Key Responsibilities

• Production Management & Operational ExcellenceLead and manage all production activities, including cask disgorging, liquid preparation, bottling, packaging and dispatch.
• Develop and implement efficient production schedules aligned with customer orders and business requirements.
• Maximise production throughput, equipment utilisation and labour productivity.
• Identify and eliminate operational bottlenecks, downtime, waste and inefficient working practices.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators, including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), production output, labour efficiency, waste and cost per finished case.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, reliability and cost efficiency.
• Bottling, Packaging & Liquid PreparationTake responsibility for the performance and optimisation of the Polaris bottling line and associated packaging operations.
• Oversee cask disgorging, liquid transfers, batching, blending, dilution, filtration and preparation for bottling.
• Ensure accurate liquid measurement, reconciliation, traceability and adherence to approved product specifications.
• Improve line efficiency, changeover times, equipment availability and production output.
• Minimise liquid losses, packaging waste, defects and rework.
• Maintain consistently high standards of liquid and finished product quality.
• Team Leadership & DevelopmentLead, build, motivate and develop a skilled, flexible and accountable production team.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, operating procedures and performance expectations.
• Plan staffing and resources to maximise productivity and operational efficiency.
• Develop employee capabilities through training, coaching and performance management.
• Foster a positive, proactive culture of teamwork, ownership and continuous improvement.
• Lead by example with a visible, hands-on approach to daily operations.
• Warehouse, Inventory & LogisticsOversee the management of production warehouses, dry goods, bulk liquid and finished goods inventory.
• Implement robust stock control, recording and reconciliation procedures.
• Ensure accurate recording of materials consumed, production output, wastage and stock movements.
• Optimise warehouse organisation, material handling and stock rotation.
• Manage picking, packing, palletisation and dispatch to ensure accurate, on-time fulfilment of customer orders.
• Coordinate shipping requirements and work with logistics partners to improve service and control distribution costs.
• Purchasing & Cost ControlManage purchasing of dry goods, packaging materials and production consumables.
• Maintain effective supplier relationships, negotiate competitive pricing and ensure material availability.
• Monitor purchasing costs, inventory levels, production expenditure and material usage.
• Identify opportunities to reduce manufacturing costs, improve purchasing efficiency and minimise working capital tied up in inventory.
• Work closely with Finance to ensure accurate stock valuations, material reconciliation and production cost reporting.
• Site, Equipment & MaintenanceTake operational responsibility for the production facilities, equipment, warehouses and associated site infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain effective preventative maintenance programmes to maximise equipment reliability and minimise downtime.
• Coordinate equipment servicing, repairs, external contractors and technical suppliers.
• Monitor energy, water and utility consumption, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency.
• Maintain high standards of site organisation, housekeeping and operational safety.
• Identify and recommend capital improvements supported by clear operational and financial benefits.
• Quality, Compliance & Health & SafetyMaintain robust quality control procedures throughout liquid preparation, bottling, packaging and dispatch.
• Ensure accurate production, stock movement, traceability and excise records in accordance with HMRC requirements.
• Maintain compliance with applicable food safety, health and safety, environmental and regulatory standards.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, risk assessments and appropriate staff training.
• Ensure the production operation is prepared for internal, customer and regulatory audits.
• Reporting & Continuous ImprovementEstablish clear daily, weekly and monthly production reporting.
• Monitor operational performance against agreed targets and implement corrective actions where required.
• Report regularly to the Managing Director on production output, efficiency, quality, costs and operational performance.
• Lead improvement projects that deliver measurable productivity gains, reduced waste and enhanced operational reliability.
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