Print Operative

huhtamaki; Gosport; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Career development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Employee wellbeing programs

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

Huhtamaki in Gosport is seeking a Paper Print Operative to support our production line on site. You will prepare, move and load reels, verify details, operate handling equipment, and maintain safe, tidy storage while ensuring traceability and quality.

The role requires a good understanding of health and safety standards, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement in a busy factory environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a cup manufacturing environment.
• Good working knowledge of health, safety and compliance standards.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a busy plant.
• Awareness of print processes and quality considerations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, move, and load paper reels safely to print and finishing machines.
• Verify reel type, weight, width, and batch details against job cards.
• Operate reel handling equipment in line with safety procedures.
• Ensure reels are positioned, aligned, and secured to prevent damage or downtime.
• Inspect reels for damage or defects and report issues to supervision.
• Maintain clean, labeled reel storage and traceability of materials.
• Track status of reels: in use, allocated, quarantined, or returned.
• Monitor production plans and stage reels to support continuous production.
• Return unused reels to storage following correct procedures.
• Record daily material usage, waste, and reel movements for stock accuracy.
• Maintain material records to support traceability and audits.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying handling issues.

Skills

Cup manufacturing experience

Health and safety standards

Pressure and deadlines

Print process knowledge

Job description

Paper Print Operative

Enjoy a career, packaged with care, whilst helping protect food, people and the planetWe are a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions. We're on a mission to make all packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable. Every day, we ensure the hygiene and safety of food and drink for people around the world. We are Huhtamaki.You could be part of our vision. Because it's our talented people that make it happen. Our people on the shop floor producing innovative, sustainable products. Our people in our offices delivering excellence for our customers every day. It's every one of us working together.We offer a place where you can feel safe, be supported, and make an impact so we can all focus on the future together.

What you'll be doing

• Prepare, move, and load paper reels safely to print and finishing machines in line with production schedules and job specifications.
• Verify reel type, weight, width, and batch details against job cards before issuing to production.
• Operate reel handling equipment in accordance with training and site safety procedures.
• Ensure reels are correctly positioned, aligned, and secured to prevent damage, waste, or machine downtime.
• Inspect paper reels for damage, contamination, moisture ingress, or defects and report any issues immediately to the Print Supervisor.
• Maintain a clean, tidy, and organised reel storage area, ensuring materials are clearly labelled, segregated, and traceable at all times.
• Track the status of all paper reels, including:
  • Reels in use
  • Reels allocated to upcoming jobs
  • Quarantined or damaged reels
  • Returned or part-used reels
• Monitor upcoming production plans and stage reels in advance to support continuous production and minimise downtime.
• Safely remove and return unused or part-used reels to designated storage locations following correct handling procedures.
• Collate and record daily material usage, waste, and reel movements to support stock accuracy and performance reporting.
• Maintain accurate material records to support full traceability, audit readiness, and BRC compliance.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying material handling issues that contribute to waste, quality defects, or inefficiencies.
• Follow all Health & Safety procedures, including manual handling guidelines, equipment checks, and use of PPE at all times.
• Ensure compliance with BRC, HSE, and internal quality standards related to material handling, hygiene, and contamination control.
• Assist with housekeeping, cleaning and maintenance activities, ensuring work areas meet site cleanliness and food‑grade standards.
• Report low stock levels, damaged reels, or handling equipment issues to the appropriate supervisor without delay.
• Support other print production tasks as required to maintain workflow and meet customer delivery deadlines.

What you'll bring to the role

• Previous experience in manufacturing cup environment.
• Excellent understanding of health, safety and compliance standards.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a busy environment.
• Knowledge of printt.
• Values similar to ours: Care, Dare and Deliver.

What we offer in return

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career development and progression.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Employee wellbeing programs.
• Training and development opportunities.

What our employees say

Survey results 2025 : " I feel lucky to be part of such a great team. "