Job Title

Technical Operator (Ingredients & Powder Manufacturing)

Location: Knowsley, Merseyside
Salary: £38,000 - £44,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Shift Pattern: 4 on / 4 off (2 days, 2 nights)

Job Purpose

The Technical Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of powder and ingredient processing equipment, ensuring product quality, hygiene, and output targets are consistently achieved. This role bridges production and engineering and requires strong technical awareness and fault-finding capability within a regulated manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Process Operation

• Operate powder processing and handling equipment including:

  • Mixers, blenders, mills, sifters

  • Conveying systems (vacuum, auger, pneumatic)

  • Weighing, batching, and dosing systems

  • Packing lines (FFS, bagging, palletising)

• Monitor process parameters to ensure product consistency and yield

• Complete product changeovers and line set-ups efficiently

• Accurately record production data (batch records, SPC, traceability)

Technical & Maintenance Support

• Carry out first-line fault finding on mechanical and process equipment

• Perform basic maintenance tasks (lubrication, belt changes, adjustments)

• Support planned preventative maintenance (PPM) activities

• Escalate breakdowns effectively with clear technical information

• Assist engineering teams during major interventions

Quality, Hygiene & Compliance

• Work in line with food safety and quality standards (BRC, FSSC 22000, ISO)

• Follow GMP, HACCP, and allergen control procedures

• Conduct quality checks including weights, seals, and visual inspections

• Maintain high hygiene standards in dry powder environments

• Ensure full compliance with health & safety and COSHH regulations

Health, Safety & Environment

• Operate equipment safely in potentially dusty / ATEX-rated areas

• Follow permit-to-work and lock-out/tag-out procedures

• Report near misses, hazards, and unsafe conditions

• Support continuous improvement initiatives across safety and process efficiency

Skills & Experience Required

Essential

• Experience as a Technical Operator / Process Operator within:

  • Ingredients, powders, food, chemical, or pharmaceutical manufacturing

• Strong mechanical aptitude and process understanding

• Experience working in controlled or regulated environments

• Ability to fault-find and resolve basic mechanical and process issues

• Comfortable working a rotating 4 on / 4 off (days & nights) shift pattern

Desirable

• Experience working in ATEX or dust-controlled environments

• Basic engineering or technical qualification (NVQ, City & Guilds or equivalent)

• Experience with automated packing systems

• Exposure to Lean or Continuous Improvement methodologies

Personal Attributes

• Proactive and hands-on approach

• Strong attention to detail

• Team-focused with good communication skills

• Safety-driven mindset

• Willingness to learn and develop technical capability

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