About us McLeod’s Brewery started with humble beginnings in 2014 with an ethos to create great beer right here in Waipu, Northland.
We’ve grown organically since then and have created a reputation for crafting high quality and delicious beer. We work hard and love what we do, and our high standards mean that our customers know quality when they taste it.
We’re proud to have put Waipu on the map and over the last few years, we’ve become one of New Zealand’s most awarded breweries. In 2024, our Double IPA Tropical Cyclone won Champion New Zealand Beer and we’ve twice been named Champion Medium Brewery.
We want to keep crafting high-quality beer using best-in-class brewing practices and to do that we’re on the lookout for an exceptional Head Brewer to help us continue in our success.
About the role This is an exciting opportunity to showcase and elevate your brewing skills across a diverse range of beer styles.
From our tried-and-true core range to our barrel-aged Smugglers Bay collection as well as unique seasonal beers. We have a great beer for every palate. As Head Brewer, you’ll be able to flex your creative muscles and experiment with exciting recipes and techniques.
Day to day your responsibilities will see you:
- Lead a talented and committed team of 3
- Follow best practice in the production of exceptional beer from fermentation through to cellaring
- Develop recipes, bringing your own unique style to our brewery
- Package and dispatching finished product
- Purchase ingredients, materials and consumables
- Collaborate with suppliers
- Operate brewery management software
We currently operate a 6 day roster, with our team working 4 x 10 hour days.
This role is a full-time, permanent role based in Waipu, Northland.
About you You’re a Brewer with high end expertise in the brewing industry. You bring experience making a wide variety of beer and can demonstrate an expert understanding of the entire brewing process, from fermentation and cellaring, to stock monitoring, creating recipes, keeping a clean environment and everything in between.
You bring the following:
- Minimum 5+years professional brewery experience, with experience in a senior or leadership role
- Up-to-date knowledge of beer styles, brewing techniques, traditions and trends
- Creative and able to develop new and innovative recipes
- A good level of understanding in using lab equipment, including centrifuge operation
- High standards and great attention to detail
- A level of strength & stamina appropriate to the physically demanding nature of the role
- Excellent work ethic, effective time management, and accurate record keeping
- Effective leadership, communication and interpersonal skills
- Formal brewing qualification (IBD certification or equivalent)
- NZ Forklift Licence and Driver’s Licence
To apply See yourself working at McLeod’s? Please apply with your CV and cover letter telling us why you'd be an awesome fit of this role. Applications close as soon as we find the right person, so apply today and don’t miss out!
International applicants are welcome to apply, but please keep in mind that you must have working rights in New Zealand to be considered.
We have partnered with Kin to fill this crucial role. If you have questions before applying, please contact Anita Teague. She can be reached at
[email protected]