Machine Operator

Machine Operator – KETTLE 3 on, 3 off | Days, 7am–7pm 3 on, 4 off, 4 on, 3 off | Nights, 7pm–7am £28,571.40 Days | £31,383.00 Nights Build your skills. Solve problems. Make something people love. KETTLE chips don’t make themselves. Behind every bag is a team of people who care about getting things right — and we’re looking for Machine Operators to join our production team. This is a hands-on, technical role where you’ll operate and monitor equipment, troubleshoot problems, make adjustments and help keep our production lines running safely, efficiently and to the highest standards. We’re looking for people who understand the importance of safe working, product quality, equipment performance and reducing waste. If you enjoy working with machinery, identifying problems and finding practical solutions, this could be the next step in your career. But this is more than just keeping a machine running. BUILD A CAREER, NOT JUST A SHIFT If you’re motivated to learn, improve and take on more responsibility, we’ll support you to develop your technical skills and progress. Machine Operator → Technical Expert → Team Leader → Management You don’t need to have your whole career mapped out today. Bring your practical experience, problem-solving mindset and ambition to learn — we’ll help you build the future. WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Operate, monitor and optimise production and packing equipment to meet production targets.
• Make adjustments to machinery and settings to maintain efficient operation and consistent product quality.
• Identify, troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues, understanding when to take action and when to escalate to the appropriate team.
• Monitor production performance, product quality, waste and downtime, taking action to address issues where appropriate.
• Carry out routine safety, quality, GMP and housekeeping checks, following site procedures and food safety standards.
• Identify abnormalities in machinery or product quality and respond promptly to prevent further issues.
• Complete production checks, records and handovers accurately, communicating any ongoing issues to colleagues and the next shift.
• Support Continuous Improvement activities, audits and initiatives to improve safety, efficiency and product quality.
• Work closely with colleagues, sharing knowledge and helping the team succeed. WE’RE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WHO...
• Have experience in manufacturing, production or another hands-on, practical environment.
• Have experience operating machinery or production equipment, or can demonstrate a strong practical understanding of how equipment works.
• Can recognise when a machine or process isn’t operating as expected and take a logical, problem-solving approach.
• Understand the importance of following safety procedures, quality standards and food hygiene requirements.
• Can identify potential causes of production issues and know when to make adjustments or escalate a problem.
• Appreciate the importance of minimising waste, reducing downtime and maintaining consistent product quality.
• Can follow work instructions, complete checks accurately and communicate issues clearly.
• Stay calm under pressure, make sensible decisions and work positively with others.
• Are proactive, curious and keen to develop their technical knowledge.
• Want to build a long-term career with us. We’re interested in practical experience, technical curiosity and a willingness to learn. You don’t need to know everything on day one, but you should be ready to get hands-on, solve problems and take ownership of your work. WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
• 🏖️ 33 days annual leave including bank holidays
• 📚 Training & development opportunities
• 📈 Career progression
• 💷 Company pension scheme
• 🚗 Free on-site parking
• 🍽️ Hot food restaurant
• 👥 Refer-a-friend scheme READY TO MAKE YOUR MOVE? From the machine you’ve kept running to the finished bag on the supermarket shelf, you’ll know you played a part in making something people love. Bring your skills. Grow your career. Make KETTLE your future. At Valeo Foods UK we bring together a family of much-loved UK food brands supported by the scale and ambition of a global investment partner. From Kettle’s bold crunch to Rowse’s natural sweetness, through to Matthew Walker and Barratt Sweets, our portfolio blends heritage, craft and category-leading innovation. Alongside our branded portfolio, we are also one of the UK’s largest suppliers of private label products, partnering with major retailers to deliver quality and category expertise that meets the needs of millions of households every week. As a business, we’re on a journey of transformation. We’re strengthening our operations, driving quality and investing in our people. It’s an exciting, fast-moving environment where heritage meets new thinking, and where every colleague contributes to shaping the future of food across the UK. Join us and play your part in building the next chapter of some of Britain’s most loved brands.