Technical Production Operative
We are looking to expand our team at Hensol Castle Distillery and are recruiting for a Technical Production Operative. Hensol Castle Distillery is an award-winning distillery, gin school and visitor attraction tucked away in the cellar of a Grade I listed castle in the Vale of Glamorgan.
About the Role
Working as part of the production team, you will collaborate with other operatives to ensure production plans are carried out safely, efficiently, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Key Responsibilities:
· Take responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the bottling and packaging line, including filling, capping, labelling, coding and final case packing.
· Coordinate production line activities to achieve output targets while maintaining high standards of safety, quality and efficiency.
· Prepare equipment for production by carrying out line set-ups and changeovers for different products, packaging formats, closures, labels and coding requirements.
· Monitor equipment performance, responding promptly to production issues to minimise downtime and maximise productivity.
· Diagnose and resolve routine mechanical or operational faults, escalating more complex maintenance issues where required.
· Carry out regular quality inspections to ensure products meet company and customer specifications.
· Follow Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), HACCP principles and all food safety, hygiene and health & safety procedures.
· Maintain accurate production records, including batch documentation, quality checks, equipment performance and downtime reporting.
· Support general production activities, including packing, handling and preparing products for dispatch.
· Adhere to all health & safety and quality procedures implemented by management.
· Work in accordance with our BRCGS Food Safety Management System.
· Ensure all production paperwork is completed accurately and to the required standard.
· Suggest continuous improvement ideas to your Team Leader or Supervisor.
· Undertake training where required.
· Work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver the production plan.
· Co-operate with other departments to achieve production targets.
· Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to produce quality products on time and within budget.
· Carry out routine quality control checks throughout production, ensuring all products meet specification. Record and maintain accurate quality control logs, inspection records and production documentation to provide full product traceability and compliance.
· Carry out any other duties reasonably required.
About You
The ideal candidate will have experience in a similar production environment and be able to demonstrate the following:
· Experience of machine setting, changeovers and troubleshooting (essential).
· Engineering or technical experience (essential).
· Food manufacturing experience.
· Excellent timekeeping and attendance.
· Reliable and dependable.
· Ability to work under pressure.
· Excellent attention to detail.
· Flexible approach to work.
· Good numeracy and written communication skills.
· Positive team player.
· Physically capable of meeting the demands of the role, including lifting and moving heavy products.
What We Offer
· Regular training and development.
· Staff discounts across the Leekes Retail & Leisure Group, including Leekes stores, the Vale Resort and Hensol Castle Distillery.
· Cycle to Work scheme.
· Increased holiday entitlement and long service awards.
· Free on-site parking.
Please note: The distillery is not accessible by public transport, so applicants must be able to travel to site independently.
About Leekes Retail & Leisure Group
Established in 1897 as an ironmongery business in South Wales, the Leekes Retail & Leisure Group has grown and diversified over the last 125 years. Remaining a fourth-generation family business, the Group now includes Leekes retail stores, the four-star Vale Resort, Hensol Castle, and Hensol Castle Distillery – an award-winning distillery and visitor attraction located within the historic Grade I listed castle.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £13.50 per hour
Benefits:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Pontyclun CF72 8JX: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Please explain what experience you have had with equipment changeovers or machine adjustments. Or add relevant experience which will help us understand how your skills can be matched to the role. *We will not progress any applications that do not provide a response to this question*.
Experience:
- Technical Production Operative: 3 years (required)
- machine / equipment adjustment: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
