Production Area Manager

Suntory Beverage & Food; Coleford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Suntory Beverage & Food UK seeks an experienced Operations Leader to oversee multiple production lines at the Coleford site, driving safety, quality, delivery, cost, sustainability and people development.

You will lead cross-functional teams, embed Zero Harm and Just & Fair culture, and manage transformational change across a high-volume FMCG environment, ensuring adherence to SOPs and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• HND or degree in a numerate discipline or equivalent 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Health & safety knowledge

Lean Six Sigma

Regulatory compliance

Education

HND/Degree in Operations Management

6-Sigma Green Belt

Tools

SAP

Job description

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

Essential

• 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

Desirable

• 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.