CASUAL BOTTLING ASSISTANT

Job Description

We are looking to add a new member to our cider-making team.  You will need to have enthusiasm for cider and heavy physical work, self-discipline, a practical approach and very high standards in everything you do and willingness to take on responsibility over time.  100% reliability and punctuality are essential qualities for anyone wishing to be considered for this role.

The duties described below are most of the work of the cider maker.

Bottling – (main duties of this role) to include the operation and cleaning of all machinery related to bottle production

Loading and unloading deliveries (forklift)

Cidermaking (pressing)

Vat and tank work

Filtering and blending ciders

Kegging

Basic laboratory analysis

Cider cellar and quality control record keeping

Preparation of pallets for despatch, and relevant paperwork

Product stock rotation

Helping to manage packaging and other stocks for re-ordering

Receiving occasional deliveries if necessary

Possible seasonal orchard work

Attendance at shows if required: preparations and manning stands

General duties contributing to an efficient and safe working environment

The members of our production team are all cross-trained and capable of working in all areas, including warehousing, and you will be trained across all areas over time.  The team members also have varying levels of specialism, and the primary focus of this role will be the bottling line and quality procedures. 

The post-holder will have overall responsibility for running the bottling line and will be trained to understand all the bottling line machinery.  This includes the labeller, batch coder, rinser/ filler/capper, shrink wrapper, carbonation unit and pasteuriser. 

The post holder will be responsible for the quality procedures, record keeping, and process checks required throughout the bottling day, from start-up to wash down.

Bottling days normally require an early start, which can lead to long days during times of high demand. 

You will be responsible for overseeing the bottling team which will include initial training for line staff as well as monitoring that correct procedures are being followed.

2.

Experience in food production would be an advantage for this role,but is not essential.

You will be required to undertake HACCP and other training related to quality control and you will carry out quality control checks of packaging and other materials as well as calibrations and other machinery checks related to quality performance.  Additional training will include forklift driving and food hygiene.

You will report to the Production Manager.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Requirement:   A full clean driving licence is essential

Employer:        Sheppy’s Cider Ltd

Hours:             40 – 42 hours per week, Monday to Friday 

                        Early starts will be required on bottling days (6.30/7.00 am)

Wages:            Cider making or other directly relevant experience will be reflected in the successful candidate’s pay and pay will be reviewed as the successful candidate’s skills develop.  The salary is expected to be £28,000 for an inexperienced candidate or more subject to experience. 

Overtime:        There will be some seasonal variation of hours, with overtime required at times (usually no more than 2 hours a week).  This could include weekends (or part of) when necessary, but this is currently very unusual.   The salary is deemed to cover 40 – 42 hours per week, with overtime paid at 1½ the agreed hourly rate for any hours worked in excess of 42.                         

Probation:        6 months, which may be extended if necessary

Holiday:          28 days including Bank Holidays

Start date:       

Interviews will take place on site, as a visit to our production facility will be an important part of your experience.