Machine Operative

Humdinger; Leeds; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading chocolate manufacturer in the UK is seeking a Machine Operative for their Sherburn-in-Elmet location. You'll operate and monitor machinery, maintain quality and compliance standards, and complete necessary documentation. The role offers a starting rate of £14.43 per hour with opportunities for overtime and advancement. Successful candidates will have experience in a manufacturing environment, strong communication skills, and a commitment to safety and quality. Enjoy a unique shift pattern with substantial time off to enhance your work-life balance.

Benefits

Paid breaks

Overtime rates at minimum time and a half

Pension scheme

Health Care Cash Plan

Salary sacrifice schemes like cycle to work

Qualifications

• Experience with manufacturing equipment and site-based performance targets.
• Ability to guide others in best manufacturing practices.
• Adaptability to different areas of the business.

Responsibilities

• Operate packing machinery and perform regular checks.
• Maintain high product quality and food safety standards.
• Complete documentation and ensure compliance with specifications.

Skills

Proven experience operating manufacturing equipment

Strong communication skills

Flexible team player

Reliability and safety consciousness

Education

Level 2 Food Safety and Allergen Awareness

Job description

Overview

Machine Operative

Humdinger Ltd, Sherburn in Elmet, LS25

Starting rate Grade 2 £14.43 per hour (£30,014 annually), with the potential of overtime at 150% and progressing to Grade 3 at £15.39 per hour.

Shift pattern: 12‑hour rotating shifts (days 6am‑6pm & nights 6pm‑6am) with NO Friday night, Saturday day, Saturday night or Sunday day shift working.

• Week 1: 3 day shifts, followed by 2 days off
• Week 2: 3 night shifts, followed by 5 days off
• Week 3: 2 day shifts + 2 night shifts, followed by 5 days off, then repeat

Responsibilities

• Operate packing machinery – you will be trained to operate 3 key assets in either processing or packing.
• Maintain high standards of product quality, food safety, and good manufacturing practices through regular checks and cleaning schedules.
• Monitor machinery performance, report issues, and oversee the running of the line.
• Complete documentation including Critical Control Point checks and ensure compliance with customer specifications and safe working practices.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating manufacturing equipment and working to site‑based performance targets.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to support and guide others in best practice manufacturing.
• Flexible team player who can work under pressure and adapt to different areas of the business.
• Reliable and safety‑conscious, with a commitment to quality and good manufacturing practice
• We will train you to Level 2 Food Safety and Allergen Awareness, food manufacturing experience would be desirable.

Rewards Benefits

• Earning potential of up to £15.39 per hour with further training as a higher‑skilled operative.
• Paid breaks and overtime rates at minimum of time and a half of basic rate.
• Holidays in excess of statutory minimum, all bank holidays off,
• Substantial time off in between shifts i.e. five days off twice within every three weeks, giving you a better work‑life balance on our unique shift pattern.
• Pension – 4% employer plus Life Assurance at 4 times salary.
• Paycare Health Care Cash Plan – annual allowance for your dental, optical, chiropractic, counselling and much more!
• Salary sacrifice schemes including cycle to work and electric car schemes. (subject to criteria).

About Us

At our Sherburn‑in‑Elmet site, where we are proud to be part of the Humdinger snacking group, we make a diverse range of high‑quality chocolate products for both major UK retailers and market‑leading brands. A growing site with over 150 team members, producing around 1 million packets of delicious chocolate treats a week, some of which will be your chocolate favourites. We use a mix of modern machinery and traditional techniques to produce our products. We have a fantastic team at site with a great team atmosphere, a positive working environment and plenty going on – from a packed engagement calendar full of charity & social events, wellbeing activities, team celebrations, along with monthly Values Awards with prizes. You will also have the opportunity to grow your skills from day one and enhance your earning potential.

Application & Interview Process

Please apply on the Humdinger career portal (please link below) and answer all applicable questions. If you have been selected, you will be invited to attend an interview, which will include a site tour. Please note: jewellery, false nails, piercings, nail varnish are NOT permitted during the factory tour.

We have openings across processing and packing, if selected for interview, you may be interviewed for both.

Humdinger is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview and/or tour by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage.