Operations Manager

ABOUT US

Branch are Bristol craft cider makers on a mission to transform the cider industry. Branch are blending the traditions of West Country cider making with the experimental ethos of Craft Beer to create a whole new universe of radically flavourful, complex and engaging craft ciders. Alongside transforming the product, we plan to help transform the sustainability of the UK cider industry as a whole. Traditional orchards are one of the best remaining habitats for biodiversity in the UK, and trees are nature’s own carbon capture device. With our ‘100 Orchards’ initiative we are supporting local traditional orchards, building a network to bring new ideas and energy to the critical issue of traditional orchard loss, and creating a plan to save 100 endangered traditional orchards and plant 100 new ones.

We recently finished construction of our cidery & HQ at Bristol’s own historic cider orchard and are ready to unleash a new wave of trailblazing craft cider on the cider-drinking capital of the world. We aim to inspire a new generation of cider drinkers to ‘BRANCH OUT!’ and explore an exciting new world of possibilities and experiences with craft cider. Our first releases in keg and BiB format are already being enjoyed in some of the best bars in Bristol. From July we will launch our first canned ciders, satisfying huge demand for high quality craft ciders from both the on-trade and off-trade across the South West.

As we ramp up production we are now searching for an Operations Manager to help us meet demand, plan production and streamline our operations.

THE ROLE

Branch’s Operations Manager will be the rock solid foundation of the sustainable business we are building. You will quickly take ownership over a wide range of business functions, transforming our messy, ragtag start up into a slick operation while juggling a wide range of important day to day tasks.

The ideal candidate will be someone who’s not afraid to roll up their sleeves and put in a hard day’s work in every aspect of our company’s operations. From hands-on cider making to planning and logistics, you will help us plot and walk the path to sustainable growth and industry transformation. You may have previous experience working in a craft brewery, cidery or winery. You will be a self-starter, a go-getter, smart, considered and practical.

A Day in the Life

You will have great freedom to arrange your working days as you see fit to best achieve your goals. Many days you will need to be present at our cidery HQ, on other days you are welcome to work from home.

You may start the day walking into a crisis, dealing with a leaking 10,000 litre cider tank before the kettle is even on.

Next you may be arranging transport of cider to a packaging contractor, chasing up labels from the printers and helping load a truck full of kegs.

At lunchtime you might take the chance to relax with a walk through our beautiful orchard, bonding with the sheep.

After lunch you may be working on production, getting covered in cider while pumping down tanks and setting up tasting trials for a new blend.

Then you may be delving deep into spreadsheets looking for cost savings and working with the bookkeeper preparing management accounts.

Lastly you may be greeting trade customers, conducting a tour of the cidery, shooing the sheep away as you lock the door, finally stopping off at a bar for an event on your way home.

Core responsibilities of the role 

1. Production, administration and support services
   1. Organising the purchase and supply of raw materials, packaging and finishing of cider for the market
   2. Leading our planning processes to guarantee our customers an uninterrupted supply of the highest quality cider as we grow and evolve our operations.
   3. Putting systems in place to help us work smart in every aspect of the business.
   4. Supporting all our customers as we aspire to industry-leading excellence in customer service 
   5. Working closely with a tight knit team on the creation, production and supply of a range of innovative ciders and cider-related products.
2. Reducing costs and environmental impacts
   1. Work with raw material suppliers, packagers, storage and transport companies to secure reductions in costs over the short term and long term
   2. Reduce CO2 emissions and waste in production, transport, storage and deliveries in all markets
   3. Work with fellow employees, contractors and partners to ensure all operations have the least negative impact possible on our environment.
3. Transforming our business from a start up with good intentions to a trailblazing leader in sustainable cider production
   1. Working with orchard owners and associated stakeholders to find innovative new approaches to supporting traditional orchards, making them economically and environmentally sustainable
   2. Working on environmentally friendly packaging solutions to get our cider to the customer with the minimum impact on the planet
   3. Leading all the processes we need to undertake to be a business that does as much good as possible for people and planet. 
   4. Ensuring that wherever possible we are working with companies that have the highest standards in Environmental, Social and Governance
4. Stock & supply management 
   1. Select and implement a stock management system to control stock with precision and transparency.
   2. Implement ever-improving forecasting models to ensure that we are in stock and delivering cider smoothly to all our customers in all our markets
5. Manage direct to consumer sales channels 
   1. Work with the team and partners to develop a well-managed direct to consumer operation, adopting best industry practices to ensure we optimise sales and customer experiences through this channel.
6. Events
   1. Work with our sales team, distributors and retailers to execute all consumer and trade events
   2. Work with our orchard owners, local community, local council and attendees to ensure events onsite at our cidery run smoothly and minimise disturbance for our neighbours, wildlife and environment

‘Branch Out!’… Join a company with a real mission – to transform the UK cider market and help lead the industry towards a more sustainable future. Email CV & covering letter to [email protected]