MHC Machine Operator in Gloucester

The range of Machine Operator roles varies between categories and technologies, but generally sits within the Filling, Forklift and Material & Waste Transfer, Mixer, Packing & Reporting Job Families. The Machine Operator is responsible for the safe operation of production equipment to deliver customer requirements through completion of the production plan, adhering to quality standards and maximising cost effectiveness, optimal running and equipment efficiency. She/he is expected to carry out Autonomous Maintenance such as Cleaning, Lubrication and inspection activities and record any issues/problems with the equipment which cannot be resolved by themselves to pass to the Technical Operator to resolve. The Machine Operator should master the operation of a series of production machines within a complete production unit in order to provide factory resilience – this includes set‑up, start‑up, running, basic issue resolution, changeovers, cleaning (including allergens), inspection, shutdown and general safe working.

Key Skills And Responsibilities

• Technical: Knowledge and application of technical skills to operate machinery safely and effectively to meet the production plan. Conduct inspections, cleaning and lubrication as required. Possess a basic knowledge of the principles of mechanism, motion and pneumatics. Work to and maintain cleaning and checking standards of machinery. Understand properties of materials being handled; perform correct adjustment and setting. Proactively work with Professional Maintenance and Quality Control staff to reduce breakdowns and defects. Carry out product and process changeovers/washouts to maintain quality standards whilst minimising the impact to the production plan.
• Operational Activities: Start‑up/Shutdown procedures – carry out pre‑start‑up checks to ensure that the area and equipment is clean and is in a safe condition. Shut down machines & equipment and the area. Changeovers – carry out changeovers between products in line with defined standards. Inspection & Issue Resolution – inspect machines in operation and solve issues that arise to keep the machine running optimally. Cleaning – keep area & machines clean and tidy in line with defined standards. Material Availability – provide a continuous supply of appropriate packaging & raw material from local storage areas to the machine. Administration – conduct effective hand‑over activities and record accurately events that have occurred during shift (cases packed/rejects etc). Safety – working knowledge of workplace hazards, utilising appropriate safety and environmental procedures relating to the Sourcing Unit and allocated equipment to ensure a safe working environment for the whole team.
• Environment / Waste: Reduce costs due to waste and minimise impact to health, safety and the environment through working to eliminate waste and through the correct management of waste and hazardous materials. Non‑conformances to waste standards must be escalated via appropriate supervisory channel.
• Quality: Monitor quality against set standards and report any product, hygiene and packaging faults. Detect process abnormalities quickly and take emergency action to prevent them.
• Continuous Improvement: Knowledge and understanding of the key principles of continuous improvement and an awareness of the tools used to identify and prioritise time, cost and waste losses in the production area and eliminate them; role requires data collection. Monitor measures and performance after initial improvements and take further action as required.
• Problem Solving: Working knowledge of how to identify, prioritise and address problems using appropriate tools and techniques that eliminate recurrence. Must demonstrate initiative. Resolve issues in the area that are within skillset.
• Teamwork: Good team player capable of working within a highly effective team; responsible, supportive and able communicator. Coordinate production activities within the team including but not limited to changeovers, setup, cleaning, shutdown.
• Training: Share knowledge of the area with other team members.
• Physical Ability: Agility to move between workstations & ascend/descend steps. Physical capability to carry/lift loads within agreed risk assessment limits & feed materials into a machine / manually palletise, etc. Ability to perform assembly and control operations requiring hand‑eye coordination and finger dexterity. Adequate sight and smell for monitoring and quality assurance tasks. May work up to 12 hours at a time on a shift pattern including nights and physically capable of doing so where required.
• Technology: Interact with computers & other interfaces at a basic level to input quality data, raise tags, perform transactional tasks with production order software, etc.

Other Requirements: Must be flexible to work other units / carry out other tasks where trained to do so.

Professional Qualifications: The minimum requirement from JSP should be described, incl degrees/qualifications preferred, noting qualifications vary globally. National school leaver qualifications in reading, comprehension, writing and mathematics. This will support recording of data, analysis of machine performance and general teamwork skills with an emphasis on good communication.

Essential – Experience Required: Basic mechanical awareness of the principles for factory automation. Can maintain focus and discipline for the task whilst demonstrating good problem‑solving skills to protect output targets. Have strong team‑working skills and be willing to share knowledge with colleagues and coordinate activities within their skillset. IT Skills – competent in the use of machine data and control systems that record material movement, losses and quality.

Preferred / Desirable: Experience as a Machine Operator. Experience of manufacturing in a Fast‑Moving Consumer Goods Company. Demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude to progress onto the Unilever Technical Operator Curriculum (Entry, Developing and Full level).

Application Information: Please apply online and do not forget to upload your CV. Your application will be reviewed against the requirements, and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date, with an update on the status of your application.

Additional Information: The Magnum Ice Cream Company embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. For the recruitment of this position, we would like to emphasize that local conditions apply to the position.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer: The Magnum Ice Cream Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.