MHE Trainer (Lead Operator) - Days

We are on the lookout for an experienced manual handling equipment trainer to join our growing team at our biggest production site at Blagdon. This is a key role ensuring all of our co-owners have the correct training to work safely when operating our MHE equipment. The shifts follow a 4 on 4 off pattern between 06:00 - 18:00. This role provides an opportunity to learn new skills and further build a career in manufacturing. Also, you will become a co-owner at Yeo Valley, taking advantage of our benefits package that includes a non-contribution pension, co-ownership of the company that includes a yearly bonus and a healthcare cashback plan.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Plan and deliver comprehensive training for MHE operators, ensuring understanding of operational procedures and safety protocols.
• Conduct 'train the trainer' sessions on shift to promote continuous safety awareness and operational excellence.
• Strictly ensure adherence to safety protocols, regulatory standards, and company policies during all MHE operations.
• Perform regular inspections, safety audits, and maintenance checks on MHE equipment to identify hazards and ensure safe operation.
• Monitor, evaluate, and continually improve the efficiency and safety of material handling processes.
• Maintain pristine, detailed records of training sessions, safety observations, incident reports, and equipment inspections for compliance and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular safety observations and audits, documenting findings meticulously to identify potential hazards and ensure proactive risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with warehouse and production teams to optimise material flow while maintaining a strong safety culture.
• Supervise and coordinate the daily operations of MHE within the facility, ensuring safe and efficient practices are always followed.
• Promote a safety-first environment by leading safety meetings, toolbox talks, and incident investigations when necessary.
• Any other duties as reasonably required.

What do I need?

• Candidate must hold accredited qualifications (such as AITT or RTITB or ITSSAR).
• Proven experience in supervising or training MHE operators, preferably within a food manufacturing or similar regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of MHE equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and related safety features and protocols.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills, with a focus on safety and risk management.
• Demonstrated commitment to health & safety standards, with a track record of fostering a safety-conscious culture.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., forklift license, health & safety training, risk assessment qualifications) are preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities while maintaining a focus on safety and operational excellence.

Why should I join the family?

We’re independent, British and proud to be making the highest quality yogurts, desserts and ice cream under the Yeo Valley brand and for many of the UK’s major retailers. Operating from four dairies and two logistics centres in Somerset and Devon, we employ over 1900 staff and produce more than 25% of the UK’s packaged yogurt. We’re sure you don’t need convincing, but there’s a whole host of benefits that we offer including:

• Competitive holiday allowance
• Non-contributory pension scheme
• Life cover
• Healthcare cash back plan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Subsidised Yeo Valley products and services
• Preferential rates with our partners
• Learning and development opportunities; we’re committed to ensuring all of our employees have the chance to grow

Our closing dates are a guide for when the application window should close, although we may close the advert sooner if we can. So, we recommend you get your application in straight away – and don’t miss the opportunity to join us! Unfortunately, we’re not able to provide employment sponsorship to candidates at this moment in time. Please note that Yeo Valley do not accept speculative agency applications; we will only accept applications from preferred suppliers that have been submitted to us via our recruitment portal at the point of instruction.