At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to manufacture and package the finest sea salt products.
- Company: Maldon Salt, a family-owned business with 145 years of craftsmanship.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private medical insurance, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on teamwork and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be part of a sustainable company making a global impact in food.
- Qualifications: GCSEs required; experience in manufacturing is a plus.
- Location
- Essex, England
- Vacancy Type
- Full Time / Temporary
- Application Deadline
- Friday, October 23, 2026
- About the Organisation
-
Maldon Salt is a fourth-generation family-owned business with almost 145 years of craftsmanship at its heart. Our unique pyramid shaped sea salt flakes have been hand-harvested using the same traditional methods since 1882 and are recognised globally as the finest of sea salts, exporting to over 60 countries worldwide. Trusted by chefs and cooks around the world and recognised by the Royal Household, we have proudly held the Royal Warrant as official purveyors of sea salt since 2012.
Today, Maldon Salt combines this unique heritage with innovation—remaining true to our roots whilst inspiring new generations of food lovers with an expanding portfolio of salts and seasonings..
As a business, we take our corporate social responsibility to our customers, partners, and our ourselves seriously, continually seeking ways to reduce our environmental impact. This includes initiatives such as lowering carbon emissions and using carbon-balanced packaging. In partnership with the World Land Trust, Maldon Salt supports global conservation efforts, helping protect threatened habitats and wildlife with every box produced. This ongoing commitment reflects our dedication to global environmental sustainability and responsible business practices.
- Job Summary
-
As an operative, you work as part of the operations function to manufacture/package and distribute Maldon Salt products by effective operation of plan, equipment, and systems, in primary and secondary areas.
Key internal stakeholders for this position will include Packing Process Team Managers, Packing Process Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors, Engineering, and Head of Production, all of whom you will regularly communicate with about the progress of work affecting plant performance and other information affecting the activities on site.
- About the Job
-
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- The use of barcode scanners and barcode label printers to support Fusion Capture
- Ability to safely service the packing room staffing with packaging components for scheduled orders.
- Preparation of required components for the next shift to ensure smooth operations.
- Operate and maintain associated equipment in primary and secondary areas of operation to known standards in terms of quality and efficiency
- Complete shift/weekly checks of all plant and equipment
- Complete quality inspection of materials/finished products
- Ensure product change overs are undertaken correctly
- Ensure product produced meets product specification
- Maintain effective communication with team members/ line management
- Follow site escalation procedures in the event of issues, non-compliance, and failures
- Ensure all product quality and traceability documentation has been completed
- Fully understand and operate quality control procedures as outlined in the site quality systems
- Fully participate in identified problem solving processes to be able to do first line fault finding and diagnostics.
- Full involvement in improvement activities utilising continuous improvement framework to establish and capture learning, best practice, document control & process control, plant re-design / modifications and engineering out of re-occurring problems
- Salt Sorting
- Pallet Loading
- Use of wrapping machine
- Labelling packaging items
- Supporting the Warehouse team by transferring of Tidmans rock salt to standard pallets
- Ensure both packing lines are always stocked with packets/tubs
- Maintain and drive all standards relating to Health & Safety, quality, and hygiene
- Take reasonable and practical care of personal health and safety and of others who may be required to implement any legal or company directives regarding health and safety at work
- Competent user of mango document system as a Basic User and Auditor
- Any other reasonable duties as requested
Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required
- Counter balance FLT Licence would be an advantage
- PPT handling
- Practical experience of working within a high speed/FMCG manufacturing operation is highly desirable
- An understanding of manufacturing health and safety processes, legislation and individual responsibilities is essential
- HACCP/ISO/COSHH knowledge is desirable
Key Behaviours & Attributes
- Takes pride in their approach to work
- Has a clear, consistent focus on improving ways of working
- Supports a culture of continuous improvement
- Motivates others to work together through effective team work
- Takes personal responsibility to ensure results are delivered
- Displays the Maldon Salt values: Integrity, Teamwork, and Innovation
Qualifications
- Minimum 2 GCSE’s 9-5 (A – C) or demonstrable ability to interpret technical information is essential
- HACCP/ISO/COSHH knowledge is desirable
Hours
1 Year Fixed Term contract. Rotating Weekly Shift Pattern – 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
- Week 1 = 5:45am to 2pm, with one 15-minute unpaid break and one 30-minute unpaid break
- Week 2 = 2pm to 10:15pm, with one 15-minute unpaid break and one 30-minute unpaid break
- Benefits
-
Benefits
- £31,890 per annum, payable monthly
- 25 days annual leave, rising to 28 days with length of service (plus bank holidays)
- 1 week company sick pay after successful probationary period, increasing to 3-weeks Company Sick Pay (after 12 months service)
- Income protection (after 3 months service), payable at 75% of basic salary, for up to 5 years (subject to approved claim by insurance provider)
- Life Assurance (4 x basic annual salary, after 6 months service)
- Private Medical Insurance (after 6 months service), with option to self-fund partner/child/children
- Enhanced Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme (4% matched contributions)
- Opportunities for professional growth
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee discounts to high street retailers
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Company Events
- Christmas Shutdown
- Free tea and coffee
Production Operative, 1 Year FTC in Essex employer: Maldon Salt
Maldon Salt is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and family-oriented work culture that values craftsmanship and innovation. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to a company committed to sustainability and community support. Located in the picturesque Essex region, team members enjoy a collaborative environment where their contributions are recognised and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Operative, 1 Year FTC in Essex
✨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 Maldon Salt, 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, 1 Year FTC in Essex
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 Maldon Salt 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 Maldon Salt
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Maldon Salt, 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 Maldon Salt 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.
