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- Tasks: Lead the entire manufacturing process for a top drinks manufacturer, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Company: Join a family-owned, award-winning drinks manufacturer with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, relocation support, and the chance to shape company strategy.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team, influencing growth and innovation in a hands-on leadership role.
- Qualifications: Experience in drinks manufacturing at a senior level and a strong technical background in fermentation.
- Other info: This role requires relocation to a remote area; support is provided for a smooth transition.
The predicted salary is between 96000 - 144000 ÂŁ per year.
This range is provided by The Sterling Choice. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Direct message the job poster from The Sterling Choice
Specialist Food Manufacturing Recruitment – Senior Professionals
Production Director – Drinks Manufacturing
UK | Salary: ÂŁ120k (total package) | Relocation Support Available (Relocation likely required)
You’ve mastered the craft. Not just the day-to-day of manufacturing, but the deeper understanding – the science, the timing, the nuance of how great drinks are made.
You’re someone who knows that fermentation isn’t just a process; it’s chemistry, precision, and instinct combined. You’ve likely come up through hands on roles and worked your way into senior leadership by doing the do and understanding every moving part.
Now, you’re ready for something bigger.
We’ve been retained by a leading, award-winning drinks manufacturer. Family-owned. Fiercely independent. Proud of their regional roots and deeply respected across the industry.
They’ve invested heavily over the past five years – tens of ÂŁmillions into equipment, infrastructure, and operations. Now, it’s time to invest in people. Specifically, someone who can shape the next chapter of growth.
As Production Director, you’ll report directly to the MD and take ownership of the entire manufacturing side of the business; Production, Supply Chain, Engineering, Brewing/Process, Packaging and HR
Your initial focus will be operational. You’ll take a deep look under the hood, assess the team, the processes, the culture and start to fine-tune it all. Ensuring compliance across Quality, Legal and H&S is second nature to you, and you know how to get people pulling in the same direction.
Longer term, you’ll be part of shaping strategy alongside the MD and the senior team, influencing everything from investment planning to NPD to international expansion.
This role offers genuine influence. You won’t be a cog in the machine. You’ll be setting the tempo.
What we’re looking for:
- Experience running a drinks manufacturing site (Wine or Cider) at senior leadership level (Operations Director, Production Director, Site Director, General Manager).
- A strong technical background – fermentation, microbiology, chemistry
- A deep understanding of process – crushing, pressing, fermentation through to bottling
- Someone comfortable operating within a family-run or SME environment, where trust and adaptability matter
- Someone who leads by example and can develop both systems and people
One important thing:
This role is in a remote part of England and likely requires full relocation . The business is deeply embedded in its local community and needs someone equally invested – someone on-site, integrated, and fully part of the team. Support is available to make that move as smooth as possible, but it won’t suit someone looking to commute or live away during the week.
If you’re looking for a hands-on leadership role in a business with heart, ambition, and real product integrity, this could be your next move.
If you have the relevant experience, apply below for a confidential conversation.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Manufacturing, Management, and Project Management
-
Industries
Beverage Manufacturing, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, and Manufacturing
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Production Director employer: The Sterling Choice
Contact Detail:
The Sterling Choice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the drinks manufacturing industry. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with professionals who might have insights or connections to the role of Production Director. Building relationships can often lead to opportunities that aren't publicly advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company thoroughly. Understand their products, values, and recent developments. This knowledge will not only help you tailor your approach but also demonstrate your genuine interest in becoming part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience in drinks manufacturing. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved processes or led teams in previous roles, as this will showcase your capability to take ownership of the manufacturing side of the business.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasise your adaptability and commitment to being part of a family-run business. Highlight any previous experiences where you've thrived in similar environments, as this will resonate with the company's culture and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in drinks manufacturing, particularly in senior leadership roles. Emphasise your technical background in fermentation, microbiology, and chemistry, as well as your understanding of the entire production process.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the industry and your alignment with the company's values. Discuss how your hands-on experience and leadership style can contribute to shaping the next chapter of growth for the company.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: Include specific examples of past achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams, improve processes, and ensure compliance with quality and safety standards. Quantify your successes where possible to make a stronger impact.
Research the Company Culture: Understand the family-run nature of the business and its community ties. Reflect this understanding in your application by mentioning how you value trust and adaptability, and how you plan to integrate into their culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Sterling Choice
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Production Director, your technical background in fermentation, microbiology, and chemistry is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific processes you've managed, such as crushing, pressing, and bottling, and how your expertise has contributed to successful outcomes in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role requires someone who leads by example. Share examples of how you've developed teams and systems in past positions. Highlight your ability to foster a collaborative culture and ensure everyone is aligned towards common goals.
✨Understand the Company Culture
The Sterling Choice values a family-run environment. Research the company’s history and community involvement. Be ready to express why you resonate with their values and how you plan to integrate into their local community.
✨Prepare for Operational Challenges
Your initial focus will be on operational assessments. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and prepare strategies for addressing them. Discuss how you would approach fine-tuning processes and ensuring compliance across Quality, Legal, and H&S.
