Job Description
- Location: Little Hereford, Herefordshire
- Salary: +/- £35k per annum (dependent on experience)
- Hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends)
- Reports To: Managing Director
About Robinsons Cider
Robinsons Cider is a sixth-generation fine cider maker based in North Herefordshire producing premium quality draft and bottled ciders using traditional methods and unsprayed, heritage apple varieties from standard orchards. We are a small family business on a mission to redefine quality in the on-trade cider category and beyond by making exceptional cider that would make our forefathers proud.
We are now entering an exciting phase of growth and are seeking a talented Cider Maker & Brand Ambassador to join our team. Working alongside the Robinson family, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the expansion of our cider-making operations while playing a key role in sales and product development to help the business reach the next stage of growth. This role is perfect for someone passionate about high quality cider who wants to directly contribute to shaping the future of a small but growing business at the heart of the craft cider movement, with authentic ciders that people really love.
Role Objective
As Cider maker & Brand Ambassador you will split your time between hands on management of all aspects of cider production and innovation on the one hand, while helping to grow our sales and represent the brand on the other. The role will adapt as the business grows.
Key Responsibilities
Cider Production:
- Manage all aspects of cider production, including fermentation, blending, and quality control.
- Work with contractors, apple growers, and logistics partners to ensure efficient juice production over the pressing season.
- Monitor and maintain fermentations, including testing, racking, and tank management.
- Coordinate blending, bottling and kegging operations, working with contractors where necessary and managing logistics.
- Manage cellar operations, ensuring all equipment and tanks are cleaned and maintained to the highest standards.
- Maintain production records and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
- Monitor our keg inventory and manage weekly deliveries to our distributor.
- Plan maintenance of plant and equipment.
- Help to build out Robinsons Cider’s production capability, plant and equipment as we expand.
Sales & Business Development:
- Help to execute our annual sales campaign, including identifying and contacting new pubs and retailers, conducting sales meetings, and managing the sales pipeline.
- Onboard new customers, coordinating with the cellar technician and distributor to ensure a seamless experience.
- Represent Robinsons Cider as a brand ambassador at events, festivals, and trade shows, strengthening relationships with publicans, distributors, and consumers.
Product Development:
- Collaborate with the Robinson family on the creation of new products.
- Help to develop a pipeline of innovative limited-edition craft ciders.
Account Management & Customer Support:
- Visit existing customers regularly to ensure they have the support they need, including point-of-sale materials, glassware, and cellar tech assistance.
- Making sure that the Robinsons Cider brand is being represented to the highest standards at the point of sale.
- Maintain strong relationships with key accounts to encourage loyalty and growth.
- Conduct tastings and training sessions at pubs and other customer venues.
- Host on-site cider tastings and visitors.
- Ensure that customer records are kept up to date on the CRM system.
Marketing Support:
- Work closely with our marketing team to help provide content for our social media channels and PR.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Whilst this role is a cider making and sales role with a preference for experience in both, we welcome applications from either one discipline or the other.
- For the cider making element we need proven experience in cider making, brewing, winemaking, or a related field, with a strong understanding of fermentation processes, blending, packaging and associated equipment.
- Experience in product development is desirable.
- For the sales element we need proven experience in sales or customer-facing roles, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Passion for craft drinks, particularly cider and the heritage of traditional cider-making.
- Knowledge of the hospitality and drinks industry, particularly within pubs or small retailers.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Basic computer and smart phone skills required to manage simple spreadsheets and online databases.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a small team. This is a wide ranging role within a small business and so the candidate must be a self starter who can be trusted to operate with independence but work closely with and report to the Robinson family.
- Clean driving license and willingness to travel regularly for sales meetings and events.
Working Hours & Location
This is a full-time role based in Little Hereford, North Herefordshire, with regular travel to customer sites and events. Hours are 9am-5:30pm Monday – Friday with occasional requirement to work on evenings and weekends.
Salary
A salary of +/- £35,000 per annum (depending on experience)
How to Apply
Please send your CV and covering letter detailing your experience and why you think you are a good fit for this role at Robinsons Cider to careers@robinsonscider.com.
Applications close on 14th February 2025.
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