Advanced Manufacturing Operative

Hovis Bakeries; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time off – 24 shifts annual leave

Health & wellbeing support

Pension & life assurance – Up to 10%

Retail discounts

Learning & development

Financial wellbeing tools

Green benefits

Recognition & rewards

Charitable giving

Job summary

Hovis Bakeries Stoke is seeking an Advanced Manufacturing Operative to operate bakery plant equipment safely and drive productivity. You will coach colleagues, build team capability, and ensure Safety, Food Safety, Quality and Customer Satisfaction are maintained to high standards.

The role suits those who thrive in fast-moving manufacturing and are passionate about continuous improvement and operational excellence, with a strong commitment to health, safety and food safety.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to health and food safety standards.
• Desirable prior experience in food manufacturing settings.
• Relevant qualifications such as Level 2 Food Hygiene (CIEH) or IOSH.
• Experience supervising, leading or supporting teams.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Positive, resilient attitude and passion for continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure policy compliance.
• Safely operate bakery plant equipment for optimum performance.
• Support colleagues through training, coaching and mentoring.
• Identify and address skills and training gaps within the team.
• Ensure products meet quality, food safety and customer standards.
• Contribute to production plans and operational targets.
• Invest in personal development and learning opportunities.
• Share best practices across the manufacturing operation.
• Support continuous improvement to boost efficiency.

Skills

Health & safety commitment

Food safety awareness

Communication skills

Teamwork

Positive attitude

Willingness to learn

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene (CIEH)

IOSH

Equivalent qualification

Job description

Career Opportunities: Advanced Manufacturing Operative (4329)

Requisition ID4329-Posted16/10/2026- Region (1) - Job Category (1) -Permanent-Full Time- Company (1)

Join Our Manufacturing Team

We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join the Manufacturing Team at Hovis Bakeries Stoke.

As an Advanced Manufacturing Operative, you will play a vital role in the safe and efficient operation of bakery plant equipment, helping to maximise productivity, performance, and product quality. You will work closely with your colleagues to build capability across the team through training, coaching, and mentoring, ensuring the highest standards of Safety, Food Safety, Quality, and Customer Satisfaction are consistently achieved.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is passionate about continuous improvement, personal development, and operational excellence.

At Hovis Bakeries, Health & Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and our people are fundamental to our success.

Key Accountabilities

• Champion a strong Safety First culture and ensure full compliance with company policies, procedures, and standards.
• Safely operate bakery plant equipment to achieve optimum performance and productivity.
• Support the development of colleagues through training, coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.
• Identify and help address skills and training gaps within the team.
• Ensure all products consistently meet required quality, food safety, and customer standards.
• Contribute to the successful delivery of production plans and operational targets.
• Take ownership of your personal development by actively engaging in learning and development opportunities.
• Promote and share best practice across the manufacturing operation.
• Support continuous improvement activities to drive operational performance and efficiency.

Additional Responsibilities

At Hovis Bakeries, we value flexibility, teamwork, and a proactive mindset. We encourage all colleagues to adopt a positive, "can-do" approach and, where required, provide support across different areas of the business. This offers valuable opportunities to broaden your skills, gain experience, and further develop your career.

The Right Person

We're looking for someone who can bring:

• A strong commitment to Health & Safety and Food Safety standards.
• Previous experience within a food manufacturing environment (desirable).
• Relevant qualifications such as Level 2 Food Hygiene (CIEH), IOSH, or equivalent (desirable).
• Experience of supervising, leading, or supporting teams.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• A positive, resilient attitude and a genuine passion for manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• A willingness to learn, develop, and take on new challenges.

• Time Off – 24 shifts annual leave
• Health & Wellbeing Support – Simply health healthcare cash plan, eye care support and wellbeing resources
• Pension & Life Assurance – Up to 10% employer contributions
• Retail Discounts – Save on 500+ major retailers through Extra Slice
• Learning & Development – Career development, training and progression opportunities
• Financial Wellbeing Support – Financial tools, support and access to affordable loans
• Green Benefits – Save on electric cars and bikes
• Recognition & Rewards – Celebrate achievements through colleague recognition schemes
• Charitable Giving – Support Save the Children through payroll giving