Head of Pasteurisation – Tattenhall, Cheshire
About the Company: Since 1989 Beechdean Dairies Ltd has been producing high‑quality ice cream for the retail and out‑of‑home market. It has grown into one of the UK’s leading ice‑cream manufacturers.
Job Purpose
The Head of Pasteurisation will lead and support the installation, commissioning and handover of a new pasteurisation plant within an ice‑cream manufacturing facility. The role will ensure the project is delivered safely on time and within budget, while meeting all food safety, quality and regulatory requirements. The postholder will work closely with engineering, quality and operations to deliver a robust and compliant pasteurisation solution.
Hours of work: 46 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Job Types: Full‑time, Permanent
Rate of Pay: £45,000 – £50,000 DOE
Key Responsibilities
* Act as the lead for pasteurisation processes, ensuring equipment design and operation meet product and capacity requirements.
* Manage the end‑to‑end delivery of the pasteurisation plant installation.
* Ensure production plans are executed as agreed in production planning meetings.
* Report project progress, risks and milestones to senior stakeholders.
* The key person to ensure KPIs are delivered.
* Ensure the Pasteurisation team has all ingredients for relevant shifts (e.g., night shift).
* Overall management of staff including holidays and rotas.
* Review and approve equipment specifications, layouts, utilities and process flow diagrams.
* Assist in commissioning and validation of the pasteurisation system.
* Ensure the pasteurisation system complies with relevant food safety legislation, HACCP, BRCGS, and internal quality standards.
* Work closely with Quality and Technical teams to validate critical control points (CCPs) and process controls.
* Support documentation, SOP creation and operator training prior to go‑live.
* Ensure clear communication and alignment between all parties involved in the project.
Health, Safety & Environment
* To enthusiastically join in with the whole Beechdean Team to make the best ice cream available, in the most efficient way, whilst still enjoying ourselves.
* Respect the COSHH regulations and all other areas covered by the adopted Health and Safety Policy and procedures.
Skills & Experience
* Proven experience managing capital projects in a food manufacturing environment.
* Strong understanding of pasteurisation processes, thermal processing, or liquid food systems.
* Experience installing or commissioning process equipment in a live factory setting.
* Solid knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory requirements.
* Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders.
* Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills.
* Experience in dairy or ice‑cream manufacturing.
* Familiarity with automation, controls or CIP systems.
Personal Attributes
* Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
* Quality‑ and safety‑focused mindset.
* Proactive, hands‑on approach with the ability to adapt in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
* Confident working cross‑functionally and influencing at all levels.
Benefits
* Varied opportunities for career progression for those who are eager to learn.
* A supportive and friendly working environment in which culture is at the heart of what we do.
* Family‑run company with a long history of sustainable success and developing people in‑house.
* Long service reward to show our appreciation for loyalty at Beechdean and a birthday bonus paid in the payroll of your birthday month, increasing every year you work for us.
* Refer‑a‑friend programme to ensure we recruit the best people to help drive our business forward.
* Free, onsite parking located in the picturesque village of Tattenhall, Cheshire.
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