At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to operate machinery and ensure quality sugar production.
- Company: British Sugar, a leading UK sugar producer with over 110 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, bonuses for attendance, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for overtime and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a historic company and gain hands-on experience in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Experience in machine operations or food processing is a plus.
British Sugar is a home-grown success story and one of the most efficient and competitive beet processers in the world. Around 3,500 farmers based in East Anglia and the East Midlands supply our four advanced manufacturing sites with eight million tonnes of sugar beet every year. We, in turn, make this into over 1 million tonnes of sugar, serving customers across the UK, Ireland and increasingly growing commercially in the EU and world sugar markets.
British Sugar is a world class sugar producer and has been a major player within UK agriculture for over 110 years. Cantley factory, located in the heart of the Norfolk Broads just 30 minutes from Norwich, was the first beet sugar factory in the UK and has been producing sugar on site since 1912. Each September we begin our sugar production cycle; we are currently recruiting six Operatives to join our team during this busy time.
We are looking for individuals to join our team on a fixed-term contract from October 2026 to the end of March 2027. Ideally you will have experience of:
- Machine operations
- Manual handling
- Food processing or heavy industries
- Pedestrian operated pallet truck
If you understand the priority of safety, are a self-motivator, a great communicator, can follow instructions and site procedures, we want to hear from you.
This role follows a 4-on, 4-off shift pattern, with each shift lasting 12 hours. Key duties include:
- Manually changing slicer blocks into and out of the slicing machines and use of the hand tools to change cutting blades in slicer blocks to ensure the quality and quantity of sliced beet is maintained.
- Cleaning duties within the slicing area and across the factory. Includes use of pressure washing equipment and physical cleaning methods such as brushing/shoveling.
- Inspection of filtration equipment and manually cleaning the equipment, including replacement of filter cloths.
- Walking the plant and looking out for any issues to raise to the site process team.
- Assisting with laboratory analysis, getting samples, and performing tests.
You will be required to be available to work over the Christmas period, however a bank holiday bonus will be awarded if you are required. Due to the nature of this role, you may be required to change your working pattern however notice will be given.
What we can offer you:
- A competitive salary £14.89 – £18.75/hr
- Annual leave is pro-rated over duration of contract and paid as a bonus at the end of contract.
- A ‘Retention’ bonus is available based on attendance and performance – paid at end of contact.
- Overtime (not guaranteed but may be available (£22.82/hr). Incentive for any bank holidays worked)
- 4% pension matched.
- PPE provided.
Seasonal Utility Operator in Cantley employer: British Sugar PLC
British Sugar is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bury St Edmunds where engineering technicians can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, the company provides ongoing training and career progression opportunities, ensuring that you can expand your skills across various engineering disciplines while contributing to a leading food manufacturing business. The collaborative culture and focus on continuous improvement make it a rewarding place to work for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Seasonal Utility Operator in Cantley
✨Know Your Peak Seasons
Get savvy about the busy times in manufacturing—like the holiday rush or any major product launches. Seasonal jobs often come up just before these peaks, so keep an eye on job boards and company websites like ours to apply early when roles pop up!
✨Network within Local Communities
Tap into local manufacturing communities and industry events in your area. Check out trade shows or job fairs where companies like British Sugar PLC might be looking for seasonal staff—having a face-to-face chat can make you memorable!
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Consider volunteering or taking on temporary roles at local factories for hands-on experience. It looks great on your CV and gives you the chance to connect with hiring managers directly when they have those seasonal openings. Who knows, it might just lead to a full-time position!
✨Keep Your Application Fresh
When you're applying for seasonal roles, tweak your application to highlight relevant skills and experience specific to production and manufacturing. Our portal's easy to use, so be sure to apply directly through our website to stay updated on the latest roles at British Sugar PLC.
We think you need these skills to ace Seasonal Utility Operator in Cantley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Skills:In manufacturing and production, skills like operating machinery, quality control, or even teamwork are super important. Make sure you highlight any experience or training you've had in these areas on your CV to catch our eye at British Sugar PLC!
Tailor Your CV for Seasonal Work:Since this is a seasonal role, focus on the flexibility you've shown in previous jobs. If you’ve taken on short-term positions before or adapted quickly to busy seasons, highlight that! It shows you can hit the ground running when we need you most.
Share Your Availability:Include a section on your CV or in your cover letter that indicates when you're available to work. Seasonal roles often require quick ramp-up times, so knowing your availability will help us plan efficiently at British Sugar PLC.
Highlight Safety Training or Certifications:If you've got any safety training or relevant certifications, like First Aid or Forklift Operation, make sure to showcase them. It’s a big plus in the manufacturing-production sector and can make you stand out in your application for this seasonal gig!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Sugar PLC
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
In manufacturing and production, they want to see your hands-on skills in action. Be prepared to discuss any previous experience you've got with machinery, tools, or assembly lines – be specific about what you can do. If you've worked with relevant equipment or have certifications, flaunt them!
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
Seasonal roles mean you'll need to hit the ground running. Make sure you talk about instances where you've quickly adapted to changes in work processes or environments. They'll want to know you can jump into high-pressure situations and keep things moving smoothly.
✨Understand the Production Flow
Brush up on the specifics of production processes and terminology relevant to the role at British Sugar PLC. You might be asked technical questions about how you would improve efficiency or handle a production setback, so knowing your stuff will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Availability
S seasonal jobs can have unpredictable hours, so be upfront about your availability during peak times. They’ll want to know you can commit when the workload increases, so have a clear idea of your schedule and be prepared to demonstrate your flexibility in your answers.