Production Engineer (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Gusbourne Estate

  Kent, England

The Company

We’re an award-winning English fine wine producer, based in Kent. Our vision is simple: we strive to create the finest wines in the world.

As a luxury brand, a quest for perfection and a fastidious approach to detail is at the heart of everything we do. We craft vintage-only wines that are unique to each year – an authentic reflection of a time and place.

We love what we do, and we’re incredibly proud of Gusbourne. Whether in the vineyard, the winery, or beyond, we work together to build a sustainable future.

We embrace tradition and challenge convention. We’re at the forefront of the English wine industry – and that’s a hugely exciting place to be.

If you’d like to join us, a rare opportunity has arisen in our production team.

Role Purpose

The Production Engineer plays a crucial hands-on role at our Amsbury site, supporting the technical operation of all production machinery, including disgorging, riddling, labelling, and packing lines. While primarily based at Amsbury, the role may also require occasional travel to our winery in Appledore to provide additional support as needed.

This role is ideal for someone with strong mechanical aptitude, a proactive mindset, and a passion for continuous improvement. You’ll be responsible for optimising equipment performance, resolving first-line faults, maintaining production documentation, and supporting ongoing improvements to output, quality, and safety.

Alongside our Production Supervisor, you’ll also mentor Production Operatives, deputise for the Production Manager when needed, and work closely with external contractors for machinery maintenance.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, set up, and monitor production machinery across key activities, including labelling and disgorging, ensuring all tasks are carried out in line with health and safety protocols.
• Take a proactive role in promoting and enforcing a strong health and safety culture across the production environment, ensuring full compliance with legal standards and internal procedures.
• Perform maintenance and first-line fault resolution to reduce downtime.
• Ensure equipment runs efficiently and safely, supporting daily production schedules.
• Liaise with external engineers for maintenance and servicing.
• Analyse performance data to support quality and safety improvements.
• Mentor and support Production Operatives, championing safe working practices and ongoing safety awareness.
• Work directly on the production line to meet operational demands.
• Deputise for the Production Manager when required.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance, production activity, and performance.
• Promote a safe and hygienic working environment, contributing to risk assessments and safety audits.
• Support cost-effective operations by working within tight budgets and identifying opportunities for efficiency gains.

Experience and Qualifications

• Previous experience in a technical or supervisory production role (beverage or FMCG desirable).
• Experience with disgorging, labelling, or similar production equipment (wine industry experience is a plus).
• Forklift experience and valid licence (essential).
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Familiarity with Vintrace or Netsuite (advantageous).

Skills and Attributes

• Strong mechanical and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented and organised.
• Team player with excellent communication skills.
• Proactive and solutions-focused mindset.
• Able to work independently and take ownership.
• Adaptable in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Rewards

• A fulfilling career in the rapidly growing English wine industry.
• Salary commensurate with experience.
• Benefits package including 25 days paid holiday, pension contributions, and Medicash healthcare.
• Wine allowance: 24 bottles per year.
• Preferential rates on additional wine purchases and wine tours.
• Birthday gift.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Staff events, including summer socials and Christmas parties.
• In-house WSET training offered at Levels 1–3.

Job Type and Hours

• Full Time, Permanent
• 40 hours per week, with flexibility for seasonal demands. Alternative working patterns, such as compressed hours, may be considered.

How To Apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter to our Gusbourne Recruitment Team by Monday 25th August 2025.

At Gusbourne, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

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