At a Glance
- Tasks: Mix and produce high-quality chocolate products while ensuring food safety standards.
- Company: Join Kinnerton Confectionery, a leader in the UK's sweet treats industry.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, structured progression, comprehensive training, and health perks.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team culture with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a fun, fast-paced environment creating beloved confectionery brands.
- Qualifications: Experience in machine operation or food production is a plus, but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 15.72 - 15.72 £ per hour.
Join the team behind some of the UK's favourite confectionery brands. As a Mixing Operative, you'll play a key role in producing high-quality chocolate products, ensuring ingredients are accurately mixed to specification while maintaining exceptional food safety and quality standards.
Position type: Full time, permanent
Shift Pattern: 4 on 4 off – Days or Nights available - you will only work set days or nights, no rotation
Pay range: £13.59 - £15.72 per hour (£28,634.67 - £32,901.96 annually). Your starting pay grade is allocated depending on skillset.
- Days (6am - 6pm)
- Grade 3 £13.59 per hour
- Grade 4 £13.99 per hour
- Grade 5 £14.49 per hour
- Nights (6pm - 6am)
- Grade 3 £14.70 per hour
- Grade 4 £15.13 per hour
- Grade 5 £15.72 per hour
Closing date: 07/08/2026
Responsibilities:
- Manufacture products to recipe, following correct process methods, ingredient usage, CCP checks and machinery start‑up inspections.
- Operate mixing equipment (e.g., Stefan, bowl chopper, Hobart, Roboqbo, RT200, steam plant, Ambi) and complete all required process data capture, traceability, viscosity checks and temper index adjustments.
- Decant ingredients safely and ensure the mixing area, utensils and equipment are clean, well‑maintained and compliant with safety standards.
- At Grade 4, operate all mixing equipment within the area and provide support or cover for Grade 5 Mixers when required.
- At Grade 5, supervise and coordinate mixing activities, ensure ingredients are available and conditioned correctly, complete batch sheets and paperwork accurately, complete CCP inspections and support training within the mixing team.
Qualifications:
- Previous machine operating experience or experience within a role such as bakery, food production, or similar environment and a keen eye for detail when following recipes, weighing ingredients, and working to precise measurements and processes.
- Ability to follow procedures and quality standards.
- Good attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Understanding of health and safety requirements.
- Food manufacturing experience beneficial but not essential.
Rewards Benefits:
- Competitive hourly rates with structured grading progression to increase your hourly rate.
- Comprehensive training and development, including Food Safety, Allergen Awareness and Health & Safety certifications.
- 20 days (shifts) annual leave (This has been pro-rated to 4 on 4 off 12 hour shifts)
- Pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Healthcare cash plan via Paycare - claim back up to £400 a year on dental, optical and much more
- Discount and Wellbeing hub and 'My Pocket GP' via Paycare Perks
- Cycle to Work scheme and other salary sacrifice benefits
About Us:
Our Fakenham site operates across three key production areas - Novelty, Nut, and Moulding, each led by a Plant Manager and supported by dedicated Shift Managers working on a 4 on 4 off pattern across days and nights. The site is an 11,000m² facility producing over 8,500 tonnes of confectionery annually, including NOMO – the UK’s #1 free-from chocolate brand. With advanced technology and a nut-safe promise, we supply major retailers and co-manufacture for some of the world’s biggest confectionery brands. Every year, we produce over 5 million advent calendars and 30 million Easter eggs – making this a fast-paced, innovative environment where no two days are the same.
Application & Interview Process:
Please apply online via our careers portal: create your account, upload your CV, and answer all requested questions. You will then be contacted by our Talent Acquisition team to discuss your application and assess suitability. If you are successful after this stage, you will be invited to attend an on-site interview and factory tour with one of our experienced Shift Managers.
Kinnerton Confectionery is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage.
Mixing Operative (Mixer) employer: Zertus UK & Ireland
Zertus UK & Ireland is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises hygiene excellence in food manufacturing. Employees benefit from comprehensive healthcare cash plans, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, all while having the opportunity to grow their skills in a dynamic environment focused on continuous improvement and collaboration with dedicated teams.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mixing Operative (Mixer)
✨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 Zertus UK & Ireland, 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 Mixing Operative (Mixer)
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 Zertus UK & Ireland 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 Zertus UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Zertus UK & Ireland, 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 Zertus UK & Ireland 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.
