Overview
Machine Operative (Multiple roles available)
Humdinger Ltd, Sherburn in Elmet, LS25
Starting rate Grade 2 £15.08 per hour, with the potential of overtime at 150% and progressing to Grade 3 at £16.08 per hour.
Shift pattern: 12-hour rotating shifts (days 6am-6pm & nights 6pm-6am) with NO Friday night, Saturday day, Saturday night or Sunday day shift working.
- Week 1: 3 day shifts, followed by 2 days off
- Week 2: 3 night shifts, followed by 5 days off
- Week 3: 2 day shifts + 2 night shifts, followed by 5 days off, then repeat
Closing date: Friday 5th May 2026
Interviews: Monday - Friday, 10:00 or 14:30 (If you cannot attend at these times, please let us know)
Responsibilities
- Operate machinery – you will be trained to operate 3 key assets in either processing or packing.
- Maintain high standards of product quality, food safety, and good manufacturing practices through regular checks and cleaning schedules.
- Monitor machinery performance, report issues, and oversee the running of the line.
- Complete documentation including Critical Control Point checks and ensure compliance with customer specifications and safe working practices.
Qualifications
- Proven experience operating manufacturing equipment and working to site-based performance targets.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to support and guide others in best practice manufacturing.
- Flexible team player who can work under pressure and adapt to different areas of the business.
- Reliable and safety-conscious, with a commitment to quality and good manufacturing practice
- We will train you to Level 2 Food Safety and Allergen Awareness, food manufacturing experience would be desirable.
Rewards Benefits
- Earning potential of up to £16.08 per hour with further training as a higher skilled operative.
- Paid breaks and overtime rates at minimum of time and a half of basic rate.
- Holidays in excess of statutory minimum, all bank holidays off,
- Substantial time off in between shifts i.e. five days off twice within every three weeks, giving you a better work-life balance on our unique shift pattern.
- Pension – 4% employer plus Life Assurance at 4 times salary.
- Paycare Health Care Cash Plan – annual allowance for your dental, optical, chiropractic, counselling and much more!
- Salary sacrifice schemes including cycle to work and electric car schemes. (subject to criteria).
About Us
Humdinger’s Sherburn-in-Elmet site is a fast-growing confectionery facility producing over 5,000 tonnes of chocolate and snacking products annually. With advanced technologies including belt coating, button manufacture, drop rolling, and hard panning, the site supports a diverse customer base across retail, third-party, and B2B channels. The site offers a dynamic environment where technical leadership plays a pivotal role in driving quality, compliance, and innovation.
Equal Opportunity
Humdinger is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview and/or tour by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage.
Machine Operative in Leeds employer: Humdinger
Humdinger in Heckington is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. With permanent, full-time positions and competitive pay rates, we provide our Hygiene Operatives with opportunities for growth within the food manufacturing sector, all while ensuring a safe and compliant working environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Machine Operative in Leeds
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Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Humdinger, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Humdinger specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Humdinger
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Humdinger, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Humdinger value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
