Search for a Head Brewer for a greenfield start-up in Ghana
Millar Cameron sourced an experienced craft brewer for an independent start-up with the goal to create the perfect blend using Belgian beer technology and typical African ingredients.
The Role
Head Brewer
Location: Ghana
Sector: Food & Agriculture
Services: Executive Search
ABOUT SPECIALTY BEERS
Specialty Beers (Ghana) Ltd is an independent start-up aiming to target the growing popularity of craft ales in West Africa.
Currently, at the early stages of development and in the process of building the brewery, Specialty Beers' focus is to supply the HORECA industry.
THE CHALLENGE
Support the success of the new venture by finding Specialty Beers a technically strong and adaptable Head Brewer with the capability to work autonomously in an expanding operation and also be significantly involved with the initial setup of the brewery. Following completion of the build, the Brew Master is required to assume full responsibility for the brewery operation, including the bottling line and utilities, together with the formulation and development of recipes.
Specialty Beers identified that candidates with the technical brewing skills required to deliver their mission, together with requisite experience within smaller operations where candidates would have exposure to the full brewing process, would come from Belgian or British craft breweries.
A significant challenge to the position was sourcing candidates with the adaptability to make a move to an emerging market and in particular, one that did not have an established craft beer market.
Specialty Beers identified the need to recruit a qualified Brew Master /Operations Manager as one of the key success factors in our goal to develop the next-level craft brewer in West Africa. This rather unique profile demanded a combination of hands-on skills, knowledge, experience, and personal traits to be successful. We quickly realised that we would need professional input to recruit the right person with the necessary skills. We turned to Millar Cameron, who then also assisted us in our search for a Commercial Manager who required the experience, drive, and entrepreneurial spirit to succeed in our sales and distribution. They delivered on both assignments.
OUR APPROACH
Knowing Specialty Beers’ preference towards candidates from the UK or Belgium, we spent time creating lists of the smaller breweries in each country which would likely have candidates of the right calibre, then approaching their Head Brewers. Naturally a number of candidates responded saying that relocation would not be an option for them, however we knew that this would be the case going into the search and that we would need to cast a wide net in order to create a strong shortlist for the role.
Once we had identified candidates that were suited to the position and excited by the opportunity, we carried out technical interviews with them. By carrying out these technical interviews on our client’s behalf, they were able to make an informed decision as to who the strongest candidates were to take through to a higher level interview.
THE OUTCOME
The successful candidate demonstrated that they had the technical skills the role needed as well as the enthusiasm and curiosity to take on a project with a start-up business away from the established market for craft beer in Europe.
After reviewing a number of proposals Specialty Beers appointed Millar Cameron to assist in the recruitment of our key senior roles. The process from start to finish was cordial, smooth, with constant interaction and they delivered on the key milestones as promised. Despite being unable to meet the candidates face to face due to COVID 19, having now worked with our selected candidates for several months, we are convinced the right decisions were made. We are extremely happy we partnered with Millar Cameron for this rather “niche” market assignment. Without a shadow of a doubt, we will call upon them again, as and when our start-up’s development requires it.
Get in touch with Millar Cameron
If you would like to find out more about our specific expertise, or talk to a member of our team about your next senior hire, please contact us. We look forward to speaking with you.
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