Production Area Manager

Suntory Holdings Limited; Coleford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Suntory Holdings Limited is looking for a Production Area Manager to oversee multiple production lines at the Coleford site, driving safety, quality, delivery and cost performance. You will lead teams, embed Zero Harm and Just & Fair Culture, and ensure compliance with SOPs and audits while coordinating cross-functional support.

The role requires strong leadership, experience in FMCG manufacturing, and a proven track record in continous improvement through Lean/Six Sigma and TPM principles.

Qualifications

• HND or Degree in a numerate discipline or equivalent
• Formal qualification in Continuous Improvement Principles (e.g., Six Sigma Green Belt)
• Experience in FMCG high-volume manufacturing, preferably Food or Beverage

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee safety compliance across multiple production lines.
• Drive high standards of product quality and adherence to quality systems and audits.
• Manage delivery performance, production plans, and OEE improvement.
• Develop and engage people through leadership, coaching, and succession planning.
• Control operational costs by maximizing efficiency and reducing waste.
• Champion operational excellence using the Suntory Monozukuri Way and Values.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Health & safety

Lean/Six Sigma

TPM

SAP

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

HND or Degree

Six Sigma Green Belt

Operations Management education

Tools

SAP

Production IT systems

Job description

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Production Area Manager

Requisition ID: 12736

Who We Are

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

About your role

The purpose of this position is: Oversee multiple production lines to ensure performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Sustainability, People and Culture, driving operational excellence and transformational change at the Coleford site.

What You'll Do

Lead and ensure safety compliance through Zero Harm programme and Just & Fair Culture embedding.
Drive high standards of product quality and compliance with quality systems and audits.
Manage delivery performance across multiple production lines, ensuring adherence to production plans and OEE improvement.
Develop and engage people through effective leadership, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
Control operational costs by maximizing efficiency, reducing waste, and managing budgets.
Champion operational excellence using Suntory Monozukuri Way and Values, fostering continuous improvement and problem solving.
Ensure adherence to SOPs, Work Instructions, Risk Assessments, and manufacturing records for safety, quality, and traceability.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Planning, Brand, and Commercial to support production and NPI activities.

Managing transformational change at pace within a complex, multi-line production environment.
Balancing performance across a broad balanced scorecard including safety, quality, delivery, cost, sustainability, and people.
Coordinating shift teams working varied patterns (24/7 and 24/5) to maintain consistent operational standards.
Applying governance and policy management for KPIs across multiple operational dimensions.
Driving continuous improvement while maintaining compliance with strict regulatory and internal standards.

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

HND, Degree or equivalent in a numerate discipline or vocational training in Operations Management
Formal qualification in Continuous Improvement Principles (e.g., 6-Sigma Green Belt)
Experience in FMCG high-volume manufacturing, preferably Food or Beverage sector
Strong leadership and people management skills
Knowledge of health & safety, quality management systems, and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies
Proven ability to drive operational excellence and transformational change

Experience with Total Productive Management (TPM) principles
Familiarity with SAP and relevant production IT systems
Previous experience managing multi-shift teams in a manufacturing environment
Advanced coaching and conflict management skills

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, disability, neurodiversity, or differing abilities, 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.