Head Brewer

Job Title: Head Brewer
Job Type: Full-Time
Wage Type: Salary + Tips
Compensation: $60,000-65,000 + Benefits
Start Date: January 2026

Who We Are

Gathering Place Brewing is an independent production brewery with taproom locations in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood and Wauwatosa. Since 2017 we’ve developed a strong following for our high quality, European-inspired beers, our welcoming taproom spaces, and our community engagement. The brewery features a 7bbl brewhouse with 75+ bbls of simultaneous fermentation capacity and a canning line. Our beer is served at 400+ stores, bars, and restaurants throughout Southeast Wisconsin, Madison, and Green Bay.

In late 2024 we acquired Sahale Ale Works, an independent taproom-focused brewery in Grafton making a range of styles, including IPAs, sours, and fruit beers. Sahale features a 3bbl brewhouse and we are expanding the brand through distribution to a wider audience. Additionally, we produce Blossom Beverages, a line of THC-infused drinks and are currently expanding into select distribution. 

We strive to be a cornerstone of the community and want people to see our brewery as a place to gather. We donate at least 1% of sales to local non-profit organizations. We believe that the community should grow and prosper as we grow and prosper. 

About the Position

The Head Brewer will lead the company’s brewing operations and be responsible for managing the brewing, fermentation, cellaring, and packaging activities for both the Gathering Place and Sahale brands.

The Head Brewer will develop and execute the brewing schedule to maintain a consistent supply of high quality beer for service in our taprooms and for outside distribution. We have a combination of year-round and seasonal beers that will continue, but expect the Head Brewer to develop new recipes and put their skills, tastes, and personality into our beer lineup.

The Head Brewer will be responsible for maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment in the brewhouse and storage area. This position will oversee and manage the brewing team which currently includes a full-time Assistant Brewer. We will expand the brewing team over time on the recommendation and guidance of the Head Brewer. 

The Head Brewer will actively communicate with the President regarding brewing operations. This position will work with our distributor partners to understand market conditions and adjust the production schedule accordingly. Additionally, the Head Brewer will work alongside the Taproom Manager to ensure two-way communication on beers, events, and programming. 

This is a full-time, salaried position that reports directly to the President. In addition to compensation and benefits, there will be professional development opportunities, including conferences and workshops. The successful candidate will excel working autonomously and in conjunction with others. The Head Brewer will be a member of the brewery’s leadership team, along with the President and Taproom Manager. The person in this role will have significant input in shaping how the position evolves over time. 

Responsibilities:

  • Develop new recipes and improve existing recipes with input from leadership team

  • Set the brewing schedule and maintain inventories of raw materials and finished beer

  • Ensure the highest quality and consistency through use of best practices to monitor and troubleshoot fermentation, in-process, and finished beer

  • Manage yeast per best practices, including pitching, cropping, and storage

  • Maintain the cleaning and sanitation of all equipment and work areas 

  • Manage the brewing team, including setting schedules, ensuring the quality of work, and developing the knowledge and skills of the brewing team members

  • Help improve existing standard operating procedures that ensure all aspects of beer production and packaging align with safety, sanitary, and quality protocols while allowing for process improvement and workflow efficiency       

  • Coordinate distribution fulfillment, including building, wrapping, and loading pallets

  • Manage routine annual inspections

  • Perform basic equipment maintenance, troubleshooting problems that arise, and coordinate repairs with contractors as needed

  • Assist the owner and other team members in developing growth strategies; assist in hiring and training employees; effectively communicate (written and oral) with the President and others to create a supportive work environment                                    

  • Be an active brewery representative, occasionally attending promotional events and festivals which may require some night and weekend availability    

Physical Abilities:

  • Ability to lift 55 pounds and move up to 165 pounds safely

  • Ability to work in confined spaces, with a clear demonstration of safe work practices

  • Must have the ability to regularly stand for long periods of time, perform tasks that require dexterity and precision

  • Ability to work near moving mechanical parts

  • Ability to frequently reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch

  • Frequently exposed to wet conditions, exposure and handling of chemicals

  • Ability to work in to work in a loud environment with temperature and humidity fluctuation

Who You Are:

  • 5 years professional experience as a production brewer

  • Formal brewing training (certificate/diploma) from a recognized and accredited brewing program (Siebel, UC-Davis, etc.) a plus

  • Strong knowledge of brewing techniques, quality control, yeast management, cleaning and sanitation, cellaring and packaging, and brewery equipment

  • Experience in recipe formulation and development; a high degree of curiosity to use new ingredients and flavor combinations

  • Knowledge of developing and documenting formalized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all brewery processes

  • A commitment to safety and quality by following industry standards, best practices, and OSHA regulations and requirements

  • Strong organization and time management skills and attention to detail; ability to multitask

  • Ability to work well as a member of a team, lead others, and work independently

  • Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to give and take constructive feedback

  • A friendly attitude and willingness to interact with customers in the brewery and at festivals and other events

  • Strong work ethic and flexibility as the brewery continues to grow 

  • Have a valid driver’s license and ability to travel between the Riverwest and Grafton breweries

The ideal candidate will be passionate about craft beer, passionate about the community, and seek ways to connect the two. Our staff wears multiple hats to ensure tasks are completed and the business is successful. We seek an individual who will be a team player and have a similar willingness to pitch in to get the job done. This position is a great way to break into the craft brewing industry and may lead to other and additional responsibilities over time. 

Gathering Place Brewing values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity employment. We encourage members of the BIPOC community and those from underrepresented groups to apply. 

To Apply

Please email cover letter and resume to joe@gatheringplacebrewing.com with “Head Brewer” in subject line.