The Manager, Brewing Lab QA is responsible for oversee laboratory operations within the brewery. This role ensures that all raw materials, in-process samples, and finished beer products meet the required quality, safety, and regulatory standards. The position manages laboratory testing activities, ensures compliance with brewing specifications, and supports continuous improvement in quality management systems.
Responsibilities and Duties
1. Laboratory Management
- Supervise daily laboratory operations including microbiological, chemical, and physical testing of raw materials, wort, beer, and packaging materials.
- Ensure laboratory testing follows approved analytical methods and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Maintain laboratory equipment calibration, verification, and preventive maintenance schedules.
- Ensure laboratory housekeeping and safety compliance.
2. Quality Control & Assurance
- Monitor product quality parameters throughout brewing, fermentation, filtration, and packaging processes.
- Review laboratory test results and ensure compliance with product specifications.
- Support investigation of product quality issues, non-conformances, and customer complaints.
- Assist in implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
3. Microbiological & Analytical Control
- Oversee microbiological monitoring programs for brewery process areas, packaging lines, and finished products.
- Ensure effective contamination control and sanitation verification.
- Monitor yeast quality, propagation, and fermentation performance testing.
4. Compliance & Documentation
- Ensure compliance with food safety standards such as HACCP, GMP, and relevant regulatory requirements.
- Maintain laboratory documentation, records, and test reports in accordance with quality systems.
- Support internal and external audits including regulatory inspections.
5. Continuous Improvement
- Assist in implementing quality improvement initiatives to enhance product consistency and process efficiency.
- Participate in root cause analysis and problem-solving activities.
- Support quality-related projects and new product development testing.
6. Team Leadership
- Supervise and guide laboratory technicians and analysts.
- Provide training on laboratory methods, quality standards, and safety practices.
- Ensure competency development of laboratory personnel.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Food Science or a related field.
- Minimum 5–8 years of experience in quality laboratory operations, preferably in brewery, beverage, or food manufacturing.
- Strong knowledge of beer brewing processes, microbiology control, and analytical testing methods.
