Process Operative

Overview

Process (Machine) Operative

Kinnerton Confectionery, Fakenham, Norfolk

Do you enjoy operating machinery, solving problems, and being part of a team that delivers high-quality products every day?

We're looking for Process (Machine) Operatives to join our production team in Fakenham. You'll operate chocolate and packing manufacturing equipment safely and efficiently, monitor production performance, maintain quality standards, and help deliver continuous improvement across the factory.

Position type: Full-time, permanent

Shift Pattern: 4 on 4 off days or nights available - you will only work set days or nights, no rotation 

Pay range: £13.59 - £16.60 per hour (£28,634 - £34,977 per annum)

Closing Date: 31/07/2026

Days (6am - 6pm)

• Grade 3: £13.59 per hour
• Grade 4: £13.99 per hour
• Grade 5: £14.49 per hour
• Grade 6: £14.99 per hour

Nights (6pm - 6am)

• Grade 3: £14.70 per hour
• Grade 4: £15.13 per hour
• Grade 5: £15.72 per hour
• Grade 6: £16.60 per hour

Closing date: 21/08/2026

Responsibilities

• Operate production machinery safely and efficiently.
• Monitor product quality and production performance.
• Complete production records accurately.
• Carry out machine checks, changeovers and basic problem solving.
• Maintain food safety, health & safety and GMP standards.
• Support continuous improvement and waste reduction activities.

Qualifications

• Previous machine operating or manufacturing experience.
• Ability to follow procedures and quality standards.
• Good attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements.
• Food manufacturing experience beneficial but not essential.

Rewards Benefits

• Competitive hourly rates with structured grading progression to increase your hourly rate. 
• Comprehensive training and development, including Food Safety, Allergen Awareness and Health & Safety certifications. 
• 20 (This has been pro-ratad to 4 on 4 off 12 hour shifts) 
• 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

Our Fakenham site operates across three key production areas - Novelty, Nut, and Moulding, each led by a Plant Manager and supported by dedicated Shift Managers working on a 4 on 4 off pattern across days and nights. The site is a 11,000m² facility producing over 8,500 tonnes of confectionery annually, including NOMO – the UK’s #1 free-from chocolate brand. With advanced technology and a nut-safe promise, we supply major retailers and co-manufacture for some of the world’s biggest confectionery brands. Every year, we produce over 5 million advent calendars and 30 million Easter eggs – making this a fast-paced, innovative environment where no two days are the same.  

Application & Interview Process

Please apply online via our careers portal: create your account, upload your CV, and answer all requested questions. You will then be contacted by our Talent Acquisition team to discuss your application and assess suitability.  If you are successful after this stage, you will be invited to attend an on-site interview and factory tour with one of our experienced Shift Managers. 

Kinnerton Confectionery 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 by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage.