Machine Operative

Overview

Machine Operative (Multiple roles available)

Humdinger Ltd, Sherburn in Elmet, LS25

Looking for a hands-on role where you can make an immediate impact?

We're looking for Machine Operators to join our Operations team at our Sherburn in Elmet food manufacturing site. You'll play a key role in producing high-quality products safely, efficiently, and to customer specifications while working in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

Starting rate Grade 2 £15.08 per hour, with the potential of overtime at 150% and progressing to Grade 3 at £16.08 per hour.

Shift pattern: 12-hour rotating shifts (days 6am-6pm & nights 6pm-6am) with NO Friday night, Saturday day, Saturday night or Sunday day shift working.

• Week 1: 3 day shifts, followed by 2 days off
• Week 2: 3 night shifts, followed by 5 days off
• Week 3: 2 day shifts + 2 night shifts, followed by 5 days off, then repeat

Closing date: 21/08/2026

Interviews: Monday - Thursday, 10:30 or 14:30 or 16:00 and Fridays 10:30 0r 14:00 (If you cannot attend at these times, please let us know)

Responsibilities

• Operate packaging machinery including bagging, bulking, foiling and netting equipment.
• Complete quality and food safety checks to required standards.
• Monitor machine performance and report issues promptly.
• Maintain accurate production, traceability and process records.
• Follow work orders, production plans and packing schedules.
• Complete cleaning activities to required hygiene standards.
• Support production targets while maintaining product quality.
• Work collaboratively with Team Leaders, QA and Production colleagues.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Experience operating machinery within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.
• Ability to work safely and follow procedures.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work to targets in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to support different production areas when required.

Desirable:

• Food manufacturing experience.
• Level 2 Food Safety qualification.
• Level 2 Health & Safety qualification.

Rewards Benefits

• Earning potential of up to £16.08 per hour with further training as a higher skilled operative.
• Paid breaks and overtime rates at minimum of time and a half of basic rate.
• Holidays in excess of statutory minimum and all bank holidays off.
• Substantial time off in between shifts i.e. five days off twice within every three weeks.
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Healthcare cash plan via Paycare - claim back up to £400 a year on dental, optical and much more
• Discount and Wellbeing hub and 'My Pocket GP' via Paycare Perks
• Cycle to Work scheme and other salary sacrifice benefits

About Us

Humdinger’s Sherburn-in-Elmet site is a fast-growing confectionery facility producing over 5,000 tonnes of chocolate and snacking products annually. With advanced technologies including belt coating, button manufacture, drop rolling, and hard panning, the site supports a diverse customer base across retail, third-party, and B2B channels. The site offers a dynamic environment where technical leadership plays a pivotal role in driving quality, compliance, and innovation.

Application & Interview Process

Please apply on the Humdinger career portal (please link below) and answer all applicable questions. If you have been selected, you will be invited to attend an interview, which will include a site tour. Please note: jewellery, false nails, piercings, nail varnish are NOT permitted during the factory tour.

We have openings across processing and packing, if selected for interview, you may be interviewed for both.

Humdinger is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview and/or tour by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage.