Production Operative

Production Operative

Full-Time 26500 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Macfarlane Packaging

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to produce bespoke packaging solutions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Company: Suttons Performance Packaging, part of Macfarlane Group, committed to sustainability and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 22 days leave, pension scheme, and well-being support.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by producing quality products that protect what matters most.
  • Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing, good attention to detail, and a positive attitude.

The predicted salary is between 26500 - 30000 £ per year.

Location: Chatteris, Cambridgeshire

Package: £26,519.79 annual salary plus bonus & excellent PLC company benefits

Hours: Full time (40 hours) Monday to Friday (8:00am-5:00pm Monday-Thursday & 8:00am-2:30pm Friday)

Sector: Protective Packaging Manufacturing

We're dedicated to protecting what matters most - our people, our customers, our communities and the environment. At Suttons Performance Packaging, part of Macfarlane Group, our commitment to customer satisfaction, sustainability and continual improvement creates a collaborative, supportive and friendly workplace where you can unpack a career that grows.

Every colleague has the opportunity to make a genuine difference, working together to manufacture high-quality packaging solutions for customers across a wide range of industries. If you're practical, take pride in producing quality work and enjoy being part of a supportive manufacturing team, we'd love to hear from you.

The Production Operative Role:

As a Production Operative, you'll become an important member of our manufacturing team, helping to produce bespoke corrugated and foam packaging solutions to exact customer specifications. Working in a fast-paced production environment, you'll safely operate a variety of machinery, equipment and hand tools, ensuring every product is manufactured accurately, efficiently and to the highest quality standards. You'll play a key role in helping us deliver customer orders on time, whilst maintaining a safe, organised and collaborative working environment.

This is a varied, hands-on position where you'll have the opportunity to develop your technical skills, work across different manufacturing processes and contribute to the continued success of our production operation.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Safely operate a range of production machinery, equipment and hand tools to manufacture bespoke packaging solutions.
  • Set up, operate and carry out basic planned preventative maintenance (PPM) on production machinery, including printer/slotters, die cutters, gluers, stitchers and rotary cutters.
  • Manufacture products accurately in line with production schedules, customer specifications and quality standards.
  • Read and interpret technical drawings to ensure products are manufactured correctly.
  • Complete production documentation and system transactions accurately and promptly.
  • Follow all Health & Safety procedures, safe systems of work and PPE requirements.
  • Report equipment faults, quality concerns or production issues promptly to the Production Supervisor.
  • Maintain excellent housekeeping standards within the production area.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve production targets and support a positive team culture.
  • Assist in training and supporting new team members where appropriate.
  • Undertake other reasonable duties to support the wider manufacturing operation.

What You Will Bring:

We're looking for someone who enjoys practical, hands-on work and takes pride in producing quality products safely and efficiently and ideally has the following skills and experience:

  • At least 12 months' experience within a manufacturing or production environment.
  • Experience operating machinery or manufacturing equipment.
  • The ability to use hand tools safely and accurately.
  • Good attention to detail and a commitment to producing quality work.
  • A strong appreciation of Health & Safety within a manufacturing environment.
  • Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • The ability to prioritise tasks, work on your own initiative and solve problems when required.
  • GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent).
  • A positive attitude, strong work ethic and willingness to learn.

The following would also be advantageous:

  • Experience within the packaging or protective packaging industry.
  • Experience operating corrugated packaging machinery, CNC equipment or similar manufacturing machinery.
  • The ability to confidently interpret technical drawings and manufacturing specifications.

What You Will Get:

In addition to the basic salary we also provide benefits, including:

  • 22 days annual leave (increasing with service) plus public holidays.
  • Contributory pension scheme.
  • Free parking at most sites.
  • Employee assistance program for well-being support.
  • Enhanced HR policies for employee rights and entitlements.
  • Long service awards (5-40 years).
  • Charitable giving options.
  • Financial support for eye tests/glasses (DSE users).

How to Apply/Next Steps:

We are working swiftly to find the best applicants and hope to hold local interviews ASAP. Please click 'apply' to submit your up-to-date CV. All applications will be acknowledged. If you haven't heard from us within a fortnight, please assume your application was unsuccessful.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds irrespective of your age, gender, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, gender expression, religion or sexual orientation. Should you require any specific support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please email our recruitment team directly.

No recruitment agencies please.

Production Operative employer: Macfarlane Packaging

Gottlieb Packaging Materials, part of Macfarlane Group plc, is an excellent employer located in Trafford Park, Manchester, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside competitive salaries and benefits, including 25 days of annual leave and a company pension scheme. Our collaborative culture encourages long-term career progression, making it an ideal place for individuals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the packaging distribution sector.

Macfarlane Packaging

Contact Details:

Macfarlane Packaging Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Production Operative

Join Local Manufacturing Groups

Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!

Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces

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!

Leverage the Power of Internships

While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.

Apply Directly Through Company Websites

When you find a role at a company you love, like Macfarlane Packaging, 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!

We think you need these skills to ace Production Operative

Machinery Operation
Preventative Maintenance
Technical Drawing Interpretation
Quality Control
Health & Safety Compliance
Attention to Detail
Team Collaboration

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 Macfarlane Packaging 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 Macfarlane Packaging

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with Macfarlane Packaging, 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 Macfarlane Packaging 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.