Head Brewer & Distiller – Brewery and Site Operations

Now becoming part of the RAAC Group, the business is entering an exciting new chapter as Bootleg Brewing & Distilling Co. Established in 1994, Bootleg Brewery is one of the Margaret River region’s original craft breweries. Located on a unique property in Wilyabrup, Bootleg has a long history of producing distinctive beers and creating memorable experiences for locals and visitors. Working alongside Rocky Ridge Brewing Co, who will tenant the building, we are looking for an experienced, highly motivated and multi-skilled operator to help recommission the brewery, establish the distilling operation and build the production systems required for the future.

This is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of brewery and distillery operations—from commissioning equipment and developing recipes to implementing production systems, maintaining quality and helping care for the broader property.

The successful candidate will combine technical production knowledge with mechanical aptitude, practical problem-solving skills and a willingness to get involved wherever required.

This is not a purely managerial or desk-based position. It is a physical, hands-on role that will require hard work, initiative, flexibility and a strong sense of personal responsibility.

The opportunity

As Head Brewer & Distiller, you will be responsible for helping bring the Bootleg production facility back to life and developing a range of iconic beers, whiskies and other spirits that build on the history of the Bootleg name.

You will work closely with RAAC Group management to establish the operational foundations of the business, including equipment commissioning, recipes, production processes, quality systems, compliance, maintenance and inventory management.

Beyond the brewery and distillery, you will also assist with practical projects, maintenance and general operations around the Wilyabrup property.

Brewery and distillery commissioning

Your initial responsibilities will include:

• Assessing the existing brewery equipment and production infrastructure.

• Working with equipment suppliers, contractors and trades to install, recommission or upgrade brewing and distilling equipment.

• Developing a practical plan for bringing production online safely and efficiently.

• Testing and calibrating equipment before commercial production begins.

• Establishing preventative maintenance schedules for all production equipment.

• Identifying operational risks, bottlenecks and infrastructure requirements.

• Helping plan future equipment purchases and production-capacity improvements.

• Ensuring the brewery and distillery are organised, clean, safe and production-ready.

Product development and production

You will take a leading role in developing and producing the Bootleg product range, including:

• Reviewing and refining existing or historical Bootleg beer recipes.

• Developing distinctive new beers that can become recognised Bootleg products.

• Establishing a complementary range of spirits, potentially including whisky, gin, vodka and other small-batch products.

• Creating pilot batches and managing structured product trials.

• Managing brewing, fermentation, conditioning, maturation, blending and packaging.

• Developing barrel-filling, maturation and inventory systems for whisky and other aged products.

• Maintaining consistency, quality and repeatability across all production.

• Establishing tasting, sensory evaluation and product-release procedures.

• Working with management on seasonal releases, limited editions and flagship products.

• Contributing production knowledge to product positioning, packaging and storytelling.

Processes, systems and compliance

A key part of the role will be creating the operational systems required to run a professional brewery and distillery.

Responsibilities will include:

• Developing standard operating procedures for brewing, distilling, cleaning, packaging and maintenance.

• Establishing production planning, scheduling and record-keeping systems.

• Implementing quality-control, traceability and batch-management procedures.

• Establishing effective cleaning, sanitation and hygiene programs.

• Managing raw materials, packaging, finished goods and production inventory.

• Monitoring yields, wastage, production costs and operational efficiency.

• Maintaining accurate production, maturation and excise records.

• Supporting compliance with liquor licensing, excise, food-safety, environmental and workplace-safety requirements.

• Establishing safe chemical-handling, confined-space and equipment operating procedures where applicable.

• Creating systems that can support additional employees as production grows.

• Training future production team members in safe and consistent operating practices.

Property and site operations

Bootleg is located on a substantial Wilyabrup property, and this role will extend beyond the production floor.

You will be expected to:

• Assist with general property, building and facilities maintenance.

• Help maintain production, storage and back-of-house areas.

• Identify maintenance issues and either complete practical repairs or coordinate the appropriate trades.

• Assist with equipment movement, deliveries, storage and site organisation.

• Support site improvement and infrastructure projects.

• Help ensure the property is safe, functional and well presented.

• Assist other members of the team during busy periods, events or special projects.

• Approach practical challenges with flexibility and a willingness to help.

The property component is an important part of the position. We are looking for someone who takes pride in the entire site—not only the brewery and distillery equipment.

About you

You are practical, resourceful and self-motivated. You enjoy building operations, solving problems and taking responsibility for results.

You are comfortable working independently, but you also communicate clearly and know when to engage specialist contractors, technical advisers or management.

You will ideally bring:

• Substantial hands-on experience in commercial brewing, distillation or beverage production.

• Strong brewing knowledge, with the ability to develop high-quality and commercially viable beers.

• Distilling experience or a demonstrated ability to develop and manage a professional distilling operation.

• Experience commissioning, recommissioning or upgrading production equipment.

• A strong understanding of fermentation, sanitation, quality control and production consistency.

• Experience developing standard operating procedures and production systems.

• Sound knowledge of production planning, inventory and raw-material management.

• An understanding of excise, licensing, food-safety and workplace-safety obligations.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and practical maintenance skills.

• The physical capability to perform a hands-on production and property-based role.

• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.

• The ability to manage competing priorities without constant supervision.

• A current driver’s licence and reliable transport.

A formal qualification in brewing, distilling, fermentation science, food science or a related discipline will be highly regarded but is not essential where equivalent commercial experience can be demonstrated.

Forklift, first aid, confined-space, working-at-heights or similar operational qualifications would also be advantageous.

The personal qualities we value

This role requires someone who is:

• Highly self-motivated and accountable.

• Prepared to work hard and lead by example.

• Practical and willing to get their hands dirty.

• Calm and resourceful when solving operational problems.

• Passionate about producing outstanding beer and spirits.

• Disciplined about safety, hygiene, quality and record keeping.

• Comfortable working across a wide variety of responsibilities.

• Respectful of the history of the Bootleg brand while being excited to build its future.

• Able to work productively in a regional property environment.

• Willing to contribute wherever needed to help the business succeed.

What success will look like

During the first 12 months, you will have:

• Assessed, recommissioned and brought the required brewing equipment into operation.

• Supported the installation and commissioning of the distilling equipment.

• Established safe, documented and repeatable production processes.

• Developed a clear range of flagship and seasonal Bootleg beers.

• Commenced development and production of a distinctive spirits range.

• Established appropriate whisky maturation and barrel-management systems.

• Implemented quality, inventory, maintenance, compliance and production-record systems.

• Built an organised, clean and professional production environment.

• Developed a practical production plan that supports the commercial goals of the business.

• Made a positive and reliable contribution to the broader Wilyabrup property.

Why join Bootleg Brewing & Distilling Co?

This is a rare opportunity to help rebuild and shape an established Western Australian craft beverage name.

You will have the chance to:

• Take ownership of a brewery and distillery operation from its next stage of development.

• Create beers and spirits with the potential to become iconic products.

• Work on a distinctive property in the Margaret River region.

• Build production systems and a team from the ground up.

• Work directly with RAAC Group decision-makers.

• Have a meaningful influence on the future of the Bootleg brand.

The role offers considerable autonomy and variety, but it also comes with significant responsibility. We are looking for someone who sees that as an opportunity and is ready to put in the work required to build something exceptional.