Outer Range Brewing Company strives to provide the highest quality beer and experience to all its customers. We are a fast paced Mountain Brand that is continually improving and innovating in all departments.

Rockies Lead Brewer

Frisco, Colorado | $55,000 - $65,000 per year | Full-time

JOB TITLE

Rockies Lead Brewer

SALARY / HOURLY

$55,000 - $65,000 per year

LOCATION / BASE

182 Lusher Ct. Frisco, Colorado 80443

DEPARTMENT

Production

REPORTS TO

Production Manager; Director of Global Brewing Operations

DIRECT REPORTS

None formal; leads brewers and cellar operators on shift

APPLICATION DEADLINE

December 1, 2026

About Outer Range

Outer Range Brewing Company strives to provide the highest quality beer and experience to all its customers. We are a fast-paced Mountain Brand that is continually improving and innovating in all departments.

Role Mission

The mission of the Lead Brewer is to own the brewhouse and the process standards behind every beer Outer Range makes in the Rockies. The Lead is responsible for technical precision in the brewhouse and cellar, continuous improvement of our brewing processes, and the development of the brewers and cellar team around them. As the Production Manager's backup, the Lead holds production with full ownership when the Production Manager is out. This is a hands-on, working role for leading production days on a fully automated 15 bbl TMCI brewhouse running 10 to 11 turns a week, executing departmental standards, and influencing decisions for the production team.

Core Outcomes (Measured on a 1-5 Scale)

1. Quality & Technical Execution

Outcome: Deliver beer that hits every specification from brewhouse through cellar, batch after batch.

• 100% accuracy on brew day specs (strike temp, mash pH, kettle volumes, OG).
• The team hits technical specifications (pH, OG, temp, VDK, ABV, DO) 98% of the time.
• Zero batches lost or degraded due to operator error in the brewhouse or cellar.
• Total beer loss due to quality under 2%.

2. Process Ownership & Continuous Improvement

Outcome: Own and improve the brewhouse and cellar processes, not just follow them.

• Own and maintain brewhouse SOPs, specs, and CIP procedures; CIP and sanitation cycles completed within allotted times 95% of the time.
• Fermentation tasks (VDK, crash, dry hop, transfer) completed on time and to spec.
• Scale and dial in recipes, and contribute to new beer development with the Production Manager or the Director of Global Brewing Operations.
• Take improvement projects (maintenance routines, equipment, quality) from idea to done.

3. Production Planning & Floor Leadership

Outcome: Keep production on schedule and the floor at standard whether or not the Production Manager is on site.

• Hold production with full ownership when the Production Manager is out, with no drop in quality, safety, or throughput.
• Help plan and execute the brew schedule 4 to 6 weeks out to minimize waste and overtime.
• Know and track the production KPIs, including 88% package efficiency and cost targets.
• Brewery left "Tour-Ready" at the end of every shift, with clean documented handoffs.

4. Data Integrity & Inventory

Outcome: Keep production data and brewing inventory accurate enough to drive management and purchasing decisions.

• 100% accuracy on your own brew sheets and EKOS entries.
• Help drive 99% weekly team compliance on EKOS and brewhouse automation data logging.
• Accurate tracking of brewing inventory (chemicals, brewing additives), with shortages escalated to the Production Manager.

5. Leadership, Training & Workplace Safety

Outcome: Develop a high-performing brew and cellar team that operates safely and holds each other to standard.

• Zero safety incidents per quarter.
• New production hires and taproom staff trained by the brew team within 3 months of hire.
• Successful cross-training and SOP certification of at least one brewer or cellar operator.
• Maintain 4.0 or higher on the Quarterly Peer Survey.

Competencies

• Own It: We empower our team to take ownership of their responsibilities and challenges. We believe in accountability, initiative, and the drive to make a difference. At Outer Range you are a member of our team's success and future growth. Own your projects, ideas, and actions.
• Ruthless Excellence: We are relentless in our pursuit of excellence. Ruthlessness here means being uncompromising in our commitment to quality, drive, and exceeding expectations. Crafting world class beer, delivering top-notch service, or tackling projects, we approach each task ruthlessly. Go above and beyond.
• Be a Team Player: Teamwork is the heartbeat of Outer Range. We thrive on collaboration, relying on our team for continued growth. Support, uplift, and celebrate each other's successes. Together, we create a work environment that is productive and enjoyable that works off a spirit of collaboration.
• Intelligence: Learns quickly. Demonstrates ability to quickly and proficiently understand and absorb new information.
• Proactivity: Acts without being told what to do. Brings new ideas to the company.
• Organization: Plans and executes brewing schedules 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Ensures cleanliness and organization meet high standards for safety and brand standard. Collaborates cross-functionally with Packaging, Quality Control, Logistics, Sales and Taproom teams. Participates in continuous improvement initiatives, suggesting and implementing changes to enhance team performance.
• Develop and Lead People: Coaches and mentors the brewers, cellar, and packaging teams. Treats teammates as people to build up.
• Teamwork & Conflict Resolution: Identifies and addresses behaviors or communication breakdowns immediately and professionally.
• Leadership: Be enthusiastic, positive, and persuasive to inspire the team and drive successful outcomes.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of production brewing experience, including time leading a shift or team
• Strong process and quality fundamentals: you know why specs matter and how to fix them when they drift
• Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and fixing key pieces of equipment
• Experience with automated brewhouses, canning lines, centrifuges, and production software (EKOS or similar)
• A brewing degree or certification is a plus, not a requirement
• Forklift trained
• Ready to live and work in Summit County at 9,000 ft

Physical Effort

This is a physically strenuous role. Must be comfortable working long hours on foot and able to lift up to 50 lbs alone and 160 lbs with help, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $55,000 - $65,000 per year, depending on experience.

• 401(k)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off: 10 days per year after 90 days, increases with tenure
• Paid sick time
• Employee discounts
• Relocation assistance available to the right candidate
• 4 Day Work Week
• Free Lunch at Bird Craft during your shift
• Free Skiing/Snowboarding on pre reserved days

Community Outreach: Outer Range is proud to be part of the Summit Foundation 1% pledge.

How to Apply

Apply through this posting or email your resume and a short note on a time you improved a brewing process or helped a teammate level up to [email protected].

Application deadline: December 1, 2026

The Workplace

At Outer Range Brewing, we value our customers and want them to be able to leave the life below. This means our environment will be a place of good vibes, relaxation, and fun times. That said, it is still a fast paced environment with many time sensitive activities constantly running in the background, to achieve a seemingly calm experience on the front end. Be prepared to experience both sides of the dynamic, and to keep a positive and professional attitude as you are an example to your surrounding team members.

Equal Opportunity

Outer Range Brewing Co. is an equal opportunity employer committed to eliminating racism, sexism, and all forms of discrimination. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Mobility / Flexibility

Your normal place of work will be 182 Lusher Ct. Frisco, Colorado 80443, but as a term of your employment you may be required to work from any of the organization's establishments depending on where events take place.

No Smoking Policy

Outer Range Brewing Co. operates a smoke-free policy, which means smoking and vaping are not allowed anywhere on company sites, including buildings, parking lots, and entrances.

Health and Safety

All employees are expected to follow company safety policies and procedures, use required protective equipment, report hazards and injuries promptly, and take reasonable care to protect themselves, coworkers, and guests.