Manufacturing Operative

Manufacturing Operative

Recruiter: Aqumen Recruitment
Employer: Confidential food manufacturing client
Reporting to: Department Shift Supervisor
Shift length: 12-hour shifts, 6:00–6:00
Pay: £13.60–£15.26 per hour, depending on shift pattern and department

Manufacturing Operatives Wanted

Aqumen Recruitment is currently recruiting Manufacturing Operatives on behalf of a well-established client operating within the food ingredients manufacturing sector.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a busy and supportive production environment, manufacturing and packing high-quality food ingredient products to clearly defined specifications.

The role is hands-on and fast-paced, with a strong focus on safety, hygiene, quality and teamwork.

Candidates must be flexible and willing to work across different sections of the production department when required.

Full training will be provided where appropriate.

Shift Patterns and Pay

All shifts are 12 hours, operating from 6:00 to 6:00.

Day Shift

Wednesday to Friday, with alternating Saturdays
£13.60 per hour

Night Shift

Sunday to Wednesday
£14.40 per hour

Rotating Day and Night Shift

Monday and Tuesday days, followed by Thursday and Friday nights
£15.24 per hour

Bakehouse Shift

Four-week rotating shift pattern, combining day and night shifts
£15.26 per hour

Applicants should ensure they are able to commit to the relevant 12-hour shift pattern before applying.

The Role

As a Manufacturing Operative, you will be responsible for manufacturing and packing a range of food ingredient products in accordance with written specifications and required quality standards.

You will work closely with your Shift Supervisor and other members of the production team to ensure that production targets are achieved safely, efficiently and to the correct standard.

Key Responsibilities


  • Manufacture and pack food ingredient products in line with written specifications.
  • Follow Good Manufacturing Practice and product-protection procedures at all times.
  • Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and complete hygiene duties as directed.
  • Check that raw materials have been released and are suitable for use.
  • Set up, operate and monitor production lines, plant and associated equipment.
  • Report machinery faults or performance issues promptly to the Engineering team and Production Supervisor.
  • Follow all company process, quality, hygiene and HACCP procedures.
  • Complete production, quality and traceability documentation accurately.
  • Carry out all duties in line with safe working practices and established systems of work.
  • Manage ingredients and materials within the production area, ensuring they are weighed, labelled and stored correctly.
  • Monitor production rates and report any delays or deviations from the production plan immediately.
  • Operate plant using approved settings, ensuring any changes are authorised by the Shift Supervisor.
  • Work towards a “right first time” approach and help prevent customer complaints.
  • Support the achievement of production output, efficiency, quality and waste-reduction targets.
  • Minimise waste and conserve energy by switching off machinery when it is not in use.
  • Complete effective shift handovers, clearly communicating any production, quality or equipment issues.
  • Assist with stock counts when required.
  • Operate production equipment and machinery safely, including forklift trucks where trained and authorised.
  • Support the training and assessment of colleagues where appropriate.
  • Attend training required to improve performance, maintain compliance or support business objectives.
  • Provide reasonable cover during absence, operational requirements and planned overtime.
  • Contribute to the achievement of company and departmental KPIs.

About You

The successful candidate will be:


  • Reliable, punctual and committed to their agreed shift pattern.
  • Comfortable working 12-hour shifts in a manufacturing environment.
  • Focused on safety, food quality, hygiene and accurate record-keeping.
  • Able to follow written procedures and production specifications.
  • Confident operating machinery following appropriate training.
  • Able to identify and report equipment or production issues promptly.
  • A strong team player with good communication skills.
  • Flexible and willing to work across different production areas.
  • Motivated to achieve production targets while maintaining high standards.
  • Willing to undertake additional training when required.

Previous manufacturing, food production, warehouse or machine-operating experience would be beneficial, although training may be provided for suitable candidates.

Why Apply Through Aqumen Recruitment?

Aqumen Recruitment works closely with both candidates and employers to provide a professional and supportive recruitment experience.

By applying through Aqumen Recruitment, you will receive clear information about the role, shift pattern and application process, along with ongoing support throughout your assignment.

Additional Information

The responsibilities listed above are not exhaustive.

The successful candidate may be required to undertake other suitable duties within the department or elsewhere on site, subject to receiving the necessary instruction and training.

Aqumen Recruitment is acting as an employment business in relation to this vacancy.





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