JOB DESCRIPTION – CIDER MAKER
We are looking to add a new member to our cider-making team. Applicants with no previous experience need not be put off. You will need to have enthusiasm for cider and physical work, self-discipline, very high standards in everything you do and ambition to take on responsibility over time. We are looking for someone who is an excellent communicator (in writing and verbally), who has good people skills and who has potential to progress to a senior position.
The successful post-holder will be trained in all aspects of cider-making and processing, from fruit pressing right through to bottling and kegging, including vat work, product analysis, filtration and quality control. The members of our team are all cross-trained and capable of working in all areas, including warehousing.
The duties described below are most of the work of the Cider Maker. The volume of work is such that the workload is shared between team members. The current vacancy is for a new entrant who will be extensively trained in all cider production processes and quality control.
Job Title: Cider Maker
Duties:
Kegging
Bottling
Loading and unloading deliveries (forklift)
Cidermaking (pressing)
Vat and tank work
Basic laboratory analysis
General duties contributing to an efficient and safe working environment
Cider and cellar record keeping
Filtering and blending ciders
Preparation of pallets for despatch, and relevant paperwork
Product stock rotation
Helping to manage packaging and other stocks for re-ordering
Occasional deliveries if necessary
Possible seasonal orchard work
Attendance at shows if required: preparations and manning stands
Overtime:
Overtime will be required regularly. This could include Saturdays (or part of) when necessary, but this is currently unusual.
Wages:
Starting wage will be based on the minimum wage for a 39 hour week. Overtime is payable at time and a half. Cider making or other directly relevant experience will be reflected in the successful candidate’s pay.
Probation: 6 months, which may be extended if necessary
Holiday: 28 days including Bank Holidays
Essential training (which will be provided):
Cider-making course (away)
Forklift driving
Basic food hygiene
Other courses possible
A full clean driving licence is essential.
The nature of cider production is that it involves one full year’s cycle of work to produce the product, so that it can take years to become an experienced and confident cider-maker. It is for this reason that the probationary period is at least six months, but may be closed early or extended.
This post incorporates heavy manual work. As a food production job, this post requires a person who is tidy and thorough and who pays attention to cleanliness and hygiene to the highest standards at all times and in all places. Detailed record keeping is an essential element of the work, which increases with responsibility. The work can require accurate calculations for the addition of ingredients to the cider, so it is important that the post-holder is comfortable with basic maths. In the shorter term there will be a great deal of on-site training and learning the work through the seasons. It is intended that the post-holder will gradually take on greater responsibility over time according to his/her competence.
Please forward your CV and covering letter to info@sheppyscider.com headed “Cider Maker”
Closing date: Sunday, 4th April
Interview date: Tuesday, 13th April
Interviews will take place on site, as a visit to our production facility will be an important part of your experience. We operate a COVID-safe environment.
If you do not hear back from us by Friday, 9th April we would like to thank you very much for your interest in working with us and wish you well with your search for a new position.
