Production Operative

Hollybank Trustees Ltd; Crick; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare cashback

Pet discounts

Free onsite parking

Job summary

INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is recruiting Production Operatives for our Crick site in Northamptonshire. These permanent roles support either Packing or Production teams in a safe, high-quality environment within a growing pet nutrition business.

Shift pattern is 4 on / 4 off (12 hour shifts). Pay is £14.79 per hour at night plus £2.60 per hour shift allowance. You will help ensure products are produced and packed correctly with high hygiene and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing or similar environment preferred.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Able to understand and record information 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, hazards or equipment damage promptly.
• Follow production plans to ensure correct WIP handling.
• Maintain high quality standards in line with food safety legislation.
• Carry out hourly production and quality checks; escalate issues.
• Follow Clean As You Go to maintain hygiene and housekeeping standards.
• Ensure working area meets hygiene and safety expectations.
• Monitor machinery performance and escalate faults to Engineering.
• Minimise waste of materials, packaging and water.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying better ways of working.
• Collaborate with colleagues to reach daily goals.
• Take part in training and support the development of others.

Skills

Manufacturing exp

Literacy & numeracy

English communication

Food Hygiene cert desirable

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Job description

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:

• Shift pattern: 4 on / 4 off (12 hour shifts)
• Pay: Nights hourly rate £14.79 per hour plus £2.60 per hour shift allowance

The 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)
• 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.