Relief Technical Operator

Why Join Us

Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Join an ambitious and fast‑growing global biscuits and confectionery business that invests heavily in iconic brands, infrastructure and people. We don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients or on the people we hire.

We’re looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to consumers and who embody our Winning Traits: purpose‑led, resilient, positive, pace‑driven, agile, collaborative, and accountable.

Relief Technical Operator – L Plant, A shift

Salary: £28,793.24

Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 6 am – 2 pm and 2 pm – 10 pm (alternate weeks)

Location: Carlisle, 54 Church Street, Cumbria, CA2 5TG

Proud to be part of the pladis family, Carr’s has been crafting the UK’s favourite biscuits and cakes since 1831. We’re the oldest biscuit factory in the world, producing beloved products such as Carr’s Crackers, McVitie’s Custard Creams, Bourbons and Ginger Nuts.

We offer competitive pay and benefits, including:

• 27 days holiday
• Stakeholder Pension Scheme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Colleague Discount scheme
• Reward Gateway for benefits Happiness Hub – access to retailer discounts and more
• Free onsite parking
• Long service awards
• Staff shop

The Relief Technical Operator works as part of a team in the packing and feeding of biscuits in line with site requirements. When required, you will stand in as a Technical Operator, carrying out tasks within the machinery.

• Manually pack products within specifications (including bending, lifting, stretching)
• Visually check for foreign matter and hazards
• Ensure biscuit quality meets product specifications
• Adhere to all quality and safety standards
• Maintain a high standard to enable plant output targets
• Report problems to ATM/Supervisor
• Maintain housekeeping and hygiene standards
• Support Supervisors with improvement initiatives
• Provide coordination with all production processes on the line

• Prioritise and agree allocation of tasks within the Technical Operator team
• Take ownership and accountability for Supply Chain Excellence (including Tiered Meetings and SCE Boards)
• Establish high standards of work and proactively develop continuous improvement
• Carry out all pre‑start checks
• Ensure product meets quality and specification throughout shift
• Understand equipment and machinery set‑up
• Ensure changeovers are completed to procedure and re‑work procedures are followed
• Carry out machine changeovers and adjust settings to maintain consistency
• Fill all documentation to the required standard
• Maintain everyday factory standards safely
• Complete shift handovers as agreed
• Train peers and new operatives on equipment use and procedures
• Undertake basic problem diagnosis and maintenance
• Ensure team understands daily planning and production activity
• Communicate directly to resolve issues
• Identify, diagnose and rectify machine faults (where applicable)

• Basic numerical and literacy knowledge
• Manual dexterity
• Basic communication skills
• Basic problem recognition
• Excellent team working skills
• Ability to multi‑task and work under own initiative
• Positive attitude and willingness to drive change

• Previous experience in a manufacturing environment (training will be given)
• Knowledge of HACCP and safe systems of work
• Understanding of zonal Key Performance Indicators (production targets, waste levels and line performance)

Assessments – Swift Comprehensive Aptitude assessment and a Workplace English assessment (45–60 minutes).

Interview – 45–60 minute competency‑based interview focused on our values and your experience.

Internal staff may be exempt from some assessments based on current role.

Bring happiness with every bite.

• Purpose‑led – Energised and guided by our purpose.
• Agile – Ever evolving, never standing still, always improving.
• Positive – Motivated, optimistic, courageous, inspiring one another.
• Resilient – Persistent, quick to adapt and learn.
• Collaborative – Strength gained from operating as one pladis.

pladis is an equal‑opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. All applications will be considered without regard to race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other protected classification.

We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List. If you are a recruitment agency wishing to submit a candidate, you must have agreed to our terms of business. CVs from other sources will not be accepted. We do not pay a fee for candidates not represented by a PSL provider.

Click “Apply” to get started.