Production Operative

Production Operative

Full-Time 26915 - 30767 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Zertus UK & Ireland

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to support food production and packaging in a fast-paced environment.
  • Company: Kinnerton Confectionery, a leading UK manufacturer of character chocolate.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health cash plan, life insurance, and holiday purchase schemes.
  • Other info: Flexible shifts, structured training, and great career growth opportunities await you!
  • Why this job: Be part of a fun team making delicious treats while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn.

The predicted salary is between 26915 - 30767 € per year.

Overview

Production Operative (Multiple Vacancies Available) at Kinnerton Confectionery, Fakenham (Norfolk).

Key Benefits:

  • Structured training plans to increase pay grade
  • Wellbeing health cash plan benefits of up to £495 per annum
  • Free life insurance (4x salary)
  • Contributed pension
  • Holiday purchase schemes
  • Various salary sacrifice schemes (inclusive of cycle to work and electric car scheme)

We are excited to announce that we’ll be hosting a recruitment event, including a factory tour, with interviews taking place on Tuesday 2nd June or Wednesday 3rd June at either 08:45 or 10:45. If you’re unable to attend at those times, you are still encouraged to apply so we can arrange an alternative slot.

As a Production Operative at Kinnerton, you’ll play a key role in our manufacturing and packing processes, ensuring products are made to the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.

Position type: Full time, permanent

Shift Pattern: 4 on 4 off – Days or Nights available

Pay range: £12.86 - £14.70 per hour (£26,915.98 - £30,767.10 annually). Your starting pay grade is allocated depending on skillset.

4 on 4 off days: covers 7 days a week, 4 days on and 4 days off, 6am-6pm:

  • Grade 1 £12.86 per hour
  • Grade 2 £13.19 per hour
  • Grade 3 £13.59 per hour

4 on 4 off nights: covers 7 nights a week, 4 nights on and 4 nights off, 6pm -6am:

  • Grade 1 £13.85 per hour
  • Grade 2 £14.28 per hour
  • Grade 3 £14.70 per hour

Closing date: Thursday 28th May 2026

Responsibilities

  • Supporting the processing, assembly, and packaging of food products on the production line (packing, stacking, palletising, operating basic machinery, etc.) keeping pace with fast-moving lines.
  • Ensuring that workstations and equipment are kept clean and compliant with health, safety, and food safety standards.
  • Performing repetitive tasks, following strict guidelines to meet production specifications, and assisting with packaging, labelling, and stacking finished products for distribution.

Qualifications

  • Previous experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment is advantageous.
  • Training will be provided, including food safety and health & safety requirements.
  • A basic understanding of food safety and health and safety will be advantageous.
  • Strong work ethic with excellent attention to detail.
  • Good communication skills and a team-focused attitude.
  • A willingness to learn and grow within a fast-paced production environment.

Rewards Benefits

  • 20 days of annual leave, increasing to 23.5 days with service.
  • Pension & Life Assurance Scheme at x4 basic salary.
  • Health Care Cash Plan via Paycare.
  • Holiday Purchase Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
  • Cycle to Work Salary Sacrifice Scheme (subject to meeting minimum criteria).
  • Annual engagement calendar, charity and volunteering opportunities.
  • Monthly employee recognition scheme via the ‘Zertus Values Awards’.
  • Recruitment Refer a Friend rewards.
  • Training and Development Opportunities.

About Us

Kinnerton is a leading UK confectionery manufacturer known for pioneering character chocolate and producing millions of seasonal treats each year.

Application & Interview Process

Kinnerton is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Interview Process

  • A call with our Recruitment team.
  • A 1-hour on-site interview with the Shift Manager.
  • Includes a formal interview with structured questions.
  • A factory tour to give you a real sense of the environment.
  • PPE and safety shoes will be provided. Please note: no jewellery, piercings, nail varnish, false nails, or false eyelashes are permitted during the tour.
  • We are a nut-free site.

Following your interview, we’ll contact you with feedback. If successful and you accept the offer, you’ll be invited to join the next available Wednesday induction session.

Production Operative employer: Zertus UK & Ireland

Kinnerton Confectionery is an exceptional employer, offering structured training plans that not only enhance your skills but also provide opportunities for pay progression. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, including health cash plan benefits and life insurance, Kinnerton fosters a supportive work culture that values teamwork and personal growth, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in the confectionery industry.

Zertus UK & Ireland

Contact Detail:

Zertus UK & Ireland Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Production Operative

Tip Number 1

Make sure to show up at the recruitment event! It's a great chance to meet the team, see the factory in action, and get a feel for the environment. Plus, you can ask any burning questions you have about the role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for your interview by brushing up on food safety and health & safety basics. Even if you haven't worked in manufacturing before, showing that you're keen to learn will impress the hiring team.

Tip Number 3

During the interview, highlight your strong work ethic and attention to detail. These qualities are key for a Production Operative, so make sure to share examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these traits.

Tip Number 4

If you can't make it to the recruitment event, don’t sweat it! Apply through our website anyway. We’re flexible and can arrange an alternative slot for you to chat with us about the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Production Operative

Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Willingness to Learn
Basic Understanding of Food Safety
Health and Safety Compliance
Ability to Perform Repetitive Tasks

Some tips for your application 🫡

Be Yourself:When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. If you've worked in a fast-paced environment before, shout about it! We love seeing how you fit into our team.

Follow Instructions:Pay close attention to the application instructions. If we ask for specific information or documents, make sure you include them. It shows us that you can follow guidelines, which is super important in our production environment.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the position there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Zertus UK & Ireland

Know the Role Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Production Operative. Familiarise yourself with tasks like packing, stacking, and operating basic machinery. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Dress for Success

Even though you'll be working in a factory environment, it's important to present yourself well during the interview. Wear clean, smart clothing and ensure you have appropriate footwear. Remember, first impressions count!

Show Your Team Spirit

Kinnerton values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss your experiences working in a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in fast-paced environments, as this will demonstrate your ability to fit into their culture.

Ask Smart Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the training opportunities or the company culture. This shows that you're not only interested in the job but also in growing within the company. Plus, it gives you a chance to see if Kinnerton is the right fit for you!