Head of Production

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We are recruiting for an experienced and skilled Head of Production.

Reporting to the Operations Director, the Head of Production will be based in Ashford, Kent and will be responsible for the production of a premium product range.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for a hands-on, proactive individual with a proven track record in the drinks industry. If you excel in building relationships and driving results and would like to bring your expertise and passion for wine to our dynamic team, we want to hear from you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Health and Safety management

Instilling a H&S-first culture of work in production. Responsible for ensuring compliance to H&S legal requirements and best practice ways of working.

• Team leadership

Lead, motivate and manage the warehousing and production teams to maximise their performance and retention

• Production of super-premium, consistently high-quality products of the number 1 English Sparkling wine brand

To include liaising with Winemaker and QC Technician to develop and implement further our QC standards of finished goods and packaging materials. Ensure continued adherence to external and internal quality and sustainability standards required for audit e.g. SALSA & SWGB.

• Oversee in-house production

Ensure production is planned and completed to meet forecast sales volumes through Chapel Down facilities

• Continual product improvement & NPD

Primary production contact with marketing team to develop packaging and related items. Assist with feasibility scoping and materials trials for new products or improvements to our existing range.

• Management of production costs

Overall CAPEX & OPEX budgetary control for bottling and post-bottling production. Making well informed procurement decisions and conduct negotiations with suppliers. Accurately track costs of dry goods, packaging materials and agency staff to identify efficiencies and materials savings

• Third-party contact packer management

Planning contract pack production to ensure fulfilment of sales forecast. Monitoring the performance of third parties to ensure quality and consistency of production.

• Supply chain management and procurement

Work with our existing ERP system to efficiently manage stock across several sites. Efficient procurement of dry goods in line with production plan.

• Oversee record keeping and warehouse management

Accurate and timely record keeping so that informed decisions can be made across the business. Ensure that the dispatch department is well organised and that efficient freight systems are in place.

• Equipment efficiency

Ensuring relevant KPIs are set and managed to ensure continuous improvement in production and warehousing. To include proactive and reactive machinery maintenance to minimise downtime.

EXPERIENCE

• Extensive experience in operational production management, ideally within the drinks industry
• Working to accreditation standards of BRC or SALSA
• Supply chain management, ideally within the drinks or FMCG industry
• Proven ability to lead and manage teams effectively through targets and objectives
• Implementing production KPIs with communication of these upwards and downwards through the team
• Understanding of ERP systems from a production and ordering perspective
• Production planning to meet sales forecast
• Third party contractor management

SKILLS

• First class leadership and management skills
• Excellent communication across, up and down through the business to achieve results
• Ability to think about production from an environmentally sustainable perspective
• Knowledge of QC and QA systems to drive continual improvement
• Strong negotiation skills with suppliers
• Operational mindset to drive and challenge production performance
• Budgetary control and discipline
• H&S focused, IOSH or NEBOSH qualification desirable
• HACCP level 3
• Ability to look ahead, anticipate change, and plan accordingly
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel

WHAT WE CAN OFFER

This is a permanent role with the following:

• Competitive salary
• Performance related discretionary annual bonus
• 25 days' holiday plus a day off on your birthday
• Wine allowance
• Employee Discount
• Enhanced family leave policies
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Quarterly company social events

LOCATION

This role is based in Ashford, Kent

ABOUT CHAPEL DOWN

Chapel Down is England's leading and largest wine producer with an award-winning range of sparkling and still wines.

Chapel Down continues to build its status as the leading brand of the English wine industry, supported by its high-profile partnerships as the 'Official English Sparkling Wine' of England and Wales Cricket Board and Ascot Racecourse, amongst others. Our products are widely available in the premium off trade, as well as being served in some of the UK's finest bars and restaurants.

The Company also welcomes approximately 60,000 visitors a year for winery tours and tastings at its brand home and retail experience in Tenterden, Kent.

Chapel Down is proud to be recognised as a Sunday Times 'Best Places to Work' in 2023 and 2024.

To apply, please follow the link, or send your CV, together with a covering letter, explaining why you are best suited for this role to [email protected]