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- Tasks: Craft bespoke timber crates and cases using machinery and hand tools.
- Company: Join Macfarlane Packaging, a leader in protective packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 23 days leave, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a difference by protecting what matters most while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in production or woodworking and ability to read technical drawings.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for training and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 32000 £ per year.
Join Macfarlane Packaging as a Production Operative, Crate Maker and help protect what matters most – our people, customers, communities and the environment.
About the role
Located at the Alma Park Industrial Estate in Grantham, this hands‑on manufacturing position operates from Monday to Friday 7:00 am – 3:30 pm, with a basic annual salary up to £32,000, overtime opportunities, a bonus and company benefits.
Key responsibilities
- Manufacture bespoke timber crates and cases using machinery and hand tools.
- Interpret technical drawings to determine the best method of manufacture and assembly.
- Maintain high standards of quality, accuracy and workmanship to meet customer requirements.
- Support production output, documentation and KPI reporting in line with site targets.
- Work flexibly across the manufacturing operation to support business needs.
Essential qualifications
- At least 12 months’ experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
- Experience in woodworking, joinery or timber‑based manufacturing.
- Strong ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
- Hands‑on experience operating wood‑working machinery such as CNC routers, saws or similar equipment.
- Confident and safe use of hand tools including nail guns, drills and measuring equipment.
- Strong understanding of health & safety, manual handling and safe systems of work.
- Reliable team player with a flexible approach and strong work ethic.
- Able to work on own initiative, problem‑solve and operate with minimal supervision when required.
- Sound communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Basic Maths and English skills (GCSE A‑C or equivalent preferred).
- Unrestricted Right to work in the UK and able to work on‑site in Grantham, Lincolnshire.
Desirable
- Experience manufacturing timber crates, cases or export packaging.
- Experience supporting Oil & Gas, MOD or similarly regulated customer bases.
- IOSH or other relevant health & safety qualification.
- Experience working to and recording KPIs and using Visual Management Boards (VMB).
- Prior experience working closely with other departments such as logistics, estimating or planning.
- Exposure to ISO‑accredited manufacturing environments (ISO9001 / ISO14001).
What you’ll get
- 23 days annual leave (rising with service) plus bank holidays.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Overtime opportunities.
- Free on‑site parking.
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
- Training, upskilling and development opportunities.
- Employee discount and mobile phone schemes.
- Long service awards and recognition initiatives.
Next steps
We aim to hold local interviews in Grantham as soon as possible, with a view to the successful candidate joining us quickly in the new year. Please click ‘apply’ to submit your CV. All applications will be acknowledged. If you have not heard from us within a fortnight, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team.
Production Operative, Crate Maker in Grantham employer: Macfarlane Packaging
Contact Detail:
Macfarlane Packaging Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Operative, Crate Maker in Grantham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Macfarlane Packaging. Understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Go through common interview questions related to production and manufacturing roles. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the job. We want you to feel confident when discussing your skills and achievements!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your hands-on skills! Since this role involves operating machinery and interpreting technical drawings, be ready to discuss specific examples from your previous jobs. Highlight any relevant experience with woodworking or manufacturing to really impress them.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Operative, Crate Maker in Grantham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in production or manufacturing, especially any woodworking or joinery skills. We want to see how your background fits with the role of a Production Operative, Crate Maker!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your ability to read technical drawings and operate woodworking machinery. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their hands-on experience and safety knowledge!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your communication skills shine through in your written application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role as quickly as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macfarlane Packaging
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your woodworking and manufacturing knowledge. Familiarise yourself with the machinery and tools mentioned in the job description, like CNC routers and nail guns. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience confidently will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Read Between the Lines
Take time to interpret technical drawings before the interview. Practising how to explain your process of reading and executing these drawings can set you apart. It’s all about demonstrating your attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
✨Safety First
Since health and safety is a big deal in this role, be prepared to talk about your understanding of safe working practices. Brush up on any relevant qualifications you have, like IOSH, and be ready to share examples of how you've maintained safety standards in previous jobs.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Macfarlane Packaging values teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others. Be ready to discuss how you’ve supported production output and collaborated with different departments. This will highlight your flexible approach and strong work ethic.
