Machine Operative

Meridian Business Support Limited; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A global independent soft drinks manufacturer in Bridgwater is seeking a driven Machine Operative to join their production team. You will oversee beverage filling machines and ensure all operations meet quality standards. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and be confident in using IT systems for data recording. This is a permanent role with a salary of £35,209.94 pa, including benefits such as 22 days holiday and healthcare options.

Benefits

22 days holiday

Pension

Healthcare options

Employee benefits platform

Qualifications

• Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing or FMCG environment.
• Confident in using IT systems to record production data.

Responsibilities

• Carry out regular safety checks on machinery and equipment.
• Operate and monitor production line equipment efficiently and safely.
• Complete quality checks and production records accurately.
• Support product trials and continuous improvement activities.

Skills

Hands-on experience operating production line equipment

Basic fault finding

Excellent communication skills

Teamwork skills

Job description

We are looking for a driven Machine Operative to join a global independent soft drinks manufacturer with 78 manufacturing sites worldwide including 6 sites in the UK based in Bridgwater (TA6).

Salary: £35,209.94 pa (Basic £32,009.04 with a shift allowance of £3,200.90). 4 on 4 off Shift pattern – 2 Days, 2 Nights 4 days off, 12 Hour shifts. Day: 06:00 to 18:00; Night: 18:00 to 06:00. Permanent role. Benefits: 22 days holiday, pension, healthcare options, and employee benefits platform.

As a Machine Operative, you will join our large production team of over 500 colleagues, where you will be working on one of the 27 production lines overseeing the beverage filling machines. The production machines create, fill and package drinks products from smoothies to leading supermarket juices and everything in between.

The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience operating and maintaining production line equipment, carrying out changeovers, basic fault finding and quality checks in line with company standards, and will be confident in using IT systems to record production data.

Machine Operative Responsibilities

• Carry out regular safety checks on machinery and equipment, reporting any faults, accidents, or safety concerns straight.
• Follow all health, safety and hygiene rules at all times, taking part in safety conversations, audits and risk assessments to help keep the factory safe for everyone.
• Operate and monitor production line equipment efficiently and safely, following standard operating procedures and maintaining high‑quality standards.
• Complete quality checks and production records accurately.
• Identify and report any non‑conforming products and support corrective actions.
• Take part in changeovers, cleaning (CIP) and basic maintenance, ensuring equipment is ready for the next production run and downtime is minimised.
• Support product trials, audits and continuous improvement activities, helping to identify root causes of issues and suggesting improvements to processes.
• Use materials and resources efficiently, helping to reduce waste.
• Maintain a clean and audit‑ready work area, completing effective record‑keeping.

Job Requirements

• Experienced production or process operative with a strong understanding of working in a fast‑paced manufacturing or FMCG environment.
• Hands‑on experience operating and maintaining production line equipment, carrying out changeovers, basic fault finding and quality checks in line with company standards.
• Confident using IT systems to record production data.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

PLEASE APPLY ONLINE TODAY and a member of the team will be in touch.

Also suitable for

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• Senior Production Operative
• Skilled Production Operative
• Production Technician
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• Machine Technician
• Production Line Technician
• Multi‑Skilled Production Operative
• Production Engineer (junior level)
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• Process Improvement Operative