Lead Process Operative - Grade 6

The Grade 6 Lead Process Operative supports the Shift Manager in the Nut, Novelty and Moulding department in ensuring the production area runs safely, efficiently and to specification. As the Lead operative on shift, you’ll coordinate the team, oversee machinery and processes, manage changeovers, resolve issues quickly and maintain high standards of quality, safety and performance.

• →Lead the area as the Lead operative, including daily staff allocation and supervision of Machine Operators and Mixers.
• →Ensure GMP, food safety, and health & safety standards are consistently met.
• →Coach, train, and develop team members to build capability and support skill progression.
• →Lead meetings and manage the department’s chocolate tank board.
• →Support project work as directed by the Shift Manager.
• →Oversee and deliver On‑Time, In‑Full changeovers using plans; contribute to creating new plans when needed.
• →Effectively manage resources to meet production targets.

• →Complete Safety Start‑Up checks, CCP inspections, line set‑ups, and run production to specification.
• →Ensure accurate process data capture and monitor line performance.
• →Operate key machinery including tempering units, chocolate control panels, moulders, depositors, enrobers, CAD, nut‑forming equipment, and Alice.
• →Carry out hygiene tasks, changeovers, basic fault finding, and waste checks.
• →Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant working environment.

• Experience in food manufacturing/FMCG, including operating production machinery, completing changeovers, and following GMP, food safety, and health & safety standards.
• Leadership capability with experience allocating work, supporting a team, coaching others, and communicating clearly across departments.
• Strong technical and problem‑solving skills, including fault‑finding, line set‑up, CCP checks, and accurate process/data recording.
• Ability to work confidently in a fast‑paced environment, remaining organised, reliable, and attentive to detail.
• Relevant training preferred, such as Food Safety Level 2, basic H&S training (e.g., IOSH), or experience with lean/CI tools (desirable but not essential)

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.  

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.