Production Operative, Crate Maker

Join Macfarlane Packaging as a Production Operative, Crate Maker and help protect what matters most – our people, customers, communities and the environment.

Located at the Alma Park Industrial Estate in Grantham, this hands‑on manufacturing position operates from Monday to Friday 7:00 am – 3:30 pm, with a basic annual salary up to £32,000, overtime opportunities, a bonus and company benefits.

• Manufacture bespoke timber crates and cases using machinery and hand tools.
• Interpret technical drawings to determine the best method of manufacture and assembly.
• Maintain high standards of quality, accuracy and workmanship to meet customer requirements.
• Support production output, documentation and KPI reporting in line with site targets.
• Work flexibly across the manufacturing operation to support business needs.

• At least 12 months’ experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Experience in woodworking, joinery or timber‑based manufacturing.
• Strong ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
• Hands‑on experience operating wood‑working machinery such as CNC routers, saws or similar equipment.
• Confident and safe use of hand tools including nail guns, drills and measuring equipment.
• Strong understanding of health & safety, manual handling and safe systems of work.
• Reliable team player with a flexible approach and strong work ethic.
• Able to work on own initiative, problem‑solve and operate with minimal supervision when required.
• Sound communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Basic Maths and English skills (GCSE A‑C or equivalent preferred).
• Unrestricted Right to work in the UK and able to work on‑site in Grantham, Lincolnshire.

• Experience manufacturing timber crates, cases or export packaging.
• Experience supporting Oil & Gas, MOD or similarly regulated customer bases.
• IOSH or other relevant health & safety qualification.
• Experience working to and recording KPIs and using Visual Management Boards (VMB).
• Prior experience working closely with other departments such as logistics, estimating or planning.
• Exposure to ISO‑accredited manufacturing environments (ISO
  9001 / ISO
  14001).

• 23 days annual leave (rising with service) plus bank holidays.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Overtime opportunities.
• Free on‑site parking.
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Training, upskilling and development opportunities.
• Employee discount and mobile phone schemes.
• Long service awards and recognition initiatives.

We aim to hold local interviews in Grantham as soon as possible, with a view to the successful candidate joining us quickly in the new year. Please click ‘apply’ to submit your CV. All applications will be acknowledged. If you have not heard from us within a fortnight, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team.