The Opportunity
This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a growing beverage business unit — spanning production, brand, sales, and customer experiences.
The Cargo Collective’s brewery & distillery sits at the centre of a broader ecosystem, supplying our Brew Hall venue, supporting events, and expanding across trade channels. Alongside this, we deliver public-facing experiences including tours, tastings, and workshops.
As Head of Beverage and Brand, you will lead the next phase of growth — ensuring our products are exceptional, our operations are tight, and our brand continues to expand its reach and reputation.
This is a hands-on leadership role with full accountability for performance — and the opportunity to actively shape and grow a portfolio of beverage brands, not just manage an existing one.
The Venue
The Cargo Brew Hall is a brand new, modern and highly versatile space — a working brewery, events venue, and customer experience hub all in one.
From corporate events and private functions to public opening days, tastings, and workshops, the space is constantly evolving and being activated in different ways.
It’s also simply a great place to work — open, dynamic, and designed to be as enjoyable for the team as it is for customers.
This role is based on-site and plays a key part in shaping how the beverage offering comes to life within the space.
Product & Brand Opportunity
At Cargo, we’re not just running a brewery — we’re building a portfolio of beverage brands and experiences.
Our venue is set up to produce and develop a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages — with plenty of scope to explore what comes next.
From new product ideas and seasonal releases to entirely new sub-brands, formats, and collaborations — there is real scope to shape what we create, how we bring it to market, and how it connects with customers.
We’re looking for someone who gets energy from building — and who can turn ideas into products that people actually want to drink.
Role Purpose
This role blends operational leadership, commercial ownership, and brand development.
You will be responsible for the end-to-end performance of the beverage business — from production and compliance through to sales, customer experience, and market growth.
The goal is to build a business that runs efficiently, delivers consistently high-quality products and experiences, and continues to grow — with strong systems, clear ownership, and the autonomy to operate day-to-day.
Key Responsibilities
Production, Quality & Operations
- Oversee beverage production planning and execution
- Ensure consistent product quality across all offerings
- Maintain and manage brewery equipment and facilities
- Align production with demand across venue, events, and trade
Compliance & Systems
- Own and manage FCP and all regulatory requirements
- Maintain accurate and audit-ready records
- Build systems and processes that are efficient, repeatable, and scalable
Commercial Performance & Trade Growth
- Own the commercial performance of the beverage business
- Drive trade sales growth and distribution
- Build and manage key account relationships
- Identify and execute new business opportunities
- Manage pricing, margins, and profitability
Brand, Marketing & Product Development
- Lead the evolution of our beverage brands
- Drive new product development — from idea through to launch
- Identify opportunities for new sub-brands, categories, and collaborations
- Oversee marketing initiatives and campaigns
- Ensure strong alignment between product, brand, and customer demand
Experiences & Customer Engagement
- Oversee tours, tastings, and workshop offerings
- Ensure high-quality customer experience and service delivery
- Develop new public-facing experiences that drive engagement and revenue
- Use experiences as a key channel for brand growth
Leadership
- Lead and support the brewery and experience team
- Set clear standards, expectations, and accountability
- Build a culture of ownership, initiative, and continuous improvement
Key Requirements
- Proven experience in a senior operational, commercial, or general management role
- Experience within beverage, hospitality, FMCG, or a related industry
- Strong commercial acumen — understanding how to drive revenue and protect margin
- Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on
- Experience building systems and improving operational efficiency
- Strong leadership and people management capability
- Ability to manage multiple areas of a business simultaneously
Success in This Role Looks Like
- Consistent product quality and reliable production
- No stock shortages and well-managed supply
- Fully compliant, audit-ready operations
- Growth in trade sales and distribution
- Strong brand presence and well-executed marketing
- High-quality customer experiences that drive repeat business
- A business unit that runs smoothly and independently
Why Join Us
- Take ownership of a unique and growing business
- Work across production, brand, sales, and customer experience
- Real autonomy and ability to shape direction
- Be part of an ambitious company with strong growth plans
- Work in a brand new, dynamic and genuinely enjoyable environment
- We offer a competitive salary package aligned with experience, along with a performance-based bonus structure designed to reward commercial success, growth and contribution to the overall business. This is an opportunity to take ownership of a key area of the business and be recognised for delivering real results.
How to Apply
Apply via Seek with your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and why this role interests you.
Sponsorship is not available for this role
Applications close Friday 1st May 2026