Powder Operator

Lactalis Ltd.; Stranraer; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Pension salary sacrifice

Life assurance

EV car scheme

Holiday entitlement

Discounted products

Employee assistance

Training & development

Career progression

Supportive environment

Job summary

Lactalis Ltd. is hiring a Powder Operator for our Caledonian Cheese Company site in Stranraer. The role involves operating and monitoring whey powder production processes, with full training provided to ensure safe and efficient operations.

We offer a competitive hourly rate of £15.03, enhanced weekend and unsocial hours rates, and a range of benefits including a pension scheme, life assurance and career development opportunities within a global dairy business.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing, production or similar environments.
• Ability to follow procedures accurately and maintain high safety standards.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Willingness to work a 12-hour shift pattern including days, nights and weekends.
• Forklift experience or licence is advantageous but training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and monitor powder production equipment and processes.
• Carry out routine checks and sampling to ensure product quality and process standards.
• Complete production records accurately and maintain product traceability.
• Operate a forklift truck where required, with training provided.
• Monitor equipment and report faults, breakdowns or process issues.
• Support cleaning activities and maintain high standards of hygiene and housekeeping.
• Follow site food safety, health and safety, quality and environmental procedures.
• Work with colleagues across production, engineering and quality to support plant operations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and safety/quality/performance initiatives.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Attention to detail

Health and safety

Communication

Teamwork

Shift work

Forklift experience

Job description

Powder Operator

Location: Stranraer, Dumfries & Galloway
Contract: Full Time, Permanent (1785 hours per annum)
Working Pattern: 12-hour shifts, including days, nights and weekends

At Lactalis UK & Ireland, we’re passionate about producing high-quality dairy products enjoyed by consumers across the UK and around the world. As part of the world’s largest dairy business, we combine global expertise with local pride, investing in our people, facilities and the communities in which we operate.

Our Stranraer site has a proud heritage and plays an important role within our UK operations. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive workplace where our people can thrive, develop and build rewarding careers.

We’re looking for a motivated and reliable Powder Operator to join our team at the Caledonian Cheese Company in Stranraer.

This is an opportunity to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, operating and monitoring our whey powder production process and helping us maintain high standards of safety, food safety, quality and efficiency.

You’ll work as part of an experienced team, with full training provided to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to operate our plant safely and effectively.

Our Ideal Candidate

We’re looking for someone who is reliable, safety-conscious and comfortable working in a busy manufacturing environment.

You’ll ideally have:

• Previous experience within manufacturing, production or a similar environment.
• Good attention to detail and the ability to follow procedures accurately.
• A strong commitment to health and safety, food safety and quality standards.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• A flexible approach to working a 12-hour shift pattern, including days, nights and weekends.
• Previous forklift truck experience or a current forklift licence would be advantageous, although this is not essential as training will be provided.

Previous food manufacturing experience would be beneficial but isn’t essential, as full training will be provided.

Just as importantly, we’re looking for someone with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and a desire to contribute to the success of the wider team.

Pay & Benefits

In return for your contribution, we offer:

• £15.03 per hour basic rate
• Enhanced rates for weekend, unsocial hours and Bank Holiday working:
• Saturday and unsocial hours: £18.79 per hour (time and a quarter)
• Sunday and Bank Holidays: £22.55 per hour (time and a half)
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Life assurance
• EV car scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Discounted company products
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Full training and development opportunities
• Career progression within a global dairy business
• A supportive and collaborative working environment

Key Responsibilities

As a Powder Operator, you will:

• Safely operate and monitor powder production equipment and processes.
• Carry out routine checks and sampling to ensure product quality and process standards are maintained.
• Complete production records accurately and maintain product traceability.
• Operate a forklift truck where required, with training provided.
• Monitor equipment and report faults, breakdowns or process issues.
• Support cleaning activities and maintain high standards of hygiene and housekeeping.
• Follow site food safety, health and safety, quality and environmental procedures.
• Work closely with colleagues across production, engineering and quality to support the efficient operation of the plant.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and help identify opportunities to improve safety, quality and performance.

Working Environment

This is a hands-on operational role within a busy production environment. The role involves working in a warm production environment and spending extended periods on your feet. Appropriate training and PPE will be provided.

If you’re looking for a new challenge and want to develop your career in food manufacturing, we’d love to hear from you.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to understand spoken and written English.