Machine Operator
14 hours ago
Stockport
Packing Machine Operator Department: Production Location: Stockport Reports to: Operations Manager Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8.30-16.30 (includes a paid 40‑minute lunch break) Salary: £13.45 Contract: Temp to Perm Our client is a long‑established family business and a leader in specialist metabolic nutrition. Our products support people who rely on strict medical diets, and are distributed across the UK (including the NHS), Europe, the Middle East and North America. Every role in our business contributes directly to improving people's lives - something we're genuinely proud of. Our culture is built on three core values: • Collaboration - working together to achieve the best outcomes, • Care - for our colleagues, our products and the people who rely on them, • Patient Focus - ensuring everything we do supports better patient experiences They also have two non‑negotiables that guide our behaviour every day: Care and Commitment. They are full members of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter and accredited for both the Real Living Wage and Real Living Hours, reflecting our commitment to fair pay, secure work and high‑quality employment. Role Purpose The Packing Machine Operator plays a key role in producing high‑quality finished goods for our specialist medical nutrition range. This is a hands‑on, fast‑paced role focused on operating and maintaining our second vertical form‑fill‑seal (VFFS) packing machine to ensure consistent, accurate and efficient packing of powdered products. The role includes some physical activity, such as lifting and carrying items up to 15-20kg and moving efficiently around the warehouse. Reasonable adjustments will always be considered. Key Responsibilities • Operate vertical form‑fill‑seal (VFFS) machinery to pack powdered products to required specifications., • Set up, adjust and monitor machine settings to ensure consistent product quality and efficient throughput., • Conduct routine quality checks, including weight checks, seal integrity, batch coding and packaging presentation., • Troubleshoot minor machine issues and escalate technical problems when required., • Accurately palletise, label and store finished goods in line with warehouse procedures., • Assist with stock control of packaging materials and consumables., • Maintain a clean, organised working environment and complete weekly machinery clean‑downs., • Keep accurate records in line with HACCP and internal quality procedures., • Work flexibly within the production area to support smooth daily operations. Training & Development Previous experience working in production or operating VFFS machinery is ideal but not essential. What matters most is a genuine alignment with our values of Collaboration, Care and Patient Focus, and a willingness to learn and contribute positively to the team. You will also receive: • Food Safety Level 2 training (with regular refreshers), • LEAN manufacturing training (delivered periodically), • Ongoing coaching and development as part of our commitment to good employment practices Knowledge & Experience Desirable: • Experience operating VFFS or similar food production machinery, • Experience in a food production or manufacturing environment Skills & Attributes We're looking for someone who demonstrates: • Reliability and good timekeeping, • Strong teamwork and communication, • Attention to detail and pride in producing high‑quality work, • Patience, organisation and a positive attitude, • Willingness to learn new skills and support colleagues, • Alignment with our values of Collaboration, Care and Patient Focus, • A commitment to our non‑negotiables: Care and Commitment Working Environment You'll be based in our modern warehouse facility, working primarily in the packing area operating a new VFFS machine and powder filler. The environment is clean, well‑organised and designed to support safe, efficient working. Benefits • 22 days paid holiday plus 8 recognised bank holidays, • 1 paid volunteer day per year, • Company sick pay scheme, • Accredited Real Living Wage employer, • Accredited Real Living Hours employer, • Firstplay are full membership of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, • Opportunities for training and development, • Company EAP Programme covering dental, physiotherapy, mental health programme, 24h GP. Interested? Forward your CV to (url removed)