Located in North-East Victoria, Bright Brewery is an award winning and proudly independent family-owned brewery, bar and restaurant, producing a diverse range of MountainCrafted beers in the spectacular alpine town of Bright, Victoria.
Our key values of ACTIVE – SUSTAINABLE – AUTHENTIC – INCLUSIVE are the cornerstones of everything we do at Bright Brewery. From brewing beers that reflect the bold and wild environment in which they are crafted, to embracing the outdoor lifestyle that our region offers, Bright Brewery helps form the heart of our community. We’re a vibrant and growing business that values the authenticity of our products, services and people, with a sustainable future for all.
Bright Brewery is seeking an experienced Lead Brewer to join our team. The Lead Brewer position is an on-the-floor leadership role responsible for the safe, efficient, and accurate execution of brewing operations. This position requires operational excellence across brewhouse, cellar, and packaging activities, while also mentoring and developing team members’ technical brewing skills.
The successful candidate will be technically minded, experienced in production brewing, and passionate about quality and continuous improvement. The role requires strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and a proactive attitude toward safety, efficiency, and product consistency.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Brewhouse Operations
– Direct, oversee, and participate in all brewhouse activities including wort production, CIP + maintenance.
Cellar Operations
– Direct, oversee, and participate in all cellar operations including fermentation management, dry hopping, yeast management, product blending, centrifuge operation and assorted CIP.
– Ensure cellar procedures are executed safely and to specification.
Packaging Operations
– Direct, oversee, and participate in all packaging processes including kegging, canning, and bottling (as required).
Quality Control & Efficiency
– Work alongside the Head Brewer to maintain and build quality and efficiency management systems.
– Monitor and implement continuous improvement initiatives related to brewhouse efficiency.
– Troubleshoot out-of-spec product and lead resolution efforts.
– Champion quality and efficiency-focused initiatives.
– Oversee daily production documentation including brew logs and digital data entry.
– Oversee QA/QC lab processes.
Staff Management & Safety
– Manage day-to-day operations of production floor staff.
– Ensure Standard Operating Procedures are followed consistently.
– Enforce Occupational Health & Safety standards and correct use of PPE.
– Ensure adherence to production schedule and safety protocols.
– Lead weekly production ‘toolbox talks’.
Production & Planning
– Coordinate with the Head Brewer to ensure all materials and ingredients are on-site when required.
– Assist with maintenance and upkeep of brewery equipment.
– Take a leading role in recipe development.
– Work with Head Brewer on NPD program.
– Attend supplier or internal management meetings as needed.
Required Skills & Experience
– Minimum 5 years of commercial brewing experience.
– Proven leadership experience in a brewing environment.
– Strong technical brewing knowledge and hands-on production skills.
– Demonstrated ability to manage teams, troubleshoot processes, and drive improvements.
– Excellent communication and time management skills.
– Ability to work well independently or as part of a team, leading from the front with a hands-on approach.
Qualifications
Diploma in Brewing (IBD or equivalent) – desired
Forklift license – required
Current First Aid certification – desired
Additional technical certifications – desired
WORKING AT BRIGHT BREWERY
This position is full-time and may involve weekend or shift work depending on production demands.
We offer a supportive and flexible working environment, with access to a Employee Assistance Program, Green Transport bonuses, Active Lifestyle Allowance and generous food + bev discounts.
ABOUT THE HIGH COUNTRY
This position offers a chance to live in a truly beautiful place with world-class mountain biking, cycling, hiking, camping, paragliding, snow and river sports right on your doorstep. We encourage broad and active lifestyles amongst our staff, and flexible working arrangements may be negotiated to accommodate this.
Bright Brewery is located in the High Country’s hop-growing region, and we are the closest brewery to the largest hop garden in the Southern Hemisphere – HPA’s Rostrevor Hop Farm. Our natural environment and the ingredients found within it play a special role in our business and in our beers. To learn more about the local hop fields, please click here.
We are also a proud founding member of the High Country Brewery Trail. Comprising eight breweries throughout the High Country, the HCBT is a collaborative group that works together to promote beer tourism in the High Country. We work collaboratively with other breweries in our region and, each year, we get together to brew a special High Country-inspired collab beer. To learn more about the HCBT, please click here.
MORE INFORMATION & APPLICATIONS
For a copy of the full Position Description please click here.
Applications can be made confidentially by sending a resume with a cover letter, addressing the skills and experience required, via email to: Lewis Kerr, Head Brewer [email protected]
