Production & QA Manager
Employer: Williamsburg Alewerks LLC dba Alewerks Brewing Company
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
Position Type: Full-Time
PRIOR BREWERY MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED
Position Summary
The Production & QA Manager is a full-time, operations-based leadership role responsible for the day-to-day management of Alewerks’ production facility. This position oversees all brewing, cellaring, packaging, warehousing, and maintenance activities to ensure efficient operations, consistent product quality, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
The Production & QA Manager manages brewing and packaging schedules, coordinates with contract brewing partners and vendors, and serves as the primary point of contact for all personnel working within the production facility. The role provides leadership and supervision to brewers, cellarmen, packaging staff, warehouse personnel, and maintenance staff.
As the senior leader of manufacturing operations, the Production & QA Manager ensures production goals are achieved while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate is an experienced brewery professional who can work independently, collaborate with the broader management team, and develop staff through training, mentorship, and strong operational leadership.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Personnel Management
- Lead and manage production staff to ensure safe, efficient, and productive operations
- Participate in hiring, training, and performance reviews in collaboration with the Operations Director
- Maintain appropriate staffing levels to meet operational needs while managing labor costs responsibly
- Schedule production personnel and oversee timesheet review and approval
Brewing & Cellar Operations
- Oversee all brewing and cellaring activities while remaining actively involved in daily production
- Ensure proper storage and inventory of chemicals, raw materials, packaging materials, and finished product
- Train staff on standard operating procedures and equipment safety, including regular process reviews
- Maintain accurate production records and regulatory documentation
- Manage production data and reporting through brewery software (currently Encompass)
- Coordinate equipment maintenance needs with the maintenance team
Packaging Operations
- Oversee the packaging team and ensure performance meets operational expectations
- Assist with packaging operations as needed, including line operation, changeovers, repacks, and coverage for breaks
- Ensure packaging staff complete all required pre-run checks including product verification, seam checks, sanitation, and safety procedures
- Maintain accurate packaging records and documentation
- Monitor packaging efficiency and minimize product loss while maximizing yield
Quality Assurance
- Lead all quality assurance and quality control programs within the brewery
- Ensure proper sanitation, and microbiological testing procedures are followed
- Maintain QA documentation, incubation procedures, and plating protocols
- Investigate product quality issues and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence
- Maintain QA equipment, preventative maintenance schedules, and required supplies
Warehouse & Inventory Management
- Plan production schedules to maintain product availability and avoid out-of-stock situations in coordination with the Warehouse Manager
- Ensure necessary raw materials and production inputs are available ahead of scheduled brews
Facility Cleaning & Compliance
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized production environment
- Delegate and verify routine cleaning procedures throughout the facility
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to warehousing, material handling, and workplace safety, including OSHA standards
Requirements
- Prior brewery management experience required
- Minimum 5 years experience in brewing and cellaring
- Valid Virginia driver’s license with clean driving record
- Willingness to adjust schedule as needed to meet production demands
Desired Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication and team leadership skills
- Strong planning, organizational skills, and attention to detail
- Pride in maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient production environment
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced manufacturing setting
- Proficiency with computer tools including Google Docs, Google Sheets, email, calendaring, and brewery management software (Encompass preferred)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time
- Ability to regularly twist, turn, and lift materials and equipment up to 65 lbs
- Ability to maneuver 175 lb kegs using proper equipment and techniques
- Comfortable working in a production environment with moderate to loud noise levels and fluctuating temperatures
