Machine Operative (NS)

Finnebrogue; Downpatrick; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidised meals

On-site parking

Health cover

Wellbeing events

Job summary

Finnebrogue in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, part of Sofina Foods Europe, is seeking Night Shift Machine Operators for our bacon production site. You will set up and operate slicers, injectors or thermoformers to meet product specifications and quality standards.

Join a team committed to food safety, traceability and continuous improvement. We offer subsidised meals, on-site parking, health cover, wellbeing events and ongoing training to help you develop your skills and build a rewarding career.

Qualifications

• Willingness to complete required training.
• Ability to read specifications and work instructions.
• Demonstrate manual dexterity and physical stamina.
• Commitment to food safety and quality standards.
• Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively.
• Previous food production experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate machinery per SOPs and safety rules.
• Read product specs, production plans and work instructions.
• Carry out changeovers and ensure correct packaging.
• Perform quality checks and maintain traceability records.
• Monitor machine performance and support KPIs.
• Report faults and perform basic maintenance.
• Minimise downtime and waste; respond to stoppages.
• Maintain hygiene and health and safety standards.
• Complete required training and assessments.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Teamwork

Communication

Physical fitness

Attention to detail

Health and safety awareness

Tools

Slicer machine

Injection machine

Thermoformer

Job description

As a Machine Operator at the bacon site (FBR) you will play a key role within the production team. We have four roles available on NIGHT SHFT.

Job Purpose

You will be responsible for setting up and operating the machine* to ensure it is configured to the correct product specifications, enabling efficient production and consistent product quality. The role also involves maintaining accurate product traceability through correct machine settings and production records, while ensuring all work is carried out in line with food safety, quality, and health and safety standards.

Machine refers to a Slicer, Injection or Thermoformer.

Duties (may vary depending on machine being operated)

• Set up and operate machinery in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and health and safety requirements.
• Read and interpret product specifications, production plans, and work instructions to ensure efficient and accurate production.
• Carry out product and packaging changeovers in line with production schedules.
• Ensure products meet specification, including quality, weight, coding, packaging, and presentation.
• Complete product quality checks and accurately maintain production and traceability records.
• Monitor machine performance, make routine adjustments where trained, and support the achievement of production targets and KPIs.
• Carry out routine machine checks, basic maintenance, and report any equipment faults or quality concerns promptly.
• Minimise downtime and waste by responding quickly to stoppages and resolving minor issues where trained.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, housekeeping, and health and safety within the work area.
• Complete all required training and competency assessments.

What It Takes

• Readiness to work and successfully complete all required training.
• Ability to work as part of a team, with self-motivation to succeed.
• Good communication skills.
• Demonstrate a high level of manual dexterity and be capable of meeting the physical demands of the role, including manual handling, lifting, and remaining on your feet throughout the working shift.

It is desirable to have previous experience within a food production environment. All candidates should demonstrate core values at all times (Integrity, Respect and Accountability) and have an understanding of and commitment to our Equality and Diversity Policy and ability to promote this day to day.

Hours of work

• Machine Operator (Injection) 8:00pm - 6:00am
• Machine Operator (Slicer) 6:00pm - 4:00am
• Machine Operator (Thermoformer) 6:00pm - 4:00am

Rate of pay is from £14.20 per hour plus an additional 50p per hour night shift premium.

Benefits

Enjoy subsidised meals and free breakfast options in our restaurant-style canteen, free onsite parking with EV charging, up to five free products each week through our award-winning Food Shack, and a calendar of wellbeing, social and sporting events. You'll also benefit from gym memebrship and a healthcare plan, Cycle to Work scheme, electric car scheme, and an extra day's holiday for your birthday.

• Subject to qualifying service.

About Us

Finnebrogue is part of Sofina Foods Europe, a family-owned global food business employing over 8,000 people across the UK and the Island of Ireland. United by a shared purpose of making food the best it can be, we combine innovation, quality and sustainability to create products that are better for people and the planet.

Founded in County Down, Finnebrogue site has built a reputation for challenging convention and leading positive change in the food industry. Operating four state-of-the‑art facilities in Downpatrick, we produce a wide range of premium bacon, sausages, burgers and plant‑based products for leading retailers, alongside our award‑winning Naked brand.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where colleagues can develop their skills, build rewarding careers and make a real impact. This commitment has earned us recognition as a Best Place to Work and Best Wellbeing in the Workplace, and Grocer Gold's Employer of the Year.