Production and Supply Manager

Here at the Silverhand Estate we have a fantastic opportunity for a passionate driven Production and Supply Manager to bring their expertise to the fore and lead the team into 2027 with ambition, professionalism and focus. This is an opportunity to showcase yourbexperiance and skills and take ownership of this new role.

Company values and core behaviours

The post holder will be expected to operate in line with our company core behaviours & values, which are to be:

Motivated: Positive, enthusiastic, and always engaged in whatever we do.

Dedicated: Committed to being the best and producing the best.

Commercial: Aware of our business, our impact, and our value.

Visionary: Constantly looking at how we can adapt, improve, and innovate our Industry. Creating a winning experience for our colleagues and customers through our work environment, training, and people management.

United: Always working together as part of a team, valuing our people and their contribution to our success.

Knowledgeable: Experts in our field, always striving to understand our industry better.

Key responsibilities

Production & Bottling

Lead all bottling, labelling, packaging and production scheduling activities.

Develop and manage annual, quarterly and weekly production plans aligned to sales forecasts.

Ensure maximum line efficiency and utilisation across all production facilities.

Manage bottling contractors and third-party production and maintenance partners where required.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve productivity, quality and reduce waste.

Ensure all production activities comply with HACCP, BRC, H&S and regulatory requirements.

Manage production labour planning and staffing requirements.

Track and report production KPIs to senior management.

Procurement & Supplier Management

Source and procure all dry goods including bottles, corks, capsules, labels, cartons, cases, pallets and ancillary materials.

Negotiate supplier contracts to secure best value, quality and service levels.

Develop strategic supplier relationships and contingency supply plans.

Monitor supplier performance through KPI reviews.

Manage procurement budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Ensure continuity of supply for all critical production materials.

Inventory & Demand Planning

Maintain accurate stock records for wine, dry goods and finished goods.

Lead monthly inventory reconciliations and cycle counting programmes.

Work closely with sales and finance teams to generate accurate forecasts.

Implement robust Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes.

Manage inventory levels to optimise working capital whilst maintaining service levels.

Drive inventory accuracy across all sites.

Warehousing

Manage warehouse operations including receiving, storage, stock movements and dispatch.

Optimise warehouse layout, utilisation and efficiency.

Implement and maintain 5S and lean warehouse practices.

Ensure warehouse health and safety compliance.

Develop warehouse processes and operating procedures.

Manage warehouse team performance and development.

Logistics & Distribution

Manage all outbound and inbound transport operations.

Ensure customer deliveries are completed On Time In Full (OTIF).

Control logistics spend and identify opportunities for freight optimisation.

Manage third-party logistics providers and pallet networks.

Ensure export and import compliance requirements are met.

Develop scalable distribution solutions as the business grows.

Leadership

Lead, coach and develop production, warehouse and supply chain teams.

Build succession plans and career pathways across the function.

Drive a high-performance culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement.

Deliver regular KPI reporting, operational reviews and improvement plans.

Collaborate effectively with Winemaking, Sales, Finance and Commercial teams.

Key Performance Metrics (KPIs)

Production

• Production plan adherence: >95%

• Bottling line efficiency (OEE): >85%

• Production downtime: <5%

• Yield variance: <1%

• Packaging waste: <2%

• Quality complaints relating to production: <0.2% of volume

Supply Chain

• OTIF delivery performance: >98%

• Forecast accuracy: ±10%

• Inventory accuracy: >99%

• Stock availability: >99%

• Dry goods stock write-offs: <0.5% of stock value

• Working capital turns: Target agreed annually

Warehousing & Logistics

• Warehouse utilisation: <85%

• Transport costs: <5% of turnover

• Delivery claims and damages: <0.5%

• Order picking accuracy: >99.8%

• Health & Safety incidents: Zero Lost Time Accidents

Essential

• Proven experience in a production sup role, ideally within food or beverage manufacturing.

• Strong technical knowledge of bottling or packaging machinery.

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot mechanical and process issues.

• Familiarity with OEE metrics and lean manufacturing principles.

• Excellent organisational and leadership skills.

• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.

• Flexibility to adapt in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

• Have basic knowledge of carbonated liquid bottling.

• Work with the supply chain team to ensure timely arrival and removal of dry goods

Desirable

Experience in wine or beverage bottling.

Formal qualifications in engineering, manufacturing, or a related field.

Please note that the duties and responsibilities outlined as above are not exhaustive and may be subject to change as required to meet the needs of the business.

Benefits: PERKBOX, Employee Assistance program, Doctor on call service, Pension plan. A great company discount. Working within the bueatiful Kent country side setting