Machine Operator

Inspired Pet Nutrition Ltd; Thirsk; On-site; GBP 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pet food manufacturer in Thirsk is looking for a dedicated Machine Operative in their extrusion department. The role involves managing the extrusion process for various pet food products while maintaining high-quality standards. Candidates should have manufacturing experience and be capable of manual handling in a challenging environment. The position offers £14.81 per hour with a flexible shift model, including opportunities for overtime. Join us to contribute to a mission of creating happiness in pet nutrition.

Benefits

Competitive hourly pay including shift allowance

Overtime opportunities

Structured shift pattern with days off

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role within manufacturing.
• Must live within a 30-mile radius of YO7 3HE and have own transport.
• Food hygiene accreditation is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for extrusion of animal food, including kibble production.
• Manage extrusion process according to formulated recipe.
• Maintain quality standards and comply with food safety legislation.

Skills

Experience in a similar role within manufacturing

Strong literacy, numerical and communication skills in English

Capable of manual handling tasks

Education

Good standard of education

Job description

Machine Operative – Extruder

Thirsk | Permanent | Site-based

We're excited to recruit a Machine Operative to join our extruder department in our manufacturing site near Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the extrusion of a variety of animal food, including dog, cat, and small animal dry kibble.
• Manage the extrusion process, turning dry ingredients into quality kibble according to a nutritionally formulated recipe.
• Blend, mix, and cook raw materials to ensure kibble meets size, shape, and weight specifications.
• Receive training and run the line independently, from colour‑brush selection to full line operation.
• Maintain the highest quality standards throughout production, complying with food safety legislation and requirements.
• Carry out pre‑start checks to verify safe ways of working are adhered to.
• Conduct hourly production checks and report any issues immediately to the Team Leader.

What's on offer?

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

Our shift model explained

• The Dupont schedule follows a four‑week cycle. Colleagues switch between day and night shifts within the same week (6am‑6pm / 6pm‑6am), and work three or four consecutive days at a time, including weekends. Workdays are interspersed with one to three consecutive days off, plus a seven‑day block off during each four‑week period.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role within manufacturing.
• Must live within a 30‑mile radius of YO7 3HE and have own transport.
• Good standard of education, with strong literacy, numerical and communication skills in English.
• Capable of manual handling tasks in a warm, loud environment – able to lift up to 25kg.
• Food hygiene accreditation – desirable.

About Us

INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is an innovative, well‑established, award‑winning pet food manufacturer employing over 1,200 colleagues across the UK and Europe. Our brands include Harringtons, Wagg, Barking Heads & Meowing Heads, AATU, Blink, Butcher's, Classic, Pro‑Nutrition, Ultra Premium Direct, and 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 worldwide. Our ambition is simple: to become a global leader in pet nutrition.

Our Purpose: To create happiness

We’re on a mission to set a new standard of workplace happiness within the pet nutrition industry – one that feels like no other.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

INSPIRED Pet Nutrition is committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of colleagues and communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and comply with anti‑discrimination laws. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring equitable access during the recruitment process. If you need adjustments or support, please email [e-mail].