Production & Operations Manager

Location: Ballynahinch, County Down, Northern Ireland

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Production & Operations Manager to lead manufacturing operations within a growing beverage production business.

This is a key leadership opportunity for a commercially minded professional who can drive operational excellence, improve productivity and build a high-performing team. You will take responsibility for the safe, efficient and cost-effective running of production, overseeing processes from liquid preparation and bottling through to packaging, warehousing and finished goods dispatch.

You will play a pivotal role in improving production performance, optimising equipment utilisation, controlling costs and maintaining consistently high standards of quality. Working closely with senior management and other departments, you will establish a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Key ResponsibilitiesProduction Management & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and manage all production activities, including liquid preparation, bottling, packaging and dispatch.
• Develop and implement production schedules aligned with customer demand and business requirements.
• Maximise production output, equipment utilisation and workforce productivity.

Bottling, Packaging & Liquid Preparation

• Oversee bottling line performance and associated packaging operations.
• Manage liquid preparation processes, including transfers, batching, blending, dilution, filtration and preparation for bottling.
• Ensure accurate liquid measurement, reconciliation, traceability and compliance with product specifications.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, 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.

Warehouse, Inventory & Logistics

• Oversee production warehouses, packaging materials, bulk liquid and finished goods inventory.
• Implement effective stock control, recording and reconciliation procedures.
• Ensure accurate tracking of materials, production output, waste and stock movements.

Purchasing & Cost Control

• Manage purchasing of packaging materials, production consumables and other operational supplies.
• Build effective supplier relationships, negotiate competitive pricing and maintain material availability.
• Monitor purchasing costs, inventory levels, production expenditure and material usage.

Site, Equipment & Maintenance

• Take operational responsibility for production facilities, equipment, warehouses and site infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain preventative maintenance programmes to maximise equipment reliability and minimise downtime.
• Coordinate equipment servicing, repairs, external contractors and technical suppliers.

Quality, Compliance & Health & Safety

• Maintain robust quality control procedures throughout production, packaging and dispatch.
• Ensure accurate production, stock movement, traceability and excise records in line with relevant HMRC requirements.
• Maintain compliance with applicable food safety, health and safety, environmental and regulatory standards.

Reporting & Performance Management

• Establish effective daily, weekly and monthly production reporting.
• Monitor operational performance against agreed targets and implement corrective actions.
• Lead improvement projects that deliver measurable productivity gains, reduced waste and enhanced reliability.

About You

We are looking for a proactive and commercially aware production leader with a proven track record of improving operational performance within a manufacturing environment.

Essential experience and skills:

• Proven experience in production or operations management within beverage bottling, food manufacturing, FMCG, packaging or a similar manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrable success in improving production efficiency, output, quality and cost performance.
• Strong people management skills, with experience leading and developing production teams.

Desirable experience and qualifications:

• Experience in spirits, wine, beer or other beverage bottling operations.
• Knowledge of liquid processing, filtration, blending or filling operations.
• Familiarity with HMRC excise requirements and bonded warehouse procedures.

Previous distilling experience is not required.