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Lawson's Finest Liquids

Director of Brewing and Operations

Lawson's Finest Liquids, Waitsfield, Vermont, us, 05673


Lawson’s Finest Liquids crafts and delivers the finest and freshest beer to delight our fans. We are a B Corp certified values-driven company that strives to be the finest, cultivate and support vibrant communities, and have fun. We are passionate about delivering world-class brews throughout our eleven-state region and beyond. The Director of Brewing and Operations will lead and oversee the entire brewing and production processes, lead the third-party manufacturing partnership, and ensure the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and safety. This role is responsible for strategic planning, team leadership, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in brewing and a strong track record of managing large-scale brewing operations, including working with third-party contract manufacturers. The Director of Brewing and Operations is a member of the Leadership Team, reporting to the CEO.

Primary Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management:

Lead, mentor, and develop the brewing and operations teams, including brewing staff, QA, packaging, maintenance and support staff while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.

Set performance goals, cascade annual company goals, and conduct regular performance reviews.

Embody the company’s core values while operating in alignment with the mission, vision, and B Corp ethos.

Strategic Planning:

Collaborate with the executive team to develop and execute long-term strategies for growth, production expansion and innovation.

Identify opportunities for new product development, technology investments, innovation and market expansion.

Develop investment plans and lead capital projects, including new equipment installations, capacity expansions and facility upgrades.

Production Management:

Oversee all aspects of brewing operations, including brewing, fermentation, packaging, quality control and transportation.

Ensure brewing, fermentation, and packaging processes meet production schedules while maintaining high quality standards.

Monitor and optimize manufacturing processes to improve productivity, reduce costs, and lower environmental impact.

Supply Chain and Cost Management:

Manage the full scope of the supply chain from sourcing the highest quality ingredients to production and transportation.

Oversee inventory levels of essential raw materials and finished goods.

Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, distributors, and key customers.

Develop and manage the brewing operations budget, including raw materials, labor, and overhead costs.

Implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality or safety.

Establish, measure and report on operations key performance indicators.

Quality Assurance, Safety and Compliance:

Establish and maintain quality control measures to ensure products meet both internal and external standards.

Work closely with quality assurance team across the manufacturing network.

Ensure compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations.

Promote a culture of safety within the brewery and conduct regular training and audits.

Maintain up-to-date records and documentation.

R&D and Process Improvement:

Stay current with industry trends and technological advancements.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and operational efficiency.

Oversee all aspects of research and development.

Evaluate and implement new brewing technologies and processes.

Develop and debut new beer recipes in conjunction with the brewing team.

Third-Party Contract Manufacturer Management:

Monitor and manage the performance of contract manufacturers.

Negotiate contracts and manage agreements with third-party manufacturers.

Requirements:

Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in brewery or beverage operations.

Experience in supply chain leadership and managing third-party manufacturing partners.

Strong leadership, management and communication skills.

In-depth understanding of brewing techniques and regulatory requirements.

Advanced degrees or certifications in brewing or operations management are a plus.

Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

Highly organized with proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office software.

Knowledge of safe work operations and safety policies.

Physically capable of a variety of duties including lifting and extended physical activity.

Based in our Waitsfield, VT, Headquarters.

Benefits:

This is a full-time exempt position with robust benefits including paid time-off, paid holidays, profit sharing, company medical, dental, vision, 401k plan with company match, sabbatical after five years, and more!

Lawson’s Finest Liquids is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to equity, inclusion and diversity. We believe that all forms of diversity make us better at everything that we do.

Lawson’s Finest Liquids provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to any protected category under federal, state and local law.

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