Lead Machine Operative

Job Role: Lead Machine Operative 

Pay Rate: £14.00 per hour

Location: Ledbury

Contract: Temp to Perm

Shift Pattern:

Monday to Friday (Rotational)

06:00 to 14:30
14:30 to 22:30
gap personnel are currently recruiting for Lead Machine Operative on behalf of one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of frozen fruit products based in Ledbury.

This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals looking for a stable, long-term position with the potential to become permanent after 12 weeks, depending on performance.

You will be responsible to operate production machinery safely and efficiently while providing technical support, coordination and guidance to colleagues on the line. The Lead Machine Operative is a recognised point of expertise for the machine/line and plays a key role in ensuring production runs smoothly, downtime is minimised, and quality and safety standards are consistently met.

Please note: this role involves working in chilled environments (average temperature between 0°C and 4°C).

Machine Operation & Technical Expertise

·         Operate machinery in line with production requirements, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety standards are met

Carry out all start-up, changeover, and shut-down checks in line with procedures
Act as the lead operator for the machine/line, ensuring best practice is followed at all times
Troubleshoot machine issues and support resolution of faults
Escalate persistent or complex issues to the Team Leader or Engineering
Line Coordination

Support the smooth running of the line by guiding and coordinating activities of operatives
Ensure consistent product flow and minimise downtime
Identify and address issues such as material shortages, delays, or inefficiencies
Work closely with the Team Leader to maintain operational performance
Training & Coaching

Support the onboarding and training of new starters on the machine
Coach colleagues to ensure correct use of equipment, procedures, and standards
Reinforce expected behaviours in Health & Safety, Food Safety, and quality
Act as a role model for good practice and performance
Quality & Compliance

Ensure all product checks, label verification, and documentation are completed accurately
Maintain adherence to SOPs, CCPs, and traceability requirements
Identify and escalate any quality or food safety risks immediately
Support audit-ready standards within the work area
Performance & Continuous Improvement

Monitor machine performance, including output, efficiency, and downtime
Identify opportunities to improve performance and reduce waste
Support implementation of process improvements
Provide feedback to the Team Leader on recurring issues or improvement opportunities
Health, Safety & Hygiene

Follow all Health & Safety procedures and safe systems of work
Ensure correct use of PPE at all times
Maintain high standards of housekeeping and cleanliness
Challenge unsafe behaviours and escalate concerns where required
Ideal Candidate:

Essential

Good standard of basic education (e.g. GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths)
Demonstrable experience operating machinery within a production or manufacturing environment
Desirable

Food Safety Level 2 (or willingness to work towards)
Basic Health & Safety training (e.g. Manual Handling, Working Safely)
Experience in a food manufacturing or FMCG environment
Experience providing training or guidance to others on the job
Basic understanding of machine maintenance or fault-finding
First Aid awareness (or willingness to undertake training)
Skills

Strong technical ability to operate and troubleshoot machinery
Good attention to detail and accuracy
Effective problem-solving skills
Ability to support and guide others on the line
Good communication skills

Behavioural Attributes

Takes ownership of own machine/area
Proactive and solutions-focused
Works collaboratively with others
Maintains high standards of performance and compliance
Positive attitude and willingness to support team members
Essential

Experience operating machinery in a production or manufacturing environment
Desirable

Experience supporting or training others
Experience working in a fast-paced, shift-based environment
Basic understanding of machine fault-finding
Basic Hours & Pay Rate:

Monday to Friday (Rotational)

06:00 to 14:00
14:00 to 22:30
£14.00 per hour basic rate overtime would be applicable after completed 48 hours

This is a great opportunity if you’re looking for a stable role with the chance to transition to a permanent position after the initial 12-week period.

Would you like to discuss any specific parts of the job or ask any questions?

If you’re looking for a steady role with great prospects, click “Apply” now to upload your CV.

Call us on (phone number removed), and ask for Ineta
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed