About Free Range Brewing
Free Range Brewing is a family-owned brewery in the heart of Charlotte, NC, built around community, creativity, and craftsmanship. We celebrate locally sourced ingredients, sustainable brewing practices, and meaningful connections — one small-batch beer at a time. Our approach to beer is intentional and exploratory, often highlighting seasonal ingredients from local farmers and producers.
We’re looking for a Head Brewer to lead our brewing operations and carry forward our vision of small-batch innovation, quality, and community-driven beer.
Position Overview
The Head Brewer is responsible for overseeing all aspects of brewing operations — from recipe development and production scheduling to quality control and team management. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who values creativity, collaboration, and the artistry of craft beer.
Key Responsibilities
- Brewing Operations: Oversee and participate in all brewing activities, including wort production, fermentation management, packaging, and cellar work.
- Recipe Development: Design and refine recipes that reflect Free Range Brewing’s philosophy — thoughtful, locally inspired, and experimental when it counts.
- Quality Control: Maintain consistent standards of flavor, aroma, and presentation across all products.
- Production Management: Schedule brews, monitor inventory, and coordinate with front-of-house and distribution to meet demand.
- Team Leadership: Manage and mentor the brewing team, fostering a culture of craftsmanship, safety, and collaboration.
- Maintenance & Safety: Ensure all equipment is properly maintained and that operations comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Community Collaboration: Work with local farmers, foragers, and partners to source unique, sustainable ingredients that tell a story through every pint.
Qualifications
- 3–5+ years of professional brewing experience, with at least 1–2 years in a leadership or head brewer role.
- Strong technical understanding of brewing processes, equipment, and quality assurance.
- Proven ability to manage production schedules, inventory, and staff.
- A creative approach to recipe design and ingredient sourcing.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Passion for community, sustainability, and the local craft beer scene.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with small-batch or farm-to-glass brewing operations.
- Familiarity with lab analysis and fermentation science.
- Formal brewing education or certification (Siebel, UC Davis, etc.) is a plus.
- Interest in local food systems, foraging, or sustainable practices.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Paid time off and employee benefits
- Opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and community engagement
- A supportive, down-to-earth work environment that values balance and purpose
