About the role
Job Description – Machine Operator
We are seeking a reliable and hands-on Machine Operator to join a busy food production operation in Ashford.
The successful candidate will operate and monitor production machinery safely and efficiently, ensuring products are processed, prepared and packed to the required quality, safety and production standards.
Previous experience in food production, fresh produce, fresh-cut fruit, packaging or a fast-paced manufacturing environment is highly desirable. We are looking for someone practical, motivated, detail-focused and committed to maintaining high standards of safety, quality and productivity.
Key Responsibilities
Set up, operate and monitor production machinery safely and efficiently, including supporting changeovers and routine machine checks.
Follow production schedules, specifications and procedures, making routine adjustments and basic troubleshooting where trained and authorised.
Monitor product quality and output, ensuring fresh-cut fruit is correctly processed, weighed, portioned, packed, sealed and labelled.
Identify and report machine faults, product defects and production issues, helping minimise downtime, waste and production losses.
Maintain accurate production records and high standards of food safety, hygiene, GMP, HACCP, health & safety and housekeeping.
Candidate Requirements
Previous experience as a Machine Operator, Line Operator, Process Operator or similar, preferably within food production, manufacturing, packaging or fresh produce.
Experience with food processing, weighing, filling, cutting, sealing, labelling or packaging machinery is desirable; fresh-cut fruit or chilled food experience is an advantage.
Good understanding of machinery operation, production processes, food safety, HACCP and health & safety requirements.
Strong attention to detail, communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet production deadlines.
Reliable, punctual, proactive and hands-on, with a willingness to learn and operate different machinery. Food Hygiene/Food Safety certification is desirable.
What We Offer
Competitive salary, depending on experience.
Permanent opportunity with the potential to grow and progress within the business.
How to Apply
Please apply with your current CV, highlighting your experience. Please confirm your current location, availability and salary expectations.
We are an equal-opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
What we will need from you
- Proof of your right to work in the UK — passport, share code or equivalent.
- Proof of address and your National Insurance number.
- Two references we can take up, where the role calls for them.
Working with Cando Personnel
We are a GLAA-licensed supplier. Every worker is screened before their first shift, paid weekly, and covered by our own transport where a site is hard to reach. You are told the site, the shift and the rate before you accept anything.