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 01452 302852, and ask for Ineta.