The Newt in Somerset
Head of Cider Production
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Head of Cyder Production
£50,000-£55,000 per annum plus performance bonus and fantastic benefits
Based full-time, onsite - BA7
Please note a driving license is required for this role
Please note: A 30-60s video will be required to apply for this role. See application form for details.
Advert closes: 10th September 2026 at 5pm
🔗 Read the full job description
From orchard to bottle, lead the craft, quality and future of Somerset cyder.
Our Head of Cyder Production
Cyder at The Newt begins in the orchards. Grown in Somerset and shaped by each season, our apples are transformed into cyders that celebrate provenance, vintage, terroir and craft – giving this centuries-old tradition the same care and consideration as fine wine. As our Head of Cyder Production, you’ll take the lead on that journey from orchard and harvest through fermentation, maturation and bottling, combining technical expertise with operational leadership to protect quality and shape what comes next. You’ll own our annual Production Plan, lead and develop a talented team, strengthen our production capability and work across the Estate and with external partners to ensure every bottle reflects the quality, character and story of The Newt.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and deliver The Newt’s annual Production Plan, aligning production, procurement, maturation and packaging with business demand.
- Lead all technical aspects of cyder production, maintaining premium quality, approving blends and finished products and ensuring full traceability.
- Manage contract manufacturers, suppliers and packaging partners, including sourcing juice or bulk cyder and maintaining contingency production routes.
- Develop capacity expansion plans and drive improvements in efficiency, quality and cost.
- Manage the production budget and costings, balancing the economics of internal and outsourced production.
- Lead, develop and mentor the Cyder Production team, building technical capability, accountability and succession.
- Build strong cross-functional relationships with Orchard, Procurement, Engineering, Quality and Operations to ensure seamless production planning and delivery.
- Ensure compliance with UK food safety, alcohol production and health and safety legislation, supporting internal and external audits.
- Take ownership of ensuring that the Cyder Department is fully integrated into The Newt's operations and culture, building strong cross-functional relationships and working collaboratively across the business, while maintaining the role's functional reporting line to the Commercial Director: Wine.
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What we're looking for
- Significant experience producing cyder, wine, beer or another fermentation-based beverage.
- A production-led, technically credible leader with a strong understanding of quality and operational delivery.
- Experience managing Production Plans, production capacity and contract manufacturing.
- Strong leadership, planning and people management skills, with the ability to coach and develop a team.
- Highly organised and disciplined, with a solutions-focused approach to challenges.
- A collaborative leader who can build strong relationships across departments and with external partners.
- A passion for operational excellence, continuous improvement and delivering against cost and quality targets.
- A relevant degree is desirable but not essential.
Where you'll be working
The Cyder Cellar is an important part of The Newt in Somerset’s visitor experience, sharing the journey of cyder from orchard and harvest through to fermentation, maturation and bottling. The team brings to life Somerset’s long tradition of apple growing and cyder making, while presenting cyder with the same consideration given to fine wine, with a focus on provenance, vintage, terroir and craft.
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The Newt uses the traditional spelling ‘cyder’, reflecting the estate’s Georgian origins and the history of cyder making in England. Produced from apples grown in Somerset, our cyders reflect the season and the orchards from which they originate, giving each vintage its own character and sense of place.
Through tours, tastings and storytelling, the Cyder team helps guests understand the connection between the orchards, the cyder-making process and the wider estate, while supporting cellar door sales and Cyder Club membership.
Who are we- The Newt in Somerset
Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.
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