About the role
Job Description – Machine Operator
We are seeking a reliable and hands-on Machine Operator to join a busy food production operation in Gravesend.
The successful candidate will be responsible for operating and monitoring production machinery safely and efficiently, ensuring products are processed, prepared and packed to the required quality and production standards.
The ideal candidate will have previous experience operating machinery within a food production, fresh produce, fresh-cut fruit, packaging or similar fast-paced manufacturing environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a practical and motivated individual who takes pride in their work, pays attention to detail and is able to maintain high standards of safety, quality and productivity in a busy production environment.
Key Responsibilities
•Operate production machinery safely and efficiently throughout the shift.
•Set up and prepare machinery for scheduled production runs.
•Ensure machinery is operating correctly and consistently throughout production.
•Follow production schedules, product specifications and operating procedures.
•Monitor machine performance, production output and product quality.
•Make routine machine adjustments and settings within the scope of training and authorisation.
•Carry out start-up, running and end-of-shift checks on machinery.
•Support line changeovers and ensure machinery is correctly prepared for different products and formats.
•Monitor the production of fresh-cut fruit and ensure products are processed and handled according to required specifications.
•Ensure products are correctly weighed, portioned, packed, sealed, labelled and presented where applicable.
•Identify and report machine faults, breakdowns, product defects or other production issues promptly.
•Carry out basic troubleshooting and corrective adjustments where trained and authorised to do so.
•Work with the Engineering, Production and Management teams to minimise machine downtime.
•Monitor and minimise product waste, damaged packaging and production losses.
•Ensure the correct raw materials, packaging and labels are being used for each production run.
•Complete production records, machine checks, quality checks and other required documentation accurately.
•Ensure all products meet company, customer and legal requirements.
•Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, GMP and housekeeping around machinery and production areas.
•Follow HACCP, allergen, health & safety and site procedures at all times.
•Carry out cleaning and basic equipment checks in accordance with company procedures.
•Ensure machinery is operated safely and in accordance with company instructions.
•Communicate machine or production issues clearly to the Team Leader or Production Supervisor.
•Support other production activities when required.
•Work effectively as part of the wider production team.
•Promote a positive working environment with a strong focus on safety, quality, efficiency and teamwork.
Candidate Requirements
•Previous experience as a Machine Operator, Production Machine Operator, Line Operator, Process Operator or similar role.
•Previous experience within food production, manufacturing, packaging or fresh produce is highly desirable.
•Experience operating food processing, weighing, filling, cutting, sealing, labelling or packaging machinery would be an advantage.
•Experience working with fresh-cut fruit or similar chilled food products is desirable.
•Good understanding of production processes and machinery operation.
•Good attention to detail with a strong focus on product quality.
•Ability to follow production specifications, procedures and instructions accurately.
•Good understanding of food safety, hygiene and HACCP requirements.
•Food Hygiene/Food Safety certification is desirable.
•Good understanding of health & safety requirements when working with production machinery.
•Strong communication and teamwork skills.
•Ability to identify and report production or machine problems quickly.
•Ability to work under pressure and meet production deadlines.
•Reliable, punctual and committed to maintaining high workplace standards.
•Comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment.
•A proactive, practical and hands-on approach to work.
•Willingness to learn and operate different types of machinery as required.
What We Offer
•Competitive salary, depending on experience.
•Permanent opportunity with the potential to grow and progress within the business.
How to Apply
Please apply with your current CV, highlighting your experience. Please confirm your current location, availability and salary expectations.
We are an equal-opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
What we will need from you
- Proof of your right to work in the UK — passport, share code or equivalent.
- Proof of address and your National Insurance number.
- Two references we can take up, where the role calls for them.
Working with Cando Personnel
We are a GLAA-licensed supplier. Every worker is screened before their first shift, paid weekly, and covered by our own transport where a site is hard to reach. You are told the site, the shift and the rate before you accept anything.