extended periods.
• Comfort working with brewery chemicals and wearing appropriate PPE.

How to Apply

If you are ready to lead an enthusiastic, member-driven craft beer community and write the next chapter of cooperative brewing history, we want to hear from you. Please forward your resume and cover letter to bod@flyingbike.coop.