Machine Operator

Machine Operator

Full-Time 27000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Inspired Pet Nutrition

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Operate machines to produce high-quality pet food and ensure safety standards.
  • Company: Join INSPIRED Pet Nutrition, a leading pet food manufacturer with a vibrant culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, overtime, discounts on pet food, and wellness perks.
  • Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team creating happiness for pets and their owners.
  • Qualifications: Manufacturing experience preferred; must be able to lift 25 kg and communicate effectively.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and a focus on workplace happiness.

The predicted salary is between 27000 - 36000 £ per year.

We’re excited to be recruiting for a Machine Operative to join our Extruder department in our Manufacturing site based near Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

Responsibilities

  • Responsible for the extrusion of a variety of animal food, including dog, cat, and small animal dry kibble.
  • Operate the extrusion process, blending, mixing, and cooking raw material to produce quality kibble according to nutritionally formulated recipes.
  • Ensure that the kibble meets correct specifications for size, shape, and weight.
  • Carry out pre‑start checks and verify safe ways of working are adhered to.
  • Perform hourly production checks and report any issues immediately to the Team Leader.
  • Maintain the highest level of quality and compliance with Food Safety legislation, standards and requirements.
  • Receive training in all aspects of the processes, from simple tasks to running the line independently.

What’s on Offer?

  • £14.81 per hour (including shift allowance) – £32,345 annual salary (plus overtime).
  • 42 hours per week (24/7 operation: 06:00 – 18:00 or 18:00 – 06:00).
  • Hourly pay, paid monthly on the last Friday of every month.

Shift Model

The Dupont schedule follows a four‑week cycle. Colleagues switch between day and night shifts, often within the same week (6 am‑6 pm / 6 pm‑6 am) and work for three or four consecutive days at a time, including weekends. Workdays are interspersed with one to three consecutive days off, plus one block of seven days off during the four‑week period.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

  • Experience in a similar role within manufacturing.
  • Must live within a 30‑mile radius of YO7 3HE and have own transport.
  • Good standard of education, strong literacy and numerical skills, able to understand, communicate and report clearly in English.
  • Capable of manual handling tasks in a warm and loud environment – must be able to lift up to 25 kg.
  • Food Hygiene Accreditation – desirable.

Benefits

  • Overtime, enhanced pension, life assurance and enhanced maternity, paternity, sick pay and holiday buy options.
  • Healthcare cashback plan and Hertility at‑home fertility testing.
  • Heavily discounted pet food and lifestyle benefits (Netflix, Spotify or breakdown cover).
  • Retail and gym discounts, electric car scheme, and free onsite parking and charging.
  • Onsite canteen, free hot drinks and modern facilities.

About Us

INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is an innovative, well‑established, and award‑winning pet food manufacturer employing over 1,200 colleagues across the UK and Europe. Our family of brands includes Harringtons, Wagg, Barking Heads & Meowing Heads, AATU, Blink, Butcher’s, Classic, Pro‑Nutrition, and Ultra Premium Direct, along with partner brands that trust us to produce food on their behalf. Our kitchens in Thirsk, Kinmel, and Crick produce a wide range of dry, wet, and baked foods enjoyed by dogs and cats all over the world. Our ambition is simple: to become a global leader in pet nutrition. Our purpose is to create happiness. We’re on a mission to set a new standard of workplace happiness within the pet nutrition industry – one that looks like no other and feels like no other. Our culture is built on INSPIRED’s unique behaviours and colleague experience, creating an environment that excites, empowers, and puts people and pets at the heart of everything we do.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the colleagues and communities we serve. We believe everyone should feel valued, respected and able to be themselves at work. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We make hiring decisions based on talent, potential and the experience you bring. We are also committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring equitable access and opportunity for all. If you need any adjustments or support to take part in our recruitment process, please let us know by emailing recruitment@ipn.co.uk.

Machine Operator employer: Inspired Pet Nutrition

INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is an exceptional employer located in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee happiness and inclusivity. With competitive pay, comprehensive benefits including enhanced pension and healthcare plans, and opportunities for personal growth through extensive training, we empower our colleagues to thrive in a supportive environment. Join us in our mission to set a new standard in the pet nutrition industry while enjoying unique perks like discounted pet food and lifestyle benefits.
Inspired Pet Nutrition

Contact Detail:

Inspired Pet Nutrition Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Machine Operator

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research INSPIRED Pet Nutrition and their values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your approach and show them why you're a perfect fit.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local job fairs. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider tips or even a referral that gets your foot in the door.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to machine operation and food safety. Show off your knowledge about the extrusion process and how you can contribute to maintaining quality standards.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at INSPIRED Pet Nutrition.

We think you need these skills to ace Machine Operator

Extrusion Process Operation
Blending and Mixing
Quality Control
Food Safety Compliance
Production Monitoring
Manual Handling
Literacy Skills
Numerical Skills
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Teamwork
Adaptability
Time Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Experience: When you're filling out your application, make sure to highlight any previous experience in manufacturing or similar roles. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities of a Machine Operative, especially in operating machinery and ensuring quality.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and understand, so avoid jargon and keep it simple!

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to our specific job description. Mention your understanding of food safety standards and any relevant qualifications you have. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the role and understand what we’re looking for.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Inspired Pet Nutrition

✨Know Your Stuff

Familiarise yourself with the extrusion process and the specific types of animal food you'll be working with. Understanding the basics of blending, mixing, and cooking raw materials will show your potential employer that you're serious about the role.

✨Safety First

Be prepared to discuss safety protocols and how you would ensure compliance with Food Safety legislation. Highlight any previous experience you have with pre-start checks or reporting issues, as this will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.

✨Show Your Numbers

Since the role requires strong literacy and numerical skills, be ready to showcase your ability to understand and communicate production metrics. You might even want to bring examples of how you've used these skills in past roles to back up your claims.

✨Cultural Fit

INSPIRED Pet Nutrition values workplace happiness and inclusivity. Be sure to express your alignment with their mission and values during the interview. Share experiences that highlight your teamwork and how you contribute to a positive work environment.

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