CURRENT VACANCIES

ABOUT US: Eco Cascade CIC is a seaweed processing company operating in Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast of Scotland. We are a primary processor of seaweed - we take in seaweed after it has been harvested, and stabilise it using drying and other processes to keep its value after it has left the ocean. We are recruiting a Production Manager to join us for our third year of operations in this exciting emerging field of aquaculture in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.  

Position Summary: Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Production Manager will be responsible for safe, efficient seaweed processing and be involved in testing new ways to process for end-markets, including food, bioplastics and the agricultural industry. The role is based in our seaweed processing facility located in Kyle of Lochalsh. During harvest season in Spring the Production Manager will manage a small team of casual staff in handling and processing tonnes of freshly harvested seaweed. Outside of the harvest season duties will include supporting seaweed stabilisation research, overseeing improvements to production line, and testing new methods of production.   

Specific duties will vary as business needs adapt seasonally and with business growth. This is a job for a team player with a can-do attitude to process large volumes of product, who is comfortable operating machinery,supervising casual staff on the production line and liaising with project partners.

Responsibilities include: 

 Production Responsibilities 

• Scheduling roster for delivery and processing of seaweed during busy harvest season, including liaising with seaweed farming companies and suppliers via phone and email 

• Roster and manage casual staff during Spring harvest season, including staff inductions, training on production line duties and health and safety procedures 

• Weighing, washing, chopping and drying  seaweed using purpose-built machinery and production line 

• Creating seaweed slurry using pressing machinery 

• Operating forklift and pallet lifter (forklift training provided if necessary) 

• Use all necessary PPE for production activities  

• Ensuring Health and Safety protocols are followed, and embracing continuous improvement as systems evolve 

• Production reporting – recording traceability data on purpose-built system recording of seaweed moisture levels etc 

Maintenance & Cleaning Responsibilities 

• Ensure plant is kept clean and appropriately sanitised at all times, using designated products for machinery 

• Overseeing casual staff cleaning duties to ensure suitable standard of clean 

• All production, tools, maintenance, and cleaning equipment to be kept in an organised manner to facilitate thorough cleaning 

• All equipment and tools are to be kept clean and maintained to prolong their useful life, reporting new equipment needs as they arise 

• Equipment maintenance schedules to be followed at all times.  

• Report any unsafe conditions or equipment/tool issues to the management team asap.  

Packaging & Despatch Responsibilities 

• Finished product to be labeled, including tracking and production run information, packaged, and neatly stacked for storage/shipping.  

• Prepare order batches and samples for postage, including aliasing with courier companies and taking to Post Office for dispatch. 

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• BEng or MEng or other relevant engineering qualifications or practical experience on production lines such as fish or food & beverage processing, distilling or brewing. Experience working to HACCP/BRC standards a distinct advantage. 

• Ability to perform duties in an efficient way, always seeking improvement in work-flow 

• Ability to manage a small team in a busy and often noisy environment using clear communication and listening 

• Good understanding of how production equipment works - on the job training will be provided but requires ability to take ownership post-training 

• Knowledge of basic safety rules and PPE  

• Valid driver's license required  

• Ability to work in a team and a sometimes challenging environment - While the work is mostly indoors, it will often be performed in a wet environment with hot and cool temperatures at different stages of processing. 

• Capacity to perform manual labour, ability to stand for extended periods of time 

• Excellent  work ethic, with an appreciation for timeliness, order and task completion  

This work will allow work from home at certain periods and flexible working hours at times – including weekend work with time off in lieu , but remote working away from the region is not practicable for this role.  

Unfortunately we will not be able to consider any applications from applicants who do not have the right to live and work in the UK.   

Eco Cascade is a Fair Work First employer. Advertised positions will remain open until role has been filled.  

Applications to include CV as a pdf and a one page covering letter and should be sent by email to kelp@eco-cascade.com. 

Seaweed Production Manager

Competitive salary + pension. 18 month, fixed term contract, commencing early 2025  

Flexible working hours – with potential Full-Time hours during peak season April - June - including occasional weekend work with time off in lieu. Please speak to us about what flexible hours means to you, including the possibility of job-share.

Remote working away from the area is not practicable for this role. Unfortunately we cannot provide accommodation to our staff.

Closing Date: Open until filled