Head Of Production

Our client, a producer of non-alcoholic drinks, based in the Midlands, UK, is looking for a Head of Production to take full technical and operational ownership of how the product is made. The role will begin as very hands-on, commissioning the line, running the equipment and proving out every process – and grow into a senior manager as you recruit, train and lead a team of operatives to run the line under your direction. Ideally, you will bring all-round experience of running a drinks production facility, from the technical detail of the process through to the systems, maintenance and team that keep it running.

Key responsibilities:

• Line Commissioning & Set-Up
You will take the lead in bringing the new production and bottling facility into operation, overseeing the installation, commissioning and validation of the entire line. This includes becoming the in-house expert on all key equipment and working closely with suppliers to resolve any issues quickly, optimise performance and establish reliable, repeatable production processes from day one.
• Production & Manufacture
You will be responsible for the end-to-end manufacturing process, from steeping and blending tea through to carbonation, filling, pasteurisation, labelling and packing. Working to agreed production plans, you will ensure output meets volume, quality and cost targets while continually improving efficiency, reducing waste and minimising downtime. You will also play a key role in scaling up new products, helping to transition them from development trials into successful commercial production.
• Engineering & Maintenance
A key part of the role will be ensuring the reliability and performance of all production equipment. You will establish and manage a preventative maintenance programme, lead fault-finding and repair activities, coordinate external engineering support when required, and maintain accurate records to ensure all assets remain compliant and audit-ready.
• Quality, Food Safety & Certification
You will champion quality and food safety across the site, ensuring every batch meets the highest standards. This includes developing production procedures, SOPs and HACCP systems, embedding a strong food safety culture and working closely with the QA Manager to achieve BRCGS certification. You will also ensure the site remains fully compliant with regulatory and customer requirements, maintaining robust traceability and audit readiness at all times.
• Team Building & Leadership
As the operation grows, you will build and develop a skilled production team, setting clear expectations around quality, performance and ways of working. You will be responsible for recruitment, training and workforce planning, introducing shift structures as required to support growth. Over time, the role will evolve from being highly hands-on to a broader leadership position, with responsibility for developing the team and creating a high-performance culture across production and quality functions.
• Budget, Performance & Continuous Improvement
You will have ownership of the production budget and manufacturing costs, ensuring resources are managed effectively and performance targets are achieved. By introducing practical systems and meaningful performance measures, you will identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste and support continuous improvement. Close collaboration with Operations, Supply Chain and Planning teams will be essential to ensure the wider operation runs smoothly and efficiently.
• Health, Safety & Environment
You will be responsible for maintaining a safe, compliant and well-managed production environment. This includes overseeing the safe operation of equipment and utilities, managing risks associated with carbonation systems, compressed air, glass handling and cleaning chemicals, and ensuring environmental responsibilities relating to water, energy, waste and effluent are met. Safety, compliance and sustainability should be embedded into everyday operations and decision-making.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Production experience – A proven track record running production in food or beverage manufacturing, ideally in liquid processing, bottling or brewing.
• Hands-on and technical – Practically and technically hands-on: operating, setting and troubleshooting tanks, CIP, carbonation, filling, pasteurisation and labelling equipment.
• Commissioning – Experience bringing a new line or site into full operation is highly desirable; you understand what it takes to commission new equipment reliably.
• Team leadership – Demonstrable experience managing and developing a team, leading by example rather than by hierarchy.
• Food safety – Strong working knowledge of HACCP and food safety, with experience implementing systems – not just maintaining them – and ideally a route to BRCGS already trodden.
• Problem solver – A fast, pragmatic, mechanically minded problem solver who keeps the line moving.
• Desirable – Food science, food technology or engineering background, or equivalent hands-on experience
• Desirable – Recognised health and safety qualification (IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH)

Applications from candidates already eligible to work in the UK only please.

For more information, please contact Penny Zaloumis at Carling Recruitment
penny.zaloumis@carlingrecruitment.com
Tel: +44 (0)1483 893100.