At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate machinery to process and bottle over 6 million litres of milk annually.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at a leading food production company.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff discounts, subsidised meals, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Full-time role with varied hours and excellent career prospects.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital process that delivers fresh milk to customers.
- Qualifications: Food hygiene experience and machine operation skills required.
As a Food Production Machine Operator you will be part of a small dedicated team responsible for processing and bottling over 6 million litres of milk per year for direct delivery to Waitrose distribution centres. Night premium of £4.25 per hour applies to any time worked between 22:00 and 06:00 and to existing partners enrolled in Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.
Responsibilities
- Operate pasteurisation and bottle filling equipment.
- Serve as the senior figure on site, recording data accurately and carrying out laboratory tests.
- Open and close the site, ensuring site security.
- Load and dispatch if required.
- Intake raw materials, process correct volumes of milk, perform lab testing for intake and release finished milk.
- Record all required information in an appropriate and accurate manner.
- Manage the cold store, ensuring product rotation, labeling, wrapping, pallet stacking or trolley loading to required standards.
- Maintain a hygienic, tidy and safe working area.
- Dispatch and safely load and unload vehicles.
Qualifications
- Food Hygiene experience.
- FLT certificate.
- Experience in machine operation (filling or processing).
Hours & Conditions
Due to fluctuating milk volumes and seasonal changes, hours can vary. This is a full‑time role with the earliest start time of 05:00 and the latest finish time of 00:00. Candidates must fully commit to the advertised working hours and the full term of the contract.
Benefits
Partner benefits include staff discounts, subsidised food in partnership dining rooms, discounts at local restaurants, subsidised learning opportunities and access to exclusive partnership hotels.
Pay & Contract
Annual pay: £31,000.00 – £35,750.00. Contract type: Permanent. Hours of work: Full Time, 39 hours per week, across seven days to include early starts, late finishes, evenings and weekends. Job level: Partnership Level 9.
Location
Leckford Estate, Leckford Estate Office, Leckford, Hampshire, SO20 6DA.
Right to Work
We do not offer sponsorship for this position.
Closing Date
June 23, 2026.
Food Production Machine Operator employer: John Lewis plc
At Leckford Estate, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and dedication. As a Food Production Machine Operator, you will enjoy competitive pay, generous night premiums, and a range of partner benefits including staff discounts and subsidised learning opportunities, all within the picturesque setting of Hampshire. We are committed to your professional growth, ensuring you have the resources and support needed to thrive in your role while contributing to our mission of delivering high-quality products.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Production Machine Operator
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like John Lewis plc.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from John Lewis plc!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like John Lewis plc, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
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We think you need these skills to ace Food Production Machine Operator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at John Lewis plc, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at John Lewis plc.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to John Lewis plc. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at John Lewis plc. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis plc
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to John Lewis plc’s mission.
