Site Director
About You
You’re not just a manufacturing leader, you’re a visionary. You thrive on challenge, and you’re energised by the opportunity to shape the future of a major site. You bring a wealth of experience from a fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) or similar environment, and you know how to inspire and mobilise large and diverse teams to achieve extraordinary results. You’re a catalyst for transformation, able to turn complex challenges into opportunities for growth, and you have a proven track record of driving cultural change and operational excellence in unionised settings.
You’re commercially savvy, strategically minded, and passionate about continuous improvement. You know how to build trust quickly, influence at all levels, and create a culture where people are engaged, empowered, and excited to deliver their best. You’re comfortable navigating matrix organisations, and you relish the chance to lead through ambiguity and change. Digitalisation excites you, and you’re ready to harness technology to unlock new levels of performance. Above all, you’re driven by purpose, eager to leave a legacy, and ready to be part of something truly special.
About your role
Step into the role of Site Director and you’ll take the helm of the Coleford manufacturing site, with over 350 talented individuals united in producing our iconic Lucozade and Ribena brands, loved by millions. Reporting to the Supply Chain Director, GB&I, you’ll be responsible for leading its transformation into a world-class operation, delivering the production plan, driving operational efficiency, and ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and customer service. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the site’s culture, champion continuous improvement, and build strong relationships with stakeholders across the business and beyond. If making your mark and shaping the future of our Coleford site isn’t enough, this role opens doors to significant career progression, giving you the platform to accelerate your journey to senior leadership and beyond.
What's in it for you
- Lead a flagship site with global visibility, interest and strategic importance.
- Be at the heart of major investment and transformation projects
- Shape the culture and future of a high-potential team.
- Real opportunity for career progression—this role opens many doors to future senior leadership roles.
- Join a business with bold ambitions, rapid growth, and a truly global network.
- An induction and development plan with global reach and focus
What do you need to be successful
Essential:
- Senior leadership experience built in complex manufacturing environments (FMCG, Pharma, CPG).
- Proven ability to lead large teams (of at least 150+), including working with unions.
- Track record of driving cultural engagement and transformational change .
- Strong continuous improvement mindset (Lean, TPM, Six Sigma).
- Commercial acumen and strategic vision.
- Experience managing significant budgets and delivering operational excellence.
- Ability to build relationships and influence across matrix structures.
Desirable:
- Drinks/bottling manufacturing experience.
- Digitalisation and technology expertise.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering or related discipline.
- Willingness to relocate to Coleford and immerse yourself in the site and community.
If you’re fuelled by challenge and ready to accelerate your career by leading the production of some of the UK’s most iconic brands, we want to hear from you. Join us at Suntory Beverage & Food and make your impact where it truly matters.
About Suntory
At Suntory Beverage and Food Europe we're looking for bold, curious and purpose driven individuals who want to make a real impact. Suntory Group was born in 1899 in Osaka, Japan and now has over 41,000 people in over 250 companies across the world. We are a unique group aspiring to inspire the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature.
Our diverse portfolio of products includes teas, water, soft drinks, ready to drink coffee, energy drinks as well as premium spirits, beer, and wine. Characterized by the spirit of Ambition, Determination and Resilience, we push ourselves to innovate, improve the way we craft our products to delight our customers and deliver the unexpected. Our People are everything. Their success and growth bring our values to life, uniting us to achieve our purpose to inspire the brilliance of life.
Our DEI Commitment
At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected characteristic.
Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.