Assistant Head Cidermaker

The Role

This is a varied, hands-on role at the heart of our business. You’ll be involved in every stage of the cider-making process, from receiving fruit through to fermentation, blending, packaging and quality control.

Working alongside an Apprentice Cider Maker, you’ll take pride in producing exceptional cider, maintaining the highest standards of quality, and continually looking for opportunities to improve our products and processes.

This role would suit someone who enjoys working as part of a close-knit team, thrives in a practical environment, and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves during the busy harvest season.

Key Responsibilities

Cider Production

• Day-to-day cider production from juice processing through to finished product.
• Supervise, mentor and support the Apprentice Cidermaker, providing training and sharing your knowledge and experience.
• Monitor and manage fermentations.
• Blend ciders to achieve consistent quality and flavour.
• Maintain accurate production records and full product traceability.

Packaging & Operations

• Operate bottling and bag-in-boxing equipment
• Prepare products for dispatch.
• Carry out routine equipment maintenance and cleaning.
• Ensure production areas are kept clean, organised and compliant with food hygiene standards.
• Work with the wider team to continually improve production efficiency.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all production meets Harry’s Cider’s high quality standards.
• Follow HACCP, food safety and health & safety procedures.
• Assist with stock control of ingredients, packaging and production materials.
• Support continuous improvement across the production process.

Seasonal Harvest

• Lead cider production throughout the apple harvest season.
• Assist with apple intake, pressing and juice processing.
• Operate production equipment safely and efficiently.
• Work flexibly during the busiest periods of the cider-making season.

Person Specification

Essential

• Previous experience in cider making, brewing, winemaking or another fermentation-based production environment.
• A genuine passion for cider and craft drinks.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality products.
• Practical, hands-on approach with strong problem-solving skills.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to lead by example while working as part of a small team.
• Physically fit and comfortable with manual handling.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Previous experience supervising or mentoring colleagues or apprentices.
• Forklift licence (or willingness to undertake training).
• Experience operating production or packaging machinery.
• Food hygiene qualification.

Personal Qualities

• Positive, proactive and self-motivated.
• Reliable and hardworking.
• Calm under pressure during busy harvest periods.
• Passionate about producing exceptional cider.
• Flexible and willing to support the wider business when required.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• Staff discount on Harry’s Cider products.
• Training and development opportunities.
• The opportunity to lead cider production within an award-winning, growing family business.
• The chance to mentor and develop an Apprentice Cidermaker.
• Varied work throughout the seasons in a beautiful rural setting.
• Supportive, friendly team environment.

If you’re passionate about making exceptional cider and would like to play a leading role in an independent family business with an exciting future, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date: 11th October 2026

*No Agencies*