Production & Operations Manager

ACS Performance; Ballynahinch; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ACS Performance in Ballynahinch, Northern Ireland, seeks an experienced Production & Operations Manager to lead our beverage manufacturing operations. You will drive operational excellence, improve productivity and build a high-performing team, overseeing liquid preparation, bottling, packaging, warehousing and dispatch.

You will establish clear procedures, manage schedules, optimise equipment utilisation, control costs and ensure quality and compliance across HMRC and safety standards,

Qualifications

• Experience in beverage bottling or FMCG manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record of improving production efficiency, quality and cost metrics.
• Strong leadership and ability to develop production teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead all production activities from liquid prep to dispatch.
• Develop production schedules aligned with demand and business needs.
• Maximise output, equipment utilisation and workforce productivity.
• Oversee bottling, packaging and warehouse operations.
• Ensure quality, traceability and compliance with specifications.

Skills

Production management

Operations management

People management

Job description

Job vacancy - Production & Operations Manager

Position: Production & Operations Manager

Location: Ballynahinch, County Down, Northern Ireland

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Production & Operations Manager to lead manufacturing operations within a growing beverage production business.

This is a key leadership opportunity for a commercially minded professional who can drive operational excellence, improve productivity and build a high-performing team. You will take responsibility for the safe, efficient and cost-effective running of production, overseeing processes from liquid preparation and bottling through to packaging, warehousing and finished goods dispatch.

You will play a pivotal role in improving production performance, optimising equipment utilisation, controlling costs and maintaining consistently high standards of quality. Working closely with senior management and other departments, you will establish a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all production activities, including liquid preparation, bottling, packaging and dispatch.
• Develop and implement production schedules aligned with customer demand and business requirements.
• Maximise production output, equipment utilisation and workforce productivity.
• Oversee bottling line performance and associated packaging operations.
• Manage liquid preparation processes, including transfers, batching, blending, dilution, filtration and preparation for bottling.
• Ensure accurate liquid measurement, reconciliation, traceability and compliance with product specifications.
• Lead, motivate and develop a skilled, flexible and accountable production team.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, operating procedures and performance expectations.
• Plan staffing and resources to maximise productivity and operational efficiency.

Warehouse, Inventory & Logistics

• Oversee production warehouses, packaging materials, bulk liquid and finished goods inventory.
• Implement effective stock control, recording and reconciliation procedures.
• Ensure accurate tracking of materials, production output, waste and stock movements.

Purchasing & Cost Control

• Manage purchasing of packaging materials, production consumables and other operational supplies.
• Build effective supplier relationships, negotiate competitive pricing and maintain material availability.
• Monitor purchasing costs, inventory levels, production expenditure and material usage.

Site, Equipment & Maintenance

• Take operational responsibility for production facilities, equipment, warehouses and site infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain preventative maintenance programmes to maximise equipment reliability and minimise downtime.
• Coordinate equipment servicing, repairs, external contractors and technical suppliers.

Quality, Compliance & Health & Safety

• Maintain robust quality control procedures throughout production, packaging and dispatch.
• Ensure accurate production, stock movement, traceability and excise records in line with relevant HMRC requirements.
• Maintain compliance with applicable food safety, health and safety, environmental and regulatory standards.

Reporting & Performance Management

• Establish effective daily, weekly and monthly production reporting.
• Monitor operational performance against agreed targets and implement corrective actions.
• Lead improvement projects that deliver measurable productivity gains, reduced waste and enhanced reliability.

About You

We are looking for a proactive and commercially aware production leader with a proven track record of improving operational performance within a manufacturing environment.

Essential experience and skills:

• Proven experience in production or operations management within beverage bottling, food manufacturing, FMCG, packaging or a similar manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrable success in improving production efficiency, output, quality and cost performance.
• Strong people management skills, with experience leading and developing production teams.

Desirable experience and qualifications:

• Experience in spirits, wine, beer or other beverage bottling operations.
• Knowledge of liquid processing, filtration, blending or filling operations.
• Familiarity with HMRC excise requirements and bonded warehouse procedures.

Previous distilling experience is not required.