Job Description
Machine Operator / Food Production Operative
Location: Near Paddock Wood, Kent
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Dependent upon experience
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, early shift starting at 6am
About the Role
We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established and growing food production facility based on the outskirts of Paddock Wood, Kent, who are looking for a reliable, hands-on and quality-focused Machine Operator / Food Production Operative to join their production team.
This is a varied, dual-focus role involving the preparation, weighing and blending of raw ingredients, alongside the safe and efficient operation of food processing, production and packaging machinery.
You will play an important part in ensuring products are manufactured accurately to the required recipes and specifications, maintaining high standards of quality, food safety, hygiene and production efficiency throughout the process.
The successful candidate will be practical, organised and comfortable working in a busy production environment, with a strong eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining excellent standards.
Key Responsibilities
Ingredient Preparation
Essential Requirements
What''s on Offer?
If you have previous experience in food production, manufacturing, warehouse operations or machine operating and are looking for a stable, full-time opportunity, we would love to hear from you.
Please apply with your up-to-date CV, outlining any relevant experience, and a member of the Recruitment South East team will be in touch.
Location: Near Paddock Wood, Kent
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Dependent upon experience
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, early shift starting at 6am
About the Role
We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established and growing food production facility based on the outskirts of Paddock Wood, Kent, who are looking for a reliable, hands-on and quality-focused Machine Operator / Food Production Operative to join their production team.
This is a varied, dual-focus role involving the preparation, weighing and blending of raw ingredients, alongside the safe and efficient operation of food processing, production and packaging machinery.
You will play an important part in ensuring products are manufactured accurately to the required recipes and specifications, maintaining high standards of quality, food safety, hygiene and production efficiency throughout the process.
The successful candidate will be practical, organised and comfortable working in a busy production environment, with a strong eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining excellent standards.
Key Responsibilities
Ingredient Preparation
- Prepare raw ingredients in accordance with approved recipes and production instructions.
- Accurately weigh and measure ingredients using calibrated weighing equipment.
- Operate blending and mixing equipment safely and efficiently.
- Ensure the correct ingredients, grades and quantities are used for each production batch.
- Check batch numbers, product codes and raw material identification before use.
- Ensure ingredients are blended or mixed for the correct duration and to the required specification.
- Prevent cross-contamination between different products and ingredients.
- Complete batch records and product traceability documentation accurately.
- Report any discrepancies, quality concerns or material shortages to management.
- Ensure finished batches are correctly labelled and transferred to the next stage of production.
- Set up and operate food processing, weighing, filling and packaging machinery.
- Ensure machinery is correctly adjusted for the product and packaging being produced.
- Carry out pre-start checks before operating equipment.
- Monitor machinery throughout production to ensure consistent output and product quality.
- Identify and report machinery faults, breakdowns or operational issues.
- Carry out routine cleaning and basic operator maintenance in line with procedures.
- Monitor packaging weights, seals, labels and overall product presentation.
- Ensure the correct packaging materials and labels are used.
- Minimise product waste and production downtime wherever possible.
- Complete production paperwork, machine checks and output records accurately.
- Follow all food safety policies, procedures and safe systems of work.
- Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and wear the required protective clothing.
- Follow allergen management and contamination prevention procedures.
- Ensure production areas, machinery and equipment are kept clean, tidy and hygienic.
- Follow cleaning schedules and complete associated records.
- Immediately report any foreign body contamination or suspected product quality issues.
- Ensure all products meet the required quality standards and customer specifications.
- Follow stock rotation procedures, including FIFO (First In, First Out).
- Maintain accurate product identification and full traceability throughout production.
- Report any food safety concerns to the Production Supervisor.
- Operate all machinery in accordance with training and safe operating procedures.
- Never remove or bypass machine guards or safety devices.
- Follow lock-off and isolation procedures when cleaning or clearing machinery, where required.
- Wear the correct PPE, including safety footwear, hairnets, hearing protection and respiratory protection where necessary.
- Follow safe manual handling procedures when moving ingredients, raw materials and packaging.
- Report accidents, near misses and unsafe working conditions.
- Maintain good housekeeping standards to prevent slips, trips and falls.
- Follow procedures for working around production dust and dust extraction equipment.
Essential Requirements
- Good standard of written and spoken English, with the ability to follow detailed production instructions, recipe sheets and health and safety procedures.
- Strong practical numeracy skills, particularly when calculating ingredient weights, batch quantities and production requirements.
- Physically fit and comfortable with manual handling, lifting ingredient bags and working on mezzanine platforms.
- A proactive, hands-on approach with a positive can-do attitude.
- Excellent attention to detail and a strong commitment to cleanliness and quality.
- Reliable, organised and able to work effectively as part of a close-knit team.
- Able to follow procedures and maintain accurate production records.
- Previous experience operating machinery within food, beverage or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Basic Food Hygiene / Food Safety qualification (Level 2 or above).
- Awareness of HACCP principles.
- Valid Reach Truck or Flexi Truck licence.
- Manual Handling or Workplace First Aid certification.
What''s on Offer?
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
- 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Full training and development.
- Stable, full-time permanent employment.
- Supportive and friendly working environment.
- Opportunity to develop skills and progress within a growing business.
If you have previous experience in food production, manufacturing, warehouse operations or machine operating and are looking for a stable, full-time opportunity, we would love to hear from you.
Please apply with your up-to-date CV, outlining any relevant experience, and a member of the Recruitment South East team will be in touch.