Production Supervisor – Bottling & Warehousing
Location: Louth, Lincolnshire
Contract Type: Full-time, site-based (Monday-Friday)
Reports To: Production Director
Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience
About the Role
Giraffe Distillers is a medium-sized contract distiller and contract bottler working with a diverse portfolio of external brands. Procurement may be managed either by the client or in-house, and production activity spans automated, semi-automated, and hand bottling lines.
The Production Supervisor will oversee the day-to-day running of the bottling hall and warehousing operations, ensuring production is delivered safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with food safety, quality, audit, and regulatory requirements. This is a hands‑on, site-based role suited to someone with strong operational leadership experience in a fast‑paced FMCG, food, beverage, or spirits manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Supervise daily operations across bottling, packing, dispatch, and warehouse activities.
* Lead and coordinate teams operating automated, semi‑automatic, and hand bottling lines.
* Ensure production plans are delivered on time, in full, and to the required quality standards.
* Monitor labour deployment, workflow, output, downtime, and operational efficiency.
* Maintain high standards of housekeeping, hygiene, and safe working practices across production and warehouse areas.
* Ensure compliance with company SOPs, HACCP controls, food safety requirements, and quality management procedures.
* Carry out and oversee in‑process quality checks, line clearance checks, batch documentation, and product traceability controls.
* Support stock accuracy, material control, and the correct movement of finished goods and components within warehouse operations.
* Work closely with the Production Director and other internal teams to prioritise workloads, resolve production issues, and support customer requirements.
* Assist with investigation of non‑conformances, customer complaints, quality incidents, and corrective actions.
* Help maintain audit readiness and support internal and external audits, including customer, food safety, quality, and regulatory audits.
* Train, coach, and support production operatives to ensure safe systems of work and consistent performance standards.
* Promote a culture of continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, and team engagement.
Person Specification
Essential Experience and Knowledge
* Experience in a supervisory or team leader role within FMCG, food, beverage, or manufacturing operations.
* Good understanding of food safety, hygiene, contamination control, and quality assurance in a production environment.
* Awareness of audit standards, traceability requirements, and document control expectations.
* Experience of monitoring production performance and maintaining accurate production and warehouse records.
* Confidence in leading teams, setting standards, and addressing day‑to‑day operational challenges.
* Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
* Ability to communicate clearly with operatives, management, and other departments.
* A practical, proactive, and hands‑on approach to problem solving.
Desirable Experience and Qualifications
* Experience within spirits, drinks bottling, or wider beverage manufacturing.
* Liquid handling, blending, or general liquid processing knowledge.
* FLT training or a current forklift truck licence.
* Experience working in a bonded warehouse or excise‑controlled environment.
* Familiarity with customer specification management and contract packing or contract manufacturing operations.
Core Compliance Expectations
The successful candidate must demonstrate a clear awareness of:
* Food safety and hygiene standards relevant to beverage production.
* HACCP principles and the importance of critical controls.
* Quality control processes, including line checks, batch accuracy, and traceability.
* Audit discipline, including record completion, document accuracy, and inspection readiness.
* Health and safety responsibilities in relation to machinery, manual handling, warehouse activity, and team supervision.
* The importance of maintaining customer specifications and protecting product integrity throughout bottling and warehousing operations.
Working Pattern
This is a fully site-based role, working five days per week or in line with business needs.
What Success Looks Like
* Bottling and warehouse operations run safely and efficiently.
* Production schedules are achieved with minimal downtime and strong labour control.
* Quality and food safety standards are consistently maintained.
* Records are accurate, traceable, and audit-ready.
* Teams are well managed, supported, and accountable.
* Customer requirements are delivered reliably and professionally.
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