Job Description

Main Purpose of Role:

As a Machine Minder, you will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation, monitoring, and optimisation of production machinery. Working closely with both the production and engineering teams, you will be responsible for minimising downtime, supporting quality and safety compliance, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives. Your work will directly impact production efficiency and product quality, with a focus on food safety, hygiene, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Safety, Compliance & Operational Readiness

Ensure full adherence to all Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) procedures and company policies. Promptly report near misses, support investigations, and contribute to a safety-first culture. Apply Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) procedures when required. Escalate equipment or safety issues to the appropriate personnel without delay. Maintain a clean, safe, and organised work environment. Assist in production line changeovers and equipment setups, completing pre-start checks and adhering to walk-away standards. Prepare equipment for hygiene cleaning by dismantling components as required.

2. Machine Operation & Maintenance

Operate production equipment efficiently to ensure optimal output and minimal unplanned downtime. Perform basic mechanical maintenance tasks such as replacing parts, lubricating machinery, and monitoring wear-and-tear components. Maintain accurate production and maintenance records, logs, and reports. Manage and maintain tooling inventory and shadow boards to support smooth operations

3. Teamwork & Continuous Improvement

Contribute actively to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives. Rotate across roles within the production department to build flexibility and broaden knowledge. Provide clear, accurate feedback to the engineering team to support preventative maintenance and fault resolution. Communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues and cross-functional departments to ensure efficient operation.

4. KPIs & Reporting:

Daily Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) must be completed and submitted to the relevant Supervisor or Section Manager. KPIs may include: machine downtime, output efficiency, first-time pass rates, compliance logs, and maintenance records.

5. General Responsibilities

Uphold all food safety, hygiene, and quality control standards in line with company and regulatory requirements. Undertake any other reasonable duties assigned by management in line with your role and capabilities.

Key Skills & Attributes:

Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to diagnose and troubleshoot basic mechanical faults Solid understanding of food safety and hygiene standards Team-oriented with strong communication and interpersonal skills A proactive, improvement-focused mindset High attention to detail and commitment to working safely and responsibly

Qualifications & Experience (Preferred but not Essential):

Prior experience in a manufacturing or food production environment Basic mechanical or engineering qualification (e.g., NVQ Level 2 or equivalent) Experience with TPM, 5S, or lean manufacturing practices Familiarity with production reporting systems and tools

COMPETENCIES

Decision Making:

Making prompt and clear decisions and where appropriate with food safety, food legality and quality standards, taking into consideration risks to the business and effects on others; taking responsibility for own actions, team members and allocated projects; using own initiative and working under own direction

Adapting to Change and Coping with Pressure:

Adapting to changing circumstances be that internally or externally led; accepting new ideas and change initiatives; working productively in a high pressure environment with no compromise on food safety, food legality or quality standards; keeping control during difficult situations; maintaining a positive outlook at work; accepting constructive criticism and learning from it

Following Instructions and Procedures:

Following instructions from others without unnecessary challenge; following all policies and procedures; following set schedules; arriving punctually to work, returning to work punctually from breaks; demonstrating commitment to the organisation; complying with all legal obligations and safety requirements of the site; actively listening to instructions and understanding their relevance to food safety, food legality and quality standards

Teamwork:

Being able to work effectively as part of a team; understanding others; building team moral; listening and communicating with others; supporting others; learning from others to enhance development; upholding values and ethics; focusing on customer satisfaction; showing respect towards cultural and religious differences

Shift Patterns:

Machine Minders will follow a weekly rota-based schedule aligned with department needs. Start times will vary by department and rota plan. Pre-start checks and line setups must be completed 1 hour prior to official shift start. Each department will have two trained Machine Minders to ensure operational coverage and flexibility.

Relating to Others:

Establishing a good relationship with staff and customers; building a network of contacts internally and externally to the organisation; relating and communicating to people at all levels; managing conflict; gaining commitment from others by persuading, convincing and negotiating

Delivering Results:

Focusing on customer needs and satisfaction and the requirements of external bodies; setting high standards for quality, food safety and food legality; monitoring and maintaining quality and productivity; consistently achieving goals; setting clearly defined objectives; planning activities in advance; considering risks and potential changes to plans; identifying resources needed to meet objectives; monitoring performance

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 13.60 per hour

Benefits:

Cycle to work scheme Free parking Life insurance On-site parking Referral programme Shuttle service provided
Work Location: In person