Processing Operator / Processing Lead
About Oato
Oato is a fast-growing fresh oat drink manufacturer based in Preston, Lancashire. We produce fresh oat drink every day for milk rounds and supermarkets across the UK, using British oats and a quality-led production process.
Our ambition is to become a fixture in UK fridges, and we are growing our processing capability to help make that happen. We are looking for a capable, hands-on person to help run the processing side of our operation, including oat milk production, pasteurisation, homogenisation, flavour mixing, transfers, cleaning and production set-up.
This role would suit someone with experience in dairy processing, brewing, beverage production, liquid food manufacturing or another larger-scale process environment.
The Role
You will be part of the team responsible for making and processing Oato’s fresh oat drink at our Preston production site.
The work includes operating and setting up processing equipment, running product through our pasteuriser and homogeniser, controlling pumps, valves and flow meters through a PLC control screen, carrying out manual set-up, completing cleaning processes, and ensuring every batch is made accurately and hygienically.
You will be involved in:
- Producing fresh oat drink to agreed recipes and specifications
- Operating processing equipment including tanks, pumps, valves, flow meters, pasteuriser and homogeniser
- Setting up and monitoring the boiler, processing line and product transfers
- Mixing flavours and preparing product for filling
- Carrying out cleaning, hygiene and equipment set-up tasks
- Following food safety, quality and hygiene procedures
- Working accurately with recipes, batch records and production checks
- Helping the wider team keep production running efficiently and safely
- Taking ownership of the process and spotting ways to improve it
This is a hands-on role in a growing business. You will need to be comfortable working practically, solving problems, keeping standards high and taking responsibility for getting production completed properly.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate will have experience in one or more of the following:
- Dairy processing
- Brewing or beverage production
- Liquid food manufacturing
- Pasteurisation, homogenisation or similar heat-treatment processes
- CIP, hygiene-controlled production or food-safe processing environments
- PLC-controlled production equipment
- Pumps, valves, tanks, flow meters and transfer systems
We are also interested in people with strong mechanical aptitude and the right attitude, even if they have not worked with oat drink before.
You will need:
- Strong attention to detail
- A practical, hands-on approach
- High standards of hygiene and cleanliness
- Confidence working with machinery and production equipment
- The ability to follow recipes, procedures and quality checks accurately
- A calm approach when solving production problems
- Determination to finish the job properly
- The ability to work well as part of a small team
- Capacity to lift and carry weights of up to 25kg
Hours and Pay
- Full-time role: Sunday to Thursday.
- Salary: £35,000 per year once fully trained, including profit share.
Benefits
- Annual profit share bonus
- Full training on our process and equipment
- 30 days holiday
- Free Oato products
- Opportunity to help scale a fast-growing UK drinks brand
- A hands-on role with real responsibility
- The chance to work on new products and process improvements
- Supportive team with a strong focus on quality and sustainability
How to Apply
Send your CV and a covering letter explaining your relevant experience and why you would be suited to the role.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to £35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Application question(s):
- Have you worked with any of the following: pasteurisers, homogenisers, CIP systems, tanks, pumps, valves, flow meters, boilers or PLC-controlled equipment? Please list any relevant experience.
- This role involves early starts, hands-on production work, cleaning, equipment set-up and lifting/carrying up to 25kg. Are you comfortable with this?
- Where are you currently based, and how would you travel to our production site in Fulwood, Preston?
- Are you able to work full-time Sunday to Thursday?
- Do you have experience in dairy processing, brewing, beverage production, liquid food manufacturing or another process-led production environment? Please give brief details.
Work Location: In person
