The country's leading body representing Australia's small brewers continues to evolve. Last year, an overwhelming majority of members voted to remove all brewing companies with multinational ownership as the Craft Beer Industry Association became the Independent Brewers Association (IBA).

Now, with the launch of an independent seal on the horizon and a desire to build a stronger voice advocating for small, Australian owned brewing companies, the IBA is restructuring and is looking to hire a CEO to lead the way.

The move comes as the maturing industry faces growing challenges. There are more brewing companies in Australia than at any time in its history – with plenty more in the pipeline – and the major players in the industry have shown their intent in the craft beer sector with the acquisitions of many of the largest craft brands, including Mountain Goat, 4 Pines, Pirate Life and Feral. Also on the agenda for the IBA are issues such as tax, the container deposit scheme, quality and education, ensuring whoever steps into the new role will have plenty to keep them busy.

“At the end of last year we had consultants conduct a Strategic Organisational Review of the IBA’s operations,” said IBA Chair Ben Kooyman. “It was found that five years of hard work has been firmly in the right direction through great contributions from many stakeholders, but there are many opportunities and challenges ahead. 

"A key recommendation was to increase the IBA’s human resources to allow it to deliver on the goals set out in our 2025 Strategic Plan. The Board has decided on making a number of changes in this area with up-weighted roles for its existing staff, and a key new leadership role which has immediately instigated the recruitment of a CEO to have overarching responsibility for all aspects of the IBA’s operations.

“This is an important step in the organisation’s development and it will help us deliver on our vision of quality independent beer everywhere.”

Details of the CEO position can be found below while the Strategic Review outputs will be hosted on the Member’s Section of the IBA website in the near future. Chris McNamara will be acting CEO until the recruitment process is completed.

JOB DESCRIPTION: CEO

Do you want to be a leader in one of the most exciting and talked about industries in the country? The Independent Brewers Association, the peak organisation representing Australia’s small, independent brewing industry, is looking for its first ever CEO. 

Established in 2012, the IBA has 200 members spread across the nation and has at its core a mission to Support, Educate and Influence on behalf of its members.

The CEO position will report directly to the Board of Directors. The IBA office is located in Newcastle, New South Wales, and, while it is preferred that the CEO be based in Newcastle, alternatives will be considered for the right applicant.

The CEO will oversee the effective running of the organisation, assuring the IBA continues to represent its members, advancing the industry and being a strong advocate for change. 

Duties will include steering the organisation to meet its strategic directives (as agreed by the Board) with an overall responsibility of managing the association's resources including meeting budgetary and human resource requirements. The Association has a small but dedicated team of people to lead, engage and inspire to ensure the "voice" of the association is heard. The CEO will be the key industry advocate with all levels of government and will be the industry’s media spokesperson.

The successful candidate will have the following:

ESSENTIAL:

• Extensive experience at CEO or senior executive level, with a track record of success in achieving strategic initiatives and directives.
• Tertiary qualification in business or related field (to post graduate level).
• Experience in working collaboratively with Boards, reporting effectively, leading and engaging change.
• Demonstrated experience and working knowledge of corporate governance.
• Experience in business development and income stream creation.
• Ability to lead change initiatives.
• Proven success in growing membership.
• Demonstrated leadership ability; able to delegate effectively and inspire, motivate and engage both internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven success building a great culture and team.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships and networks.

DESIRABLE:

• Demonstrated experience in dealing with Association/Membership based organisations.
• An understanding of the Australian brewing industry, particularly independent brewing, and industry trends.
• A love of good beer.

Candidates should submit an application to IBA Chair Ben Kooyman – ben@endeavourbeer.com – before the closing date. This should comprise: a covering letter and a current CV.

Confidential inquiries can be made to the Chair via the same email.

Submissions close at midnight on February 15, 2018 AEDT.