Production Operative

Macfarlane Group UK Ltd; Chatteris; On-site; GBP 23,867 - 29,171; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Free parking

Employee assistance program

Enhanced HR policies

Long service awards

Charitable giving options

Eye care support

Job summary

Suttons Performance Packaging, part of Macfarlane Group, in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, is seeking a Production Operative to join our manufacturing team. You will help produce bespoke corrugated and foam packaging to exact customer specifications, operating machinery safely and maintaining high quality standards.

This hands-on role offers development across different processes, opportunities to learn new skills, and a supportive environment focused on safety and teamwork.

Qualifications

• At least 12 months' experience in manufacturing or production.
• Experience operating machinery or manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to use hand tools safely and accurately.
• Good attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Strong Health & Safety awareness in a manufacturing environment.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and work on own initiative.
• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Safely operate a range of production machinery and hand tools to manufacture bespoke packaging.
• Set up and carry out basic preventative maintenance on production equipment.
• Manufacture products accurately in line with schedules and specs.
• Read and interpret technical drawings to ensure correct production.
• Complete production documentation and system transactions promptly.
• Follow Health & Safety procedures and PPE requirements.
• Report faults or quality concerns to the Production Supervisor.
• Maintain tidy, safe work areas and support a positive team culture.
• Assist in training new team members and support wider operations.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Hand tools safety

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Health & safety aware

Education

GCSE Maths & English

Tools

Production machinery

Job description

Production Operative
Location: Chatteris, Cambridgeshire
Package: £26,519.79 annual salary plus bonus & excellent PLC company benefits
Hours: Full time (40 hours) Monday to Friday (8:00am-5:00pm Monday-Thursday & 8:00am-2:30pm Friday)
Sector: Protective Packaging Manufacturing

Protecting what matters, together

We're dedicated to protecting what matters most – our people, our customers, our communities and the environment. At Suttons Performance Packaging, part of Macfarlane Group, our commitment to customer satisfaction, sustainability and continual improvement creates a collaborative, supportive and friendly workplace where you can unpack a career that grows.

With a proud heritage spanning more than 75 years across the wider Group, we combine the stability of an established market leader with the ambition and innovation of a business that continues to invest in its people, products and future. Every colleague has the opportunity to make a genuine difference, working together to manufacture high-quality packaging solutions for customers across a wide range of industries.

If you're practical, take pride in producing quality work and enjoy being part of a supportive manufacturing team, we'd love to hear from you.

The Production Operative Role

As a Production Operative, you'll become an important member of our manufacturing team, helping to produce bespoke corrugated and foam packaging solutions to exact customer specifications.

Working in a fast-paced production environment, you'll safely operate a variety of machinery, equipment and hand tools, ensuring every product is manufactured accurately, efficiently and to the highest quality standards. You'll play a key role in helping us deliver customer orders on time, whilst maintaining a safe, organised and collaborative working environment.

This is a varied, hands‑on position where you'll have the opportunity to develop your technical skills, work across different manufacturing processes and contribute to the continued success of our production operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate a range of production machinery, equipment and hand tools to manufacture bespoke packaging solutions.
• Set up, operate and carry out basic planned preventative maintenance (PPM) on production machinery, including printer/slotters, die cutters, gluers, stitchers and rotary cutters.
• Manufacture products accurately in line with production schedules, customer specifications and quality standards.
• Read and interpret technical drawings to ensure products are manufactured correctly.
• Complete production documentation and system transactions accurately and promptly.
• Follow all Health & Safety procedures, safe systems of work and PPE requirements.
• Report equipment faults, quality concerns or production issues promptly to the Production Supervisor.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping standards within the production area.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve production targets and support a positive team culture.
• Assist in training and supporting new team members where appropriate.
• Undertake other reasonable duties to support the wider manufacturing operation.

What You Will Bring

We're looking for someone who enjoys practical, hands‑on work and takes pride in producing quality products safely and efficiently and ideally has the following skills and experience: –

• At least 12 months' experience within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Experience operating machinery or manufacturing equipment.
• The ability to use hand tools safely and accurately.
• Good attention to detail and a commitment to producing quality work.
• A strong appreciation of Health & Safety within a manufacturing environment.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• The ability to prioritise tasks, work on your own initiative and solve problems when required.
• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent).
• A positive attitude, strong work ethic and willingness to learn.

The following would also be advantageous:

• Experience within the packaging or protective packaging industry.
• Experience operating corrugated packaging machinery, CNC equipment or similar manufacturing machinery.
• The ability to confidently interpret technical drawings and manufacturing specifications.

What You Will Get

In addition to the basic salary we also provide benefits, including:

• 22 days annual leave (increasing with service) plus public holidays.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Free parking at most sites.
• Employee assistance program for well‑being support.
• Enhanced HR policies for employee rights and entitlements.
• Long service awards (5-40 years).
• Charitable giving options.
• Financial support for eye tests/glasses (DSE users).

How to Apply/Next Steps

We are working swiftly to find the best applicants and hope to hold local interviews ASAP. Please click 'apply' to submit your up-to-date CV. All applications will be acknowledged. If you haven't heard from us within a fortnight, please assume your application was unsuccessful.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds irrespective of your age, gender, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, gender expression, religion or sexual orientation. Should you require any specific support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please email our recruitment team directly.

No recruitment agencies please.