Description:
We are looking for a Packaging Manager to lead our Packaging Team and oversee the day-to-day operations of our bottling, kegging and cask racking areas.
As part of the Production Management Team, you’ll be responsible for the safe, efficient and effective delivery of the Packaging Plan, ensuring production schedules are achieved on time, in budget and to the required quality standards.
You’ll work closely with Production, Engineering and Quality colleagues to translate wider production strategy into effective packaging plans, while acting as the senior technical point of contact for packaging-related issues and escalations. You’ll also lead on health and safety within your area, helping to embed a strong safety and people-first culture, alongside driving continuous improvement to improve efficiency and minimise downtime.
What You'll Be Doing
Leading, developing and supporting the Packaging Team to deliver a high-performing, people-focused operation.
- Overseeing the safe and effective operation of bottling, kegging and cask racking across a 24/5 production environment.
- Agreeing and delivering the weekly Packaging Production Schedule, working closely with Production Planning and wider operational teams.
- Ensuring packaging production is delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.
- Taking responsibility for Packaging Quality Standards, hygiene and housekeeping, including supporting audits and ensuring actions are completed.
- Leading on health and safety within the Packaging area, ensuring risk assessments and SOPs are effective, up to date and embedded.
- Managing packaging materials, chemicals and waste streams effectively.
- Supporting complaint investigations and ensuring appropriate actions are completed within agreed timescales.
- Managing ullage effectively and ensuring relevant standards and controls are maintained.
- Supporting the introduction of new SKUs, ensuring they are produced and implemented in line with the agreed plan.
- Driving continuous improvement across Packaging to improve efficiency, reduce waste and minimise downtime.
- Working collaboratively with Production, Engineering and Quality teams across our production sites, as well as suppliers and contractors where required.
- Coaching and developing team members, supporting succession planning and building capability across the Packaging Team.
What We're Looking For
- Experience working in a Production environment leading a team.
- Experience within a similar FMCG, food, bottling or manufacturing environment.
- A strong understanding of production processes from processed beer to finished product.
- Proven experience of managing and developing teams, with the ability to provide both support and challenge.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a curious, continuous improvement mindset.
- Good knowledge and understanding of health, safety, hygiene and quality standards within a production environment.
- IBD General Certificate, or currently working towards the Diploma.
- HACCP Level 2 or higher.
- IOSH Managing Safely, or the ability to complete this within six months.
- The ability to communicate effectively and build strong working relationships across Production, Engineering, Quality and wider teams.
- A proactive and commercially aware approach, with a focus on delivering against production plans, budgets and operational KPIs.
- Candidates with experience working in an environment with BRC or similar quality accreditation will have an advantage.