📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Technical Writer
🔹 Company: Boston Beer
🔹 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full time
🔹 Category: Technical Writing
🔹 Date Posted: April 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Creating and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs), one point lessons (OPLs), training step up cards (SUCs), and lock-out tag-out documents (LOTOs)
- Working with operators, supervisors, and technicians to observe operating procedures and create/update documents
- Coordinating meetings with subject matter experts (SMEs) to observe and verify procedures
- Routing drafted documents through the specified/required quality team workflow
- Following brewery process for approval and review of all created documents
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with various teams within the company.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Create and update standard operating procedures, SOPs, OPLs, SUCs, and LOTOs
✅ Work with operators, supervisors, and technicians to observe operating procedures and create/update specified documents
✅ Be available to work off-shift as necessary to observe and document specific tasks
✅ Coordinate scheduled meetings with SMEs to observe and verify procedures
✅ Route drafted documents through the specified/required quality team workflow
✅ Record and maintain scope and progress of work on the document request tracker
✅ Follow the brewery process for approval and review of all created documents
✅ Follow brewery document management policies and procedures
✅ Maintain confidentiality regarding our brewing and blending processes
✅ Develop and execute a review process annually for all documents
✅ Manage communication flow of changes in documentation to management and employees
ASSUMPTION: This role may require occasional overtime, especially during periods of high production or when updating critical documents.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, English, Communications, or a related field
Experience: 2-5 years of experience in technical writing or a related field
Required Skills:
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively with various teams
- Attention to detail and quality focus
- Willingness to wear PPE and work in a production environment
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the food and beverage industry
- Knowledge of document management systems
- Fluency in multiple languages
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, candidates with experience in the food and beverage industry or a related field may have an advantage in understanding the specific processes and terminology involved in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $61,100 - $100,000 annually based on location and the experience level of the candidate
Benefits:
- Generous healthcare on day one
- Stock purchase plan
- 401k
- Tuition reimbursement
- Fertility/adoption support
- Free financial coaching
- Health & wellness program and discounts
- Professional development & training
- Free beer!
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with occasional overtime as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the company's stated range and industry standards for technical writers with 2-5 years of experience in the Cincinnati area.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: The Boston Beer Company operates in the food and beverage services industry, specifically in the production and distribution of beer and hard seltzer.
Company Size: With over 1,000 employees, Boston Beer is a mid-sized company that offers opportunities for growth and collaboration within a larger organization.
Founded: The company was founded in 1984 and has since grown to become one of the leading craft beer producers in the United States.
Company Description:
- Boston Beer is committed to brewing high-quality, innovative beers and hard seltzers that cater to a wide range of consumer preferences
- The company is known for its iconic Samuel Adams brand, as well as its diverse portfolio of craft beers and hard seltzers, including Truly Hard Seltzer and Angry Orchard Cider
- Boston Beer is dedicated to sustainability and responsible business practices, aiming to minimize its environmental impact and contribute positively to communities
Company Specialties:
- Craft beer production and distribution
- Hard seltzer production and distribution
- Innovative brewing techniques and flavor development
- Sustainable business practices
Company Website: www.bostonbeer.com
ASSUMPTION: Boston Beer's commitment to innovation and sustainability may present unique opportunities for technical writers to contribute to the company's mission and growth.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-level of the technical writing career path, offering opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.
Reporting Structure: The Technical Writer will report directly to the Quality Manager and work closely with various teams, including operations, production, and quality assurance.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with occasional off-shift work required to observe and document specific tasks.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to senior technical writing or management roles within the company
- Expansion of responsibilities to include training and development, or project management
- Opportunities to work on special projects or initiatives, such as new product launches or process improvements
ASSUMPTION: With Boston Beer's commitment to innovation and growth, there may be opportunities for the Technical Writer to expand their role and take on additional responsibilities over time.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The Cincinnati office is a production facility, with a focus on brewing, packaging, and distribution operations.
Office Location(s): 1625 Central Pkwy, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214, United States
Geographic Context:
- Cincinnati is located in southwestern Ohio, along the Ohio River
- The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a variety of neighborhoods and communities to choose from
- Cincinnati is known for its rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene, and diverse food offerings
Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, with occasional off-shift work required to observe and document specific tasks.
ASSUMPTION: While the Cincinnati office is a production facility, the Technical Writer's role is primarily office-based, with occasional visits to the production floor to observe and document processes.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screen with the Quality Manager
- On-site interview with the Quality Manager and other relevant stakeholders
- Final interview with the Director of Quality
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical writing skills and experience
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively with various teams
- Attention to detail and quality focus
- Understanding of the food and beverage industry (preferred)
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and skills in your resume and cover letter
- Provide examples of your technical writing work, such as SOPs, OPLs, or training materials
- Demonstrate your understanding of the food and beverage industry and the specific processes involved in beer production
ATS Keywords: Technical Writing, Document Management, SOP Creation, Microsoft Suite, Communication, Observation, Quality Assurance, Confidentiality
ASSUMPTION: Boston Beer uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume can help ensure that your application is seen by the hiring manager.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
- Document management systems (e.g., SharePoint, Google Drive)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with Microsoft Suite and document management systems is essential for this role, as is the ability to learn and adapt to new tools as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Quality: We strive for excellence in everything we do
- Innovation: We embrace change and continuously seek improvement
- Collaboration: We work together to achieve our goals
- Sustainability: We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact
Work Style:
- Results-driven: We focus on achieving our goals and delivering results
- Adaptable: We embrace change and are open to new ideas and approaches
- Collaborative: We work well with others and value the input of our colleagues
- Attention to detail: We take pride in our work and strive for accuracy and quality
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong commitment to quality and attention to detail?
- Are you comfortable working in a collaborative, team-based environment?
- Do you have experience working in a production or manufacturing setting?
- Are you open to learning new tools and processes as needed?
ASSUMPTION: Boston Beer values candidates who are a strong fit with their company culture, which emphasizes quality, innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The production environment can be loud, hot, and cold, with frequent exposure to production equipment and forklifts
- The role may require occasional overtime, especially during periods of high production or when updating critical documents
- The Technical Writer may need to work with multiple teams and stakeholders, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills
- The role may require the Technical Writer to maintain confidentiality regarding the company's brewing and blending processes
ASSUMPTION: While these challenges exist, they can be managed effectively by a strong, detail-oriented technical writer with excellent communication skills and a commitment to quality.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other technical writing positions, but may have more exposure to production environments and the need for confidentiality
- The food and beverage industry has unique processes and terminology that may require additional learning and adaptation
- This role offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the company, as well as exposure to a variety of teams and stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other technical writing positions, its unique aspects and opportunities make it a valuable and attractive career choice for the right candidate.
📝 Sample Projects
- Creating and updating SOPs for the brewing and packaging processes
- Developing training materials for new employees, such as step-up cards and one-point lessons
- Reviewing and updating existing documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with company policies and procedures
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects provide a snapshot of the types of tasks and responsibilities the Technical Writer may be expected to perform in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workflow for creating and updating SOPs in this role?
- How does the Technical Writer collaborate with other teams and stakeholders to ensure accurate and up-to-date documentation?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?
- How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the company's approach to sustainability and minimizing its environmental impact?
ASSUMPTION: These questions can help the candidate better understand the role, the company culture, and the opportunities for growth and development within the organization.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
