Production Area Manager

Suntory is a fast moving, agile and entrepreneurial business that is home to some of the nations most loved brands. The Suntory Group is one of the largest soft drinks companies and among the world’s leading consumer products companies. We offer a uniquely diverse portfolio of beverages enjoyed by millions across the globe.

This role is responsible for overseeing the operation of multiple beverage production lines, enabling broader strategic oversight towards business goals. The Area Manager ensures performance across a balanced scorecard of Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Sustainability, People and Culture. They need to be Gemba focused driving operational excellence across all their shift teams. Successful management of production teams to support SBFE growth and maximised value delivery to SBFE markets.

What you’ll do:

• Lead a strong Health & Safety culture, delivering Zero Harm standards and ensuring safe, compliant working practices.
• Maintain high product quality, ensuring shift teams follow all quality systems, standards, and compliance requirements.
• Ensure full audit compliance through robust procedures, documentation, and effective sensory and analytical testing.
• Own and maintain operational documentation, including SOPs, Work Instructions, and Safety/Quality Risk Assessments, ensuring team adherence.
• Maximise plant performance and OEE by identifying losses and driving effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Deliver the annual OEE improvement plan to meet customer demand and long‑term performance goals, ensuring production plans are achieved.
• Drive continuous improvement, challenging existing practices and applying CI methodologies to optimise processes.
• Develop people and teams, conducting meaningful Development Reviews and supporting ongoing capability growth.
• Build a flexible, skilled workforce through targeted development and cross‑skilling.
• Manage manufacturing controllable costs, ensuring disciplined cost control and governance.

What’s in it for you:

Joining Suntory isn’t just about taking on a role, it’s about embarking on a career journey. You have the opportunity to work with talented, inspiring and authentic leaders and have the freedom to dream big and go for it (Yatte Minahare). At Suntory you’ll find a supportive work environment that values work life balance and that will help you realise your full potential and grow for good. Our People and Culture team are a team that genuinely care about creating a great experience for our employees and we would love you to be part of it.

What you need to be successful:

• University degree level, or technical qualification.
• Solid experiences in Manufacturing and Beverage Industry.
• Strong knowledge of the category.
• Management skill & knowledge of the relevant industry sector is a plus.

Our DEI Commitment:

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.