Machine Operator

Cando Personnel; Ashford; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Cando Personnel is seeking a reliable Machine Operator for our Ashford-based food production operation. The role involves operating and monitoring production machinery, ensuring products are processed, weighed, packed and labelled to high safety and quality standards.

Successful candidates will have hands-on experience in food production, strong attention to detail and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience as Machine Operator or similar, preferably in food production.
• Experience with food processing, weighing, filling, sealing, or packaging machinery.
• Strong understanding of HACCP and health & safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate and monitor production machinery safely and efficiently.
• Follow production schedules, specifications and procedures and perform routine checks.
• Monitor product quality and output, ensuring correct processing, weighing, packing and labelling.
• Identify and report machine faults and production issues to minimise downtime and waste.
• Maintain accurate production records and uphold food safety and housekeeping standards.

Skills

Machine operation

Quality control

Teamwork

Food safety

Tools

Packaging machinery

Job description

Job Description – Machine Operator

We are seeking a reliable and hands-on Machine Operator to join a busy food production operation in Ashford.

The successful candidate will operate and monitor production machinery safely and efficiently, ensuring products are processed, prepared and packed to the required quality, safety and production standards.

Previous experience in food production, fresh produce, fresh-cut fruit, packaging or a fast-paced manufacturing environment is highly desirable. We are looking for someone practical, motivated, detail-focused and committed to maintaining high standards of safety, quality and productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, operate and monitor production machinery safely and efficiently, including supporting changeovers and routine machine checks.
• Follow production schedules, specifications and procedures, making routine adjustments and basic troubleshooting where trained and authorised.
• Monitor product quality and output, ensuring fresh-cut fruit is correctly processed, weighed, portioned, packed, sealed and labelled.
• Identify and report machine faults, product defects and production issues, helping minimise downtime, waste and production losses.
• Maintain accurate production records and high standards of food safety, hygiene, GMP, HACCP, health & safety and housekeeping.

Candidate Requirements

• Previous experience as a Machine Operator, Line Operator, Process Operator or similar, preferably within food production, manufacturing, packaging or fresh produce.
• Experience with food processing, weighing, filling, cutting, sealing, labelling or packaging machinery is desirable; fresh-cut fruit or chilled food experience is an advantage.
• Good understanding of machinery operation, production processes, food safety, HACCP and health & safety requirements.
• Strong attention to detail, communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet production deadlines.
• Reliable, punctual, proactive and hands-on, with a willingness to learn and operate different machinery. Food Hygiene/Food Safety certification is desirable.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, depending on experience.
• Permanent opportunity with the potential to grow and progress within the business.

We are an equal-opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates