At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our chocolate factory team as a Machine Operative and ensure smooth production.
- Company: Be part of a fun, innovative chocolate manufacturing company.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 50% product discount, and enhanced family leave.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Work in a real chocolate factory and make people happy every day!
- Qualifications: Knowledge of KPIs and HACCP training preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
Closing Date: 07/06/2026
Job Category: Manufacturing
Country: UK
Region Division: Operations
As we continue our mission to make people happy through chocolate, we’re looking for a Machine Operative to join our Manufacturing Team on a permanent basis. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with our production plan to ensure that our well‑loved product is delivered on time, in full, within agreed quality and health and safety measurements.
Shift Pattern: a rotating weekly shift pattern of 6am to 2pm and 2pm to 10pm, Monday to Friday.
As well as a competitive salary and a range of company benefits including enhanced maternity and paternity leave and company pension contributions, you’ll receive 50% discount on all products.
We also offer:
- Full PPE (personal protective equipment) provided to you on your first day.
- Subsidised vending machines including sandwiches, pasta, snacks and drinks.
- Free onsite employee carpark.
The onsite location for this role is at our Factory ‘Hadley Park’, in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, right in the heart of where our chocolates are made and where weekly, we can produce between 4 to 6 million of the chocolates we all know and love.
What you’ll be doing…
- Set up of manual packing lines, management of paperwork packs, ensuring that it is completed to required standard.
- Management of Label Room processes, ensuring that all materials are delivered to the line in a timely manner.
- Working closely with other departments to ensure that all required items are available i.e. machinery / ingredients / packaging.
- Shortages and discrepancies communicated to your line manager on time to support plan completion.
- Plan delivered on time and to costed expectations with targeted quality loss of less than 1% and delivering ‘right first time’ products.
- Performing an in‑depth handover with the incoming shift.
Ownership:
- Owning the start up of the production line, ensuring that the correct staffing is in place.
- To own the clean down of the line between products and carrying out line start up inspections, ensuring that the line is free from any cross‑contamination.
- Driving a culture of asset specific standards and settings across all shifts.
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) compliance in your work area.
- Ensure compliance with all Health and Safety systems.
- Ensure all piranha requests are submitted to engineering for downtimes.
- Ensuring diligence with reporting e.g. SIC sheets, live Knobel updates in time to handover to the next shift.
Leading:
- Running the day‑to‑day management of the line.
- Ensuring that the team is adhering to set requirements for the product.
- Reporting any breakdowns in a timely manner to the relevant managers / team.
- Ensuring that any team training is up to date.
Supporting:
- Training and mentoring new starters within the business on your asset / process.
- Supporting the team in all PMR activity on the line per product group.
- The ability to talk an external auditor through your process / procedure around utilising your asset.
- Proactive care and targeted work with the Hygiene Team to ensure that the work area and asset stays at the best standard.
Who you are…
- Good knowledge of KPIs.
- Good verbal and written English to clearly discuss performance of your asset / process.
- HACCP trained.
- Knowledge of continuous improvement tools.
Machine Operative in Hartford employer: Hotel Chocolat
Join our vibrant team at Hadley Park in Huntingdon, where we take pride in crafting the chocolates that bring joy to people. As a Machine Operative, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture with comprehensive benefits, including enhanced family leave, a generous pension scheme, and a 50% discount on all our delicious products. We prioritise employee growth through training opportunities and a commitment to health and safety, making this an excellent place for those seeking a rewarding career in manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Machine Operative in Hartford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the chocolate factory and its values. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission to make people happy through chocolate.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to the Machine Operative role. Think about how your skills align with their needs, especially around compliance, teamwork, and health and safety. We want you to feel confident when discussing your experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even though it’s a manufacturing environment, showing up looking neat and professional can make a great first impression. Plus, it shows that you take the opportunity seriously and are ready to jump into the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that sweet job!
We think you need these skills to ace Machine Operative in Hartford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Chocolate:When you're writing your application, let your love for chocolate shine through! We want to see that you're excited about working in a chocolate factory and how you can contribute to our mission of making people happy through chocolate.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Machine Operative role. Highlight any relevant experience you have in manufacturing or operating machinery, and don’t forget to mention your understanding of health and safety practices!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, and make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team. Remember, we appreciate good communication!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hotel Chocolat
✨Know Your Chocolate!
Familiarise yourself with the company’s products and their production process. Being able to discuss how chocolate is made and the importance of quality control will show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Safety First!
Understand the health and safety regulations relevant to a manufacturing environment. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance with these standards, as this is crucial for a Machine Operative.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Highlight your experience working in teams and how you’ve supported colleagues in previous roles. The job requires collaboration, so demonstrating your ability to work well with others will be key.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about handling machinery and managing production lines. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed similar tasks or resolved issues on the production floor.
