Overview:
Process Operative (Multiple Vacancies Available)
Kinnerton Confectionery, Fakenham (Norfolk)
Key Benefits: Structured training plans to increase pay grade, wellbeing health cashplan benefits of up to £495 per annum, free life insurance (4x salary), contributed pension, holiday purchase schemes, various salary sacrifice schemes (inclusive of cycle to work and electric car scheme).
Kinnerton Confectionery has multiple permanent job opportunities within our production team. In these roles, you will be trained to set up, operate and monitor a range of food processing and packing machinery. If you have prior factory experience, that’s a bonus, but if not, an interest in mechanics and how things work could be suitable for these roles as well.
We are excited to announce that we’ll be hosting a recruitment event, including a factory tour, with interviews taking place on Wednesday 8th July or Thursday 9th July at either 08:45 or 10:45, and if you’re unable to attend at those times, you are still encouraged to apply so we can arrange an alternative slot.
Position type: Full time, permanent
Shift Pattern: 4 on 4 off – Days or Nights available
Pay range: £13.59 - £16.60 per hour (£28,634.67 - £34,976.86 annually). Your starting pay grade is allocated depending on skillset.
4 on 4 off days: covers 7 days a week, 4 days on and 4 days off, 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
4 on 4 off nights: covers 7 nights a week, 4 nights on and 4 nights off, 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: Friday 3rd July 2026
Responsibilities:
- Set up, operate, and maintain Kinnerton's chocolate processing and packing machinery.
-
Conduct quality checks and accurately complete documentation.
-
Support with packing products by working on the packing lines as and when required.
-
Ensure excellent plant standards are maintained, adopting our 'clean as you go' policy.
-
Complete all required training such as Food Safety, Health & Safety, Allergen Awareness, Physical Hazards Awareness and Pest Control.
Qualifications:
- Ability to operate, monitor, and adjust machinery to maintain production efficiency.
-
Understanding of health and safety regulations and adherence to hygiene standards.
-
Strong attention to detail to ensure quality control and minimise waste.
-
Good problem-solving skills.
-
Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and production schedules.
-
Basic computer literacy for data entry and machine monitoring.
-
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently when required.
-
Good communication skills to report issues and collaborate with Production Operatives, Team Leaders, Management and other departments.
-
Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
-
Previous experience in a manufacturing environment is beneficial.
Rewards Benefits:
- Pension – 4% employer plus Life Assurance at 4 times salary.
-
20 days of annual leave, increasing to 23.5 days with service.
-
Paycare Health Care Cash Plan – annual allowance for your dental, optical, chiropractic, counselling and much more!
-
Salary sacrifice schemes, including cycle to work and electric car schemes. (subject to criteria).
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.
