Machine Operative

Job Advertisement: Machine Operative

• Position: Machine Operative

• Location: Ilminster, Somerset

• Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

• Job Reference Number: 325149

• Salary: £14.61 per hour (Starting from £14.11 per hour, fortnightly paid, with clear career progression pathways to Senior Machine Operative roles)

• Hours: 38.5 hours per week (A & B Shift Patterns available)

• Closing Date: 22nd October 2026

About the Role

Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is proud to recruit on behalf of our client, Branoton, for a dedicated Machine Operative to join their team in Ilminster, Somerset.

In this vital role, you will take hands-on responsibility for the day-to-day running of packing lines. You will ensure machinery operates smoothly to hit production targets while rigorously adhering to health, safety, hygiene, and quality systems. Working as part of a highly motivated team, you will champion continuous improvement, support training initiatives, and lead product changeovers.

Shift Patterns (Alternating 4-day / 3-day weeks, 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM)

• Shift A Options:

  • Week 1: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday (06:30 AM – 06:30 PM)

  • Week 2: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (06:30 AM – 06:30 PM)

• Shift B Options:

  • Week 1: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday (06:30 AM – 06:30 PM)

  • Week 2: Thursday, Friday, Saturday (06:30 AM – 06:30 PM)

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day running of packing lines, ensuring efficient machinery operation and target attainment.

• Maintain strict adherence to safety, hygiene, and quality compliance systems.

• Lead product changeovers, collaborating closely with the team to hit shift goals.

• Support team performance and communicate best practices across all shifts.

• Provide training for current and new employees with continuous improvement at the core.

• Assist Team Leaders by upholding expected performance standards across the workforce.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Fundamental knowledge of production machinery.

• Good communication and numeracy skills.

• A collaborative mindset with a drive to succeed in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What’s in it for You?

• Competitive Pay: £14.61 per hour, paid on a fortnightly basis.

• Work-Life Balance & Wellbeing: 21 days annual leave and a supportive environment focused on your health and work-life balance.

• Pension & Financial Protection: 3% employer pension contribution, life assurance (1x basic salary), and critical illness cover.

• Mental Health & Health Support: Onsite supporters, Help@Hand access, and occupational health services.

• Career Development: Internal management development programmes, eLearning opportunities, and structured apprenticeship development paths.

• Perks & Extras: Regular employee engagement activities, free potatoes and free fruit!