Production Team Assistant

Bolney Wine Estate in West Sussex is one of the pioneers of the English wine industry and has been a family business since 1972. We are a producer of premium English still and sparkling wines, sold across all UK channels and exported to overseas markets. We have an active, vibrant on-site experience. Offering tours, events, café/restaurant and shop.

We are very proud of the passionate and talented team we have at Bolney. We strive together to continually increase the quality of our customer experiences and the wine we produce, whilst continuing to be industry leaders.

Key Purpose

We are looking for a Production Team Assistant to work under the guidance of the Production team and alongside the Production Team Leader on all day-to-day tasks throughout the secondary production process. This is a permanent position.

Summary of key tasks

• Assisting in execution of secondary production, covering the labelling and disgorging line.
• Assisting in the execution of loading and monitoring bottles throughout the process, paying close attention to the quality control from start to finish
• Assisting in making up of the dosage according to the instructions of the Production Team Leader.
• Strong understanding (with additional training) of how to maintain and repair all equipment used in the above process.
• Assisting in the setting up and troubleshooting of machinery as well as scheduling the packing and loading gyro pallets.
• Execution of regular stock takes, addressing of errors and low stock, along with supervising the acceptance and checking deliveries of stock
• Reporting to the Assistant Production and Exports Manager around the management of supplies and stock required for the secondary production process, and completing all necessary paperwork around the movements of stock/gains/losses
• Ensure that all routine maintenance records are completed and signed off.
• Setting up and scheduling trials for dosage on new vintages and releases alongside the Assistant Production and Exports Manager
• Over botting, assisting in the winery.
• Ensuring the cleanliness and hygiene of the production areas and all equipment used in the process. Completion and sign-off of records.
• Complying with health and safety requirements in the production areas in accordance with the Company risk assessments.
• Adherence to all SALSA requirements in the production areas.
• Commitment to maintaining and continually improving quality in all aspects of the process.
• Supporting warehouse in day-to-day task including all stock movements
• Providing holiday cover for the warehouse

What you will need to be a successful applicant

• Must be physically fit to perform all tasks – Must be able to lift 25kgs
• Must be able to stand for long periods and climb ladders, and work in often cold and wet conditions, sometimes outside in all weathers
• Confident on a forklift or being prepared to undergo training for obtaining a licence –  telehandler licence an advantage
• Full rights to work in the UK – we are unable to provide sponsorship
• Driving licence and own transport essential due to rural location
• IT skills including Microsoft Office an advantage

Personal characteristics 

• Enthusiasm to learn about the whole winemaking process with particular focus on the production of sparkling wines, predominantly riddling, disgorging, and labelling processes
• Numerate and literate – confident in ability to understand what is required and record key data during the production process
• Very strong attention to detail with internal motivation for accuracy, efficiency and cleanliness
• Perform scheduled and day to day maintenance and quality checks on all production lines
• Thrives in a compliant, organised, hygienic, quality and process driven environment
• Ability to build trusting working relationships across the wider business
• Problem solver with good use of initiative
• Self-motivated and able to work within a team and independently
• Looks to proactively develop skills and expertise and apply in every detail
• This role includes safety critical tasks therefore a fit for task assessment will be required – adjustments will be considered where possible
• Be willing to work weekends and evenings when required
• A flexible approach to both working hours and duties during critical times such as bottling is essential
• Able to comprehend workings of the machinery

Salary

Commensurate with experience based on minimum wage. Training is offered where necessary to do the job, additional professional development offered after one year of service is completed satisfactorily.

Hours

27 hours (3 days a week) 7.00 to 4.30 (30 minutes for lunch) – with additional hours as required at bottling and when necessary

Benefits

Company pension scheme, 25 days paid holiday plus all Public Holidays and birthday, staff wine discounts on wines throughout the larger group

How To Apply

Please send your cover letter, CV and available start date/notice period to Cara Lee Dely, the Production and Operations Manager.

T: +44 (0)1444 881 575 | E: [email protected] | W: www.bolneywineestate.com

Guided by Nature Since 1972
Bolney Wine Estate, Foxhole Lane, Bolney, Haywards Heath, RH17 5NB