Production Operative

INSPIRED pet nutrition; Crick; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay and enhanced pension

Life assurance

Enhanced maternity, paternity and sick

Holiday buy options

Healthcare cashback plan

Hertility at home fertility testing

Pet discounts on food and lifestyle

Electric car scheme

Free onsite parking and charging

Onsite canteen and free hot drinks

Job summary

INSPIRED Pet Nutrition in Crick is hiring Production Operatives for permanent roles supporting Packing or Production teams. You will help run the operation safely, efficiently and to high quality standards within a collaborative environment.

The role follows a 4 on/4 off pattern with 12-hour night shifts (18:00–06:00) and an average of 42 hours per week. Nightly pay includes £14.79 per hour plus a £2.60 shift allowance.

Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing or similar environment.
• Strong literacy and numeracy skills.
• Able to understand, communicate and record information clearly in English.
• Food Hygiene certification desirable – training can be provided.

Responsibilities

• Promote a strong people-safe culture by following health and safety policies.
• Report safety concerns promptly through the appropriate channels.
• Follow production plans to ensure correct WIP, packaging and volumes.
• Maintain high quality standards in line with food safety legislation.
• Carry out hourly production and quality checks, escalating issues as needed.
• Follow Clean As You Go to maintain hygiene and housekeeping.
• Monitor machinery performance and escalate breakdowns as required.
• Minimise waste of materials and resources.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and teamwork.
• Act as buddy for new starters and assist with training.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Literacy & numeracy

English communication

Food Hygiene certification

Education

General education

Job description

About the Role:We’re recruiting Production Operatives to join our manufacturing operation in Crick, Northamptonshire. These are permanent roles supporting either our Packing or Production teams and play an important part in maintaining a safe, high‑quality and collaborative working environment. You’ll play a vital role in the day‑to‑day running of our operation, working as part of a supportive team - you’ll help ensure products are made safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards, contributing to the overall success of INSPIRED.Role Overview:

Role Overview

• Shift pattern: 4 on / 4 off (12 hour shifts)
• Shift: Nights (18:00–06:00)
• Average hours: 42 per week average
• Pay: Nights hourly rate £14.79 per hour plus £2.60 per hour shift allowanceThe 4 on 4 off pattern offers predictability, extended rest periods, and greater ability to balance work with life outside of work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Promote a strong people‑safe culture by following all health and safety policies and procedures
• Report any safety concerns, hazards or equipment damage promptly through the appropriate channels
• Follow production plans and instructions to ensure products are produced and packed using the correct combinations and volumes of work in progress (WIP)
• Maintain high quality standards throughout the production process, in line with food safety legislation, standards and requirements
• Carry out hourly production and quality checks, escalating any issues to the Area Shift Leader or Area Manager
• Follow the Clean As You Go approach to maintain excellent hygiene and housekeeping standards
• Ensure your working area meets hygiene and food safety expectations at all times
• Monitor the performance and effectiveness of machinery and equipment, escalating issues such as breakdowns to the Engineering team where required
• Work efficiently to minimise waste of raw materials, packaging, products, chemicals and water
• Support a culture of continuous improvement by identifying better ways of working
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve daily operational goals
• Take part in training and support the development of others when required
• Act as a buddy for new starters, offering guidance and support to help them settle into the role

Skills & Experience

• Experience in a manufacturing or similar environment (preferred, but not essential)
• A good standard of education, with strong literacy and numeracy skills
• Able to understand, communicate and record information clearly in English
• Food Hygiene certification (desirable – training can be provided)

Total Reward & Benefits

• Overtime, enhanced pension, life assurance
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, sick pay, and holiday buy options
• Healthcare cashback plan and Hertility at home fertility testing
• Generous discounts on pet food and lifestyle subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, breakdown cover)
• Retail and gym discounts, electric car scheme, free onsite parking and charging
• Onsite canteen, free hot drinks, and modern facilities

About Us

INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is an innovative, award‑winning pet food manufacturer employing over 1,200 colleagues across the UK and Europe. Our brands include Harringtons, Wagg, Barking Heads & Meowing Heads, AATU, Blink, Butcher’s, and more. Our kitchens in Thirsk, Kinmel and Crick produce high quality food for dogs and cats enjoyed around the world. Our ambition is simple: to become a global leader in pet nutrition. Our Purpose: To Create Happiness We’re on a mission to set a new standard for workplace happiness. Our culture is built around care, collaboration and continuous improvement — ensuring our people feel supported, valued and proud of what they do.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and able to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and make hiring decisions based on talent, potential and experience. We also provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace. If you need any support, please contact [e-mail]. We’re committed to being an inclusive employer — please speak with us to discuss job share opportunities, particularly if you’re returning to work, balancing family commitments, or exploring flexible ways of working.