Production Director

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 millions 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.