COMPETENCIES

• Strong technical knowledge of packaging equipment and processes.
• Ability to plan, organise, and deliver against production schedules.
• Proactive problem-solving and maintenance mindset.
• Confident trainer and communicator, able to coach others effectively.
• Self-motivated, reliable, and able to take ownership of outcomes.
• Excellent time management, attention to detail, and record-keeping skills.
• Enthusiastic and resilient personality with a passion for craft beer.

REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience in a packaging role within brewing, food, or FMCG.
• Competence across canning and kegging operations (bottling desirable).
• Forklift Truck certification (or willingness to gain this within the role).
• Comfortable with physical work and able to lift weights of up to 60kg.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or supervise others (desirable).
• Experience with maintenance or liaising with engineering/maintenance providers (desirable).
  We are accepting applications until Friday 5th September 2025. Interviewing w/c 8th September 2025
  Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
  Pay: £28,000.00-£30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Store discount

Experience:

• Packaging: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Forklift Licence (preferred)

Location:

• Manchester M1 2NP (required)

Work Location: In perso

ROLE: PACKAGING LEAD

Location: Cloudwater Brew Co, Piccadilly Industrial Estate, Manchester, M1 2NP
Salary: £30k p.a. Depending on experience
Hours: 37.5 hours a week, including weekends and evening work
Cloudwater Brew Co is a small independent brewery in Manchester, UK, with a focus on making exciting flavour combinations in modern beer, relaxing experiences for our customers, and a positive and progressive environment centered on the personal growth, holistic health and happiness of our team.
All job vacancies at Cloudwater are open to everyone of all races, all genders, all love-centered beliefs, and any backgrounds. Please read our Equality and Equity Policy for more information.
This role will be a permanent contract.
We are looking for a proactive and highly skilled individual to join our Production Team as Packaging Lead. This role is central to the smooth running of our packaging operations, ensuring quality, efficiency, and safety across all formats (cans, kegs, bottles). You will work closely with the Brewery Management Team, taking responsibility for planning, stock control, hygiene standards, and the training and development of Packaging Assistants and temporary staff.
The Packaging Lead will be competent across all packaging equipment and processes, and able to troubleshoot, coordinate maintenance, and uphold the highest standards of product quality.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead day-to-day packaging operations, ensuring production targets and quality standards are met.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain packaging lines (canning, kegging, bottling).
• Troubleshoot and carry out first-line maintenance; liaise with external maintenance providers where required.
• Monitor stock levels of packaging materials; manage ordering and accounts, ensuring cost-effective procurement.
• Deliver training to Packaging Assistants, temporary staff, and colleagues as required.
• Plan daily and weekly packaging schedules in line with production priorities, maximising efficiency.
• Maintain accurate packaging records and contribute to stocktaking.
• Ensure hygiene and housekeeping standards are met and exceeded in packaging and storage areas.
• Contribute to SOP updates, reviews, and implementation.
• Support wider brewery operations where needed, including lab, cellar, and general production tasks.
• Report deviations from specification and escalate issues promptly.