Production Assistant

Position:  Production Assistant

Reports to:  Operations Manager

Located at: The Winery, Hattingley Valley Wines Ltd., Wield Yard, Lower Wield, Alresford, SO24 9AJ

Hattingley Valley has been producing award-winning sparkling wine since 2010. With rapid growth since its inception in 2008, Hattingley Valley is now one of the largest wineries in England, as well as being one of the most significant exporters of English wine.

A rare opportunity to join the full-time team of one of England’s leading sparkling wine producers.

We are looking for a Production Assistant to work in both the production and winery cellars, with a focus on the storage, riddling, disgorging, labelling, and packaging part of the process.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the right candidate will have a willingness to assist in producing the highest quality wines. They should be keen to learn about sparkling wine production, along with a commitment to quality standards, whilst meeting health and safety regulations in an actively physical environment.

Working under the Operations Manager and Production Supervisor, you will assist with the operations in the warehouse and production cellar. This will include work on the riddling, disgorging, labelling, and packaging operations, and maintenance and cleaning of the production machines. This needs to be done with a focus on quality management, safety, and efficiency. It requires attention to detail with wine stock and dry goods in a busy, active environment where candidates can expect to be standing, walking, and moving during the day.

Working within the most technical part of the sparkling winemaking process, we understand that the right candidate will need training and a familiarity period to feel comfortable with the production warehouse work environment. We believe that it is more important to recruit for attitude and aptitude, offering on-the-job training for the specialist aspects. This is an ideal role for an active person who wishes to gain a full understanding of sparkling wine production and wants to get involved with the burgeoning English wine production industry.

There will also be the opportunity for work in the winery cellar, particularly at peak times such as harvest and bottling; as well as assisting with events for the public and trade at the winery site.

• Enthusiasm to learn about the sparkling wine production process.
• Attention to detail and a practical aptitude for problem solving is essential.
• Numerate and literate – confident in ability to understand what is required and record key data during the production process.
• Perform scheduled and day to day maintenance and quality checks on all production lines.
• Ability to work within a team and to work under pressure at times.
• A flexible approach to working hours and duties during peak times such as bottling is essential.
• Forklift licence would be an advantage for all candidates.
• Ability to lift 25kgs, climb ladders, and stand for long periods of >3 hours is essential.
• Driving licence and own transport essential due to rural location.

Right to work in UK: Candidates must have legal right to reside and work in the UK and provide evidence of such if required. Please note that Hattingley Valley does not sponsor immigration applications.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.  Training is offered where necessary to do the job.

Hours: 37.5 hours Monday to Friday 8.30 to 4.30 (30 minutes for lunch) – with additional hours as required at harvest and bottling.

Benefits: Company pension scheme, 25 days paid holiday plus all Public Holidays, staff wine allowance and discounts, opportunities to taste a variety of wines both English and from elsewhere.

Please send your application to the Operations Manager, Rupert Lovie, [email protected]

Or alternatively post to: Hattingley Valley Wines Ltd, Wield Yard, Lower Wield, Alresford, SO24 9AJ

T: +44 (0)1256 389188  |  E: [email protected]  |  W: http://www.hattingleyvalley.co.uk Registered in England No. 07311421