Packaging Operator / FLT Driver

The Oval Partnership; Bedford; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and development

Permanent, full-time employment

Career progression

Job summary

The Oval Partnership is recruiting a Packaging Operator to join the Packaging Operations team at Damm Eagle Brewery in Bedford. This permanent, full-time role combines packaging-line operation with forklift driving, production support and logistics duties.

You will operate canning and kegging lines, handle palletisers and automation, and ensure safety and hygiene standards are maintained. Immediate start and a three-week rotating shift pattern are required.

Qualifications

• Valid FLT licence and counterbalance/reach licences required.
• Experience operating forklift trucks in manufacturing environments.
• Experience operating packaging lines or machinery in production settings.
• Proficiency with electronic record keeping and SAP/LIMS data entry.

Responsibilities

• Operate and control packaging machinery safely and efficiently.
• Run canning and kegging lines from start-up through shutdown.
• Operate palletisers, depalletisers, robots and associated automation.
• Supply machinery with materials to maintain continuous production.
• Operate forklift and clamp trucks, including pre-use safety checks.
• Load and unload inbound and outbound vehicles safely and efficiently.
• Record production information, downtime and cleaning times.
• Complete SAP transactions and enter quality data in LIMS.
• Monitor process measures such as temperature and pressure.
• Report equipment, quality and process issues promptly.

Skills

Forklift operation

Packaging machinery operation

Quality checks

Electronic records

Tools

SAP

LIMS

Job description

Packaging Operator / FLT Driver

Location: Damm Eagle Brewery, Havelock Street, Bedford, MK40 4LU

Department: Packaging Operations

Contract: Permanent, full-time

Total compensation: £37,824.39

Shift pattern: Three-week rotating shifts, Monday to Friday

Start: Immediate

The opportunity

We are recruiting a Packaging Operator to join the Packaging Operations team at Damm Eagle Brewery in Bedford.

This permanent position combines packaging-line operation, forklift driving, production support and logistics activities. You will help operate the brewery's canning and kegging lines while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, food safety and hygiene.

The successful candidate must be able to work the complete three-week rotating shift pattern.

Rotating shifts

• Week 1: 6:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
• Week 2: 2:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
• Week 3: 10:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.

Applicants must be available for all three shifts, including nights.

Key responsibilities

• Operate and control packaging machinery safely and efficiently
• Run canning and kegging lines from start-up through to shutdown
• Operate palletisers, depalletisers, robots and associated automation
• Supply machinery with the materials needed to maintain continuous production
• Operate forklift and clamp trucks, including completing pre-use safety checks
• Load and unload inbound and outbound vehicles safely and efficiently
• Handle gas loading using FLT equipment when required
• Sort, inspect and handle kegs, including visual inspections and preparation of empty kegs
• Complete external visual inspections of finished products
• Carry out beer sampling and quality checks for kegs and cans
• Record production information, downtime, format changes and cleaning times
• Complete SAP transactions and enter quality data in LIMS
• Monitor process measures such as temperature and pressure
• Report equipment, quality and process issues promptly
• Support engineering colleagues with maintenance activities when required
• Maintain excellent housekeeping, cleaning and hygiene standards
• Follow health and safety, food safety, HACCP and Food Defence procedures
• Wear the correct PPE and report incidents, near misses and safety concerns

Essential requirements

• A valid, up-to-date FLT licence
• Valid counterbalance and reach-truck licences
• Experience operating forklift trucks
• Previous machinery-operating experience in a production, packaging or manufacturing environment
• Experience loading and unloading trailers
• A flexible and reliable approach to work
• Ability to work the complete rotating shift pattern
• Good computer literacy and confidence completing electronic records
• Strong organisation and time-management skills
• A positive attitude towards training and development
• Immediate availability
• The right to work in the UK
• Reliable transport or the ability to reach the Bedford site for early, late and night shifts

Desirable experience

• Experience operating canning or kegging lines
• A shunter licence and previous shunter-driving experience
• Experience operating clamp or “top hat” trucks
• Knowledge of health and safety, food safety and HACCP principles
• Experience using SAP or a similar production system
• Experience using manufacturing execution or quality-management systems
• Knowledge of CIP processes, particularly keg CIP
• Experience working with product traceability procedures

What is offered

• Total compensation of £37,824.39
• Permanent, full-time employment
• Monday-to-Friday working pattern
• Training and development
• A varied position combining production, machinery operation and logistics
• The opportunity to join an established international brewing business