Machine Operator

Machine Operator –
INSPIRED pet nutrition

Thirsk | Permanent | Site-based

We’re excited to be recruiting for a Machine Operative to join our Extruder department in our Manufacturing site based near Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

• Responsible for the extrusion of a variety of animal food, including dog, cat, and small animal dry kibble.
• The extrusion process is where the magic happens – we take all of the dry ingredients that are delivered into the factory and follow a nutritionally formulated recipe to produce the quality kibble that IPN is renowned for.
• The extrusion department is responsible for the blending, mixing, and cooking of the raw material, and as a Machine Operator it will be your responsibility to ensure that the kibble is made to the correct specification – making sure that the size, shape, and the weight of the finished product all fall within the specification guidelines.
• Training will be provided for all aspects of these processes from simple tasks such as knowing what colour brushes to use to having the skills and knowledge to “run” the line independently.
• Ensuring that the highest level of quality is maintained throughout the production process, through compliance with relevant Food Safety legislation, standards and requirements.
• Carrying out pre-start checks on your area of responsibility to verify our safe ways of working are being adhered.
• Ensuring that hourly production checks are carried out, and when any issues arise, that they are reported immediately to the Team Leader.

• £14.81 per hour (including shift allowance) – £32,345 annual salary (plus overtime)
• 42 hours per week (24/7 days – 06:00 – 18:00 or nights 18:00 – 06:00)
• Hourly pay, paid monthly the last Friday of every month.

• The Dupont schedule follows a four-week cycle. Colleagues switch between day and night shifts, often within the same week (6am to 6pm / 6pm to 6am) and will work for three or four consecutive days at a time, including weekends. Colleague workdays are interspersed with one to three consecutive days off. Additionally, colleagues receive one block of seven days off during the four-week period.

• Experience in a similar role within Manufacturing.
• To be considered for this position it is a requirement you live in a 30 mile radius of our location which is YO7 3HE
  and have your own transport.
• A good standard of education; demonstrates good literacy and numerical skills, able to understand, communicate and report clearly in English.
• Be capable of manual handling tasks in a warm and loud environment – you must be able to lift up to 25kg.
• Food Hygiene Accreditation – desirable.

INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is an innovative, well-established, and award-winning pet food manufacturer employing over 1,200 colleagues across the UK and Europe. Our family of brands includes Harringtons, Wagg, Barking Heads & Meowing Heads, AATU, Blink, Butcher's, Classic, Pro-Nutrition, and Ultra Premium Direct, along with a number of partner brands that trust us to produce food on their behalf. Our kitchens in Thirsk, Kinmel, and Crick produce a wide range of dry, wet, and baked foods enjoyed by dogs and cats all over the world.

Our ambition is simple: to become a global leader in pet nutrition.

To create happiness – we’re on a mission to set a new standard of workplace happiness within the pet nutrition industry, one that looks like no other and feels like no other. Our culture is built on INSPIRED’s unique behaviours and colleague experience, creating an environment that excites, empowers, and puts people and pets at the heart of everything we do.

INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the colleagues and communities we serve. We believe everyone should feel valued, respected and able to be themselves  welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We make hiring decisions based on talent, potential and the experience you bring.

We are also committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring equitable access and opportunity for all. If you need any adjustments or support to take part in our recruitment process, please let us know by emailing

Entry level

Full-time

Management and Manufacturing

Food and Beverage Manufacturing

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