Distillery Operators - 6 Month Contract Join One of the World's Premium Gin Distilleries At one of the world's leading premium gin distilleries, our exceptional products begin with the careful preparation and handling of the botanicals that define our distinctive spirit. As a Distillery Operator, you will play a key role in ensuring that botanicals are received, stored, prepared and supplied to production safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards. This is a hands-on role requiring a strong focus on manual handling, quality, safety and teamwork within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Botanical Handling & Preparation Receive, unload and safely transport botanical deliveries throughout the production facility. Accurately weigh, measure and prepare botanical ingredients in line with production schedules and operational requirements. Prepare and stage botanical batches for distillation, ensuring full compliance with quality and traceability standards. Load, unload and handle botanical baskets, containers and materials used throughout the production process.
Ensure botanicals are stored correctly to preserve quality, integrity and freshness. Conduct stock movements and inventory activities to maintain production readiness. Carry out routine cleaning of botanical preparation areas and equipment. Manual Handling Operations Perform regular manual handling activities associated with moving sacks, bags, containers and botanical materials throughout the site. Safely lift, carry, push, pull and position materials using approved handling techniques and mechanical aids where appropriate.
Support the loading and unloading of materials from vehicles, storage areas and production locations. Ensure all manual handling tasks are completed in accordance with site safety procedures and risk assessments. Identify opportunities to improve manual handling practices, workplace ergonomics and operational efficiency. Maintain excellent housekeeping standards to ensure safe movement of materials and personnel within the work area. Quality & Compliance Conduct quality checks on incoming botanicals and prepared batches.
Maintain accurate production, inventory and traceability records. Support compliance with quality management systems, food safety standards and regulatory requirements. Escalate any quality concerns, discrepancies or non-conformances promptly to your immediate line Manager. Health, Safety & Environment Champion a strong health and safety culture within the workplace. Follow all safe systems of work, including manual handling and material movement procedures.
Identify hazards, report near misses and participate in safety improvement initiatives. Maintain high standards of housekeeping and environmental awareness across all operational areas. Continuous Improvement Contribute ideas and initiatives that improve safety, quality and productivity. Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement activities. Support the implementation of best practice processes and operational efficiencies.
Skills & Experience Essential Experience within a manufacturing, warehouse, food production, beverage production or operational environment. Experience performing manual handling tasks safely and effectively within a physically demanding role. Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards. Good organisational and time management skills. Ability to work effectively within a team and communicate clearly with colleagues. A proactive and flexible approach to work.
Desirable
Experience handling raw materials, ingredients or production stock. Understanding of food safety, quality systems or manufacturing processes. Forklift licence or experience using material handling equipment. Interest in premium spirits production and distillation processes.
What We Offer
This is an opportunity to join one of the world's premium gin distilleries and contribute directly to the creation of an internationally recognised product for the next 6 months. You'll be part of a team committed to quality, craftsmanship, safety and continuous improvement while working in a unique and rewarding manufacturing environment. Salary - from £15.00 to £18.00ph Hours - 2 week rotation Week 1 Tues to Sat 06.30 - 1500 (8 hours paid) Week 2 Mon to Fri 1300 - 2130 (Fri is 1500 - 2300) (8 hours paid) Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.
Distillery Operator employer: Blue Arrow - Southampton
Join our innovative food manufacturing start-up in Whitechurch, Hampshire, where your contributions as a Packing Operative will be valued and recognised. We offer a friendly and supportive team environment, full training, and the opportunity for personal growth as we expand our unique cheese snack production. Be part of something special from the ground up and enjoy the potential for a permanent role in a thriving business.
