Job Title: Senior Brewer
Location: Darling, Western Cape
Job Type: Full-time shift work
Darling Brew is one of South Africa’s most respected craft beer brands, known for its commitment to sustainability, exceptional quality, and a diverse range of beers and beverages that bring people together, inspired by the natural world. Located in the charming town of Darling, the brewery balances innovation with environmental responsibility, creating beers that celebrate both craft and conservation. We are looking for a Skilled Senior Brewer to join our production team and help steward the next chapter of Darling Brew’s growth.
Position Overview
The Senior Brewer will play a hands-on leadership role across all brewing and cellar operations, helping to ensure consistent quality, efficient production, and alignment with Darling Brew’s sustainability mission. Together with other shift brewers you will be responsible for the smooth and efficient operation of daily shifts. This includes planning the workflow and managing the team on your shift. This role requires strong technical brewing expertise, a proactive mindset, and the ability to mentor junior staff while collaborating closely with other shift brewers, the head brewer and management team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Brewing & Cellar Operations
- Execute and oversee all stages of wort production: milling, mashing, lautering, boiling, whirlpooling, and cooling.
- Manage fermentation schedules, gravity readings, dry hopping, fining, filtration, and carbonation. Monitor and report on key fermentation metrics and beer specifications.
- Ensure precise execution of Darling Brew recipes, seasonal releases, and limited-edition brews.
- Perform cellar duties including fermentation monitoring, yeast management, dry hopping, fining, carbonation, and filtration/centrifugation.
- Maintain accurate and timely production records (brew logs, gravity readings, cleaning logs, etc.).
- Ensure adherence to beer recipes while striving for consistency and optimization.
Quality Assurance
- Ensure strict adherence to Darling Brew’s sanitation protocols, CIP/SIP procedures, and safety standards.
- Participate in sensory panels and contribute to QC troubleshooting and process optimization.
- Work with the QA/QC team to troubleshoot issues and implement process improvements.
Team Leadership
- Leading daily shifts and managing the production staff on your shift.
- Mentor brewers and cellar staff; provide ongoing training on production processes, safety, and quality standards.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and sustainability-driven culture.
- Assist with scheduling, production planning, and workload delegation.
Recipe Development & Innovation
- Contribute to new beer concepts, pilot batches, and experimental projects that reflect Darling Brew’s brand identity.
- Explore unique South African ingredients, yeast strains, and brewing techniques.
- Stay engaged with industry trends while grounding innovation in Darling Brew’s ethos of slow-brewed, environmentally conscious craft.
Equipment Operation & Maintenance
- Operate brewhouse, cellar equipment, pumps, valves, and packaging machinery safely and effectively.
- Perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot equipment issues.
- Work with maintenance personnel or outside vendors for repairs and upgrades.
Safety & Compliance
- Enforce brewery safety protocols (chemical handling, PPE, lock-out/tag-out, confined space entry).
- Support compliance with South African liquor production regulations and environmental laws.
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe working areas throughout the facility.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- 4+ years of professional brewing experience, ideally within a production craft brewery.
- Strong technical brewing knowledge and understanding of fermentation, yeast health, water chemistry, and sanitation.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and train others
- Physically capable of lifting 25 kg malt bags, handle kegs, work at heights, work in hot/cold environments, and performing manual brewery tasks.
- Competent with recordkeeping, and QA processes.
Preferred
- Formal brewing qualifications (e.g., IBD or equivalent).
- Experience with sustainable brewing practices or environmentally conscious production.
- Background with centrifuges, filtration systems, and packaging lines.
- Forklift license or willingness to obtain one.
- Sensory training or panel experience.
Work Environment
- Full-time, on-site role at the Darling Brew in Darling.
- Shift work, including night shifts on rotation and weekends as required
- Fast-paced, collaborative environment with a strong quality and community ethos.
- Requires regular lifting, standing, and handling of brewing materials.
How to Apply
We are looking for a skilled Senior Brewer to join our production team and help steward the next chapter of Darling Brew’s growth. Apply now and start brewing with us.
Send your CV to: angelique@darlingbrew.co.za
Applications close: 30 July 2026