Paul Hancock
Harlow,UK
Summary
A seasoned brewing professional with extensive expertise in ales and lagers, complemented by a strong background in team management within brewing and packaging environments. Demonstrates proficiency in implementing SALSA accreditation and ensuring HACCP compliance for food safety. Skilled in effective communication, laboratory equipment operation, and Six Sigma methodologies for continuous improvement. Possesses knowledge of EMCS export management and experience with Breww software development. Certified forklift operator committed to advancing operational efficiency and quality standards in the brewing industry.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Head Brewer
Laine Brew Co Ltd t/a Redchurch Brewery
Harlow, Essex, UK
10.2022 - 10.2025
- Managed brewing operations ensuring adherence to quality standards and production schedules.
- Developed and implemented innovative recipes to enhance product range and cater to market trends.
- Oversaw maintenance of brewing equipment to ensure optimal performance and reduce downtime.
- Trained and mentored brewing team fostering a culture of continuous improvement and skill development.
Head Brewer
Redchurch (London) Brewery Ltd
Harlow, Essex, UK
01.2020 - 10.2022
- Led brewing and packaging teams at a 55hL craft brewery, ensuring operational excellence.
- Produced eight core range beers and four rotating specials in various packaging formats.
- Oversaw brewing operations to maintain strict adherence to safety and hygiene standards.
- Developed innovative recipes while overseeing quality control and maintenance.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste in production.
- Executed new product development initiatives to expand product offerings.
- Collaborated with marketing team to create unique promotional campaigns for new beer releases and projects.
- Managed inventory and procurement of raw materials to ensure seamless production processes.
- Managed stock levels and implemented efficiency projects to optimise operations.
- Mentored a team of four brewers and four packaging staff to enhance skills.
- Trained and mentored junior brewing staff to improve their skills and knowledge.
- Achieved SALSA accreditation through rigorous audits and compliance measures.
Head Brewer
Evolution Brewing Co.
Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK
04.2019 - 10.2019
- Responsible for all production matters of a new start 25hL craft brewery – production, packaging, quality, logistics, maintenance, and team development
- Produced 8 core range beers for keg and canning into 440 mL cans and keg
- Responsible for maintaining and updating Brewman software system
- Stock control and inventory management
Production/Packaging Manager
Cumberland Breweries Ltd (Alltech)
Newry, County Down, NIR
10.2017 - 11.2018
- Responsible for packaging bright beer into bottle and keg products – approx. ~20,000 hL annually
- Led the packaging team – 2 full time and 3 part time staff plus temporary staff
- Liaised with the Brewing Manager and Operations Manager to produce production schedules
- Organised logistics & distribution of finished goods to customers in N. Ireland & ROI
- Responsible for stock management of packaging materials, labels & brewery consumables
- Managed external contract brewing & packaging production
Head Brewer
Cumberland Breweries Ltd (Alltech)
Newry, County Down, NIR
04.2017 - 10.2017
- Responsible for all brewing functions up to bright beer tank – brewing, filtering, kegging beer on a 50 hL brewplant scale – brewing ~12,000 hL annually and contract packaging a further ~8000 hL
- New product development and recipe refinement
- Responsible for stock management of brewing materials, chemicals and consumables
- Lead and developed a team of 3 brewers
Lead Brewer
Cumberland Breweries Ltd (Alltech)
Great Corby, Cumbria, UK
02.2016 - 04.2017
- Responsible for the general management of a 10BBL (16 hL) cask ale brewery – production, quality, sales and logistics functions – producing ~3500 hL annually
- Responsible for a team of 4 brewery staff
- Developed and improved on beer existing beer recipes and developed new seasonal ales
Brewer
Self employed t/a Falcon Brewery
Alvechurch, Warwickshire, UK
10.2010 - 02.2016
- 10 hL scale cask beer brewery producing 4 permanent ales and a variety of seasonal ales for sale in the brewpub and locally through the SIBA DDS sales network
- Responsible for all functions of the brewery - production, quality control, stock, external sales, deliveries, brew tours – packaging into 9 and 18G casks
- Self-employed t/a Falcon Brewery on behalf of Weatheroak Hill Brewery Ltd
Education
IBD Diploma - Brewing training (Mod 1 + 2 complete)
Institute of Brewing And Distilling
London06.2022
PhD - Chemistry
Newcastle University
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne 01.2004 - 04.2008
MSc - Chemistry (Distinction)
Bangor University
Bangor 09.2002 - 09.2003
BSc (Hons) - Chemistry
Bangor University
Bangor 09.1998 - 06.2002
A Levels - Chemistry, Geography and Biology
Solihull Sixth Form College
Solihull 01.1996 - 01.1998
Skills
- Brewing expertise in ales and lagers
- Team management in brewing and packaging
- SALSA accreditation implementation
- HACCP compliance and food safety
- Problem-solving
- Effective communication skills
- Laboratory equipment proficiency
- Six Sigma and continuous improvement
- EMCS export management knowledge
- Breww software development experience
- Forklift operation certification
Certification
- Continuous Improvement - Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Kaizen & 5S certified – Mar 2019
- Level 3 HACCP for Supervisors and Managers – High Speed Training – Jan 2019
- NEBOSH Management of Health and Safety Award – RRC Training – Jun 2012
- NVQ 2 Business Administration – Omega Training 2011
Interests:
I am a keen outdoor sports enthusiast and enjoy hill walking, golf and cycling. I have been a member of several mountaineering sports clubs and have taught rock climbing skills to new members. I also like to home brew on my own self-built 35L stainless steel brewery.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Head Brewer
Laine Brew Co Ltd t/a Redchurch Brewery
10.2022 - 10.2025
Head Brewer
Redchurch (London) Brewery Ltd
01.2020 - 10.2022
Head Brewer
Evolution Brewing Co.
04.2019 - 10.2019
Production/Packaging Manager
Cumberland Breweries Ltd (Alltech)
10.2017 - 11.2018
Head Brewer
Cumberland Breweries Ltd (Alltech)
04.2017 - 10.2017
Lead Brewer
Cumberland Breweries Ltd (Alltech)
02.2016 - 04.2017
Brewer
Self employed t/a Falcon Brewery
10.2010 - 02.2016
PhD - Chemistry
Newcastle University
01.2004 - 04.2008
MSc - Chemistry (Distinction)
Bangor University
09.2002 - 09.2003
BSc (Hons) - Chemistry
Bangor University
09.1998 - 06.2002
A Levels - Chemistry, Geography and Biology
Solihull Sixth Form College
01.1996 - 01.1998
IBD Diploma - Brewing training (Mod 1 + 2 complete)
Institute of Brewing And Distilling