Blank operator

Huhtamaki; Gosport; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Huhtamaki in Gosport, UK, is seeking a production operator to support our paper reel processing on the print and finishing lines. You will safely prepare, move, and load reels, verify specifications, and operate related equipment on a day-to-day basis.

This role requires strict adherence to health and safety procedures, meticulous attention to detail, and proactive involvement in housekeeping and stock control to ensure production runs smoothly and meets quality standards.

Qualifications

• Experience following health and safety procedures.
• Able to maintain accurate material traceability and records.
• Attention to cleanliness, organisation and stock control.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, move, and load paper reels safely to production lines.
• Verify reel type, weight, width, and batch details before issuing to production.
• Operate reel handling equipment per training and site procedures.
• Position, align and secure reels to prevent damage, waste or downtime.
• Inspect reels for damage prior to production.
• Maintain a clean, labelled, traceable reel storage area.
• Track reel and blank statuses (in use, allocated, quarantined, returned).
• Perform tool changes and setups; support robot automation where required.
• Record daily material usage, waste, and reel movements for accuracy.
• Maintain material records for full traceability and audit readiness.
• Support continuous improvement by addressing handling issues.

Skills

Health & safety awareness

Attention to detail

Stock control

Teamwork

Tools

Reel handling equipment

Robot setup

PPE usage

Job description

**Enjoy a career, packaged with care, whilst helping protect food, people and the planet**

We are a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions. We’re on a mission to make all packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable. Every day, we ensure the hygiene and safety of food and drink for people around the world. We are Huhtamaki.

You could be part of our vision. Because it’s our talented people that make it happen. Our people on the shop floor producing innovative, sustainable products. Our people in our offices delivering excellence for our customers every day. It’s every one of us working together.

We offer a place where you can feel safe, be supported, and make an impact so we can all focus on the future together.

• Prepare, move, and load paper reels safely to print and finishing machines in line with production schedules and job specifications.
• Verify reel type, weight, width, and batch details against job cards before issuing to production.
• Operate reel handling equipment in accordance with training and site safety procedures.
• Ensure reels are correctly positioned, aligned, and secured to prevent damage, waste, or machine downtime.
• Inspect paper reels for damage before production.
• Maintain a clean, tidy, and organised reel storage area, ensuring materials are clearly labelled, segregated, and traceable at all times.
• Track the status of all reel and blank:
  • Reels in use
  • Reels allocated to upcoming jobs
  • Quarantined blanks
  • Returned or part-used reels
• Tool change overs and set up, Robot setup for automation.
• Collate and record daily material usage, waste, and reel movements to support stock accuracy and performance reporting.
• Maintain accurate material records to support full traceability, audit readiness, and BRC compliance.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying material handling issues that contribute to waste, quality defects, or inefficiencies.
• Follow all Health & Safety procedures, including manual handling guidelines, equipment checks, and use of PPE at all times.
• Ensure compliance with BRC, HSE, and internal quality standards related to material handling, hygiene, and contamination control.
• Assist with housekeeping, cleaning and maintenance activities, ensuring work areas meet site cleanliness and food‑grade standards.
• Report low stock levels, damaged reels, or handling equipment issues to the appropriate supervisor without delay.
• Support other blanking production tasks as required to maintain workflow and meet customer delivery deadlines.

Join us. Help protect food, people and the planet.