Machine Operator

Cando Personnel; Gravesend; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Cando Personnel in Gravesend is seeking a reliable Machine Operator to join a busy food production operation. The role involves setting up and operating production machinery, monitoring quality and compliance with HACCP and safety standards.

You will work with packaging lines, weigh and label products and assist with changeovers. Practical, proactive candidates who can work under pressure and as part of a team are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Experience in food production or similar manufacturing environments.
• Experience with weighing, filling, cutting, sealing or packaging machinery is desirable.
• Good understanding of food safety, HACCP and health & safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate and monitor production machinery safely and efficiently, including changeovers and routine checks.
• Follow schedules, specifications and procedures, making routine adjustments where trained.
• Monitor product quality and output, ensuring correct processing, weighing, portioning, packing, 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

Food production

Machinery operation

Quality control

Teamwork

Food safety

Tools

Weighing equipment

Sealing equipment

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 Gravesend.

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 the ability 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