What are a Production Operative's Job Responsibilities?

A production operative works on the production line, assembling, monitoring, and inspecting products. This role requires attention to detail, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and a focus on quality and safety.

Production Operative’s Key Tasks:

  • Operating production machinery and equipment
  • Assembling and packaging products
  • Ensuring products meet quality standards
  • Monitoring production processes and adjusting as needed
  • Keeping work areas clean and organised
  • Following health and safety procedures
  • Reporting any production issues or equipment malfunctions
  • Assisting with inventory control and stock management
What are a Production Operative's Job Responsibilities?
Production Operative Essential Skills

While no formal qualifications are typically required, employers value skills like:

  • Strong attention to detail and quality control
  • Ability to work efficiently and meet production targets
  • Basic understanding of machinery operation
  • Teamwork and communication skills
  • Physical stamina for standing, lifting, and manual labour
  • Problem-solving ability for troubleshooting minor production issues
Production Operative Essential Skills
Production Operative Typical Work Environment

Production operatives work in factories, manufacturing plants, and production lines. These roles often require working with machinery, in a team, and in environments that could involve noise, heat, or cold. Shifts can vary, with some employers offering day, evening, and night shifts.

Production Operative Typical Work Environment
Production Operative Career Progression

Many production operatives move up to supervisory roles or become machine operators, quality control specialists, or production managers with more experience. Further training and certifications can lead to advancement in areas like health and safety or machine maintenance.

Production Operative Career Progression
Production Operative Job Vacancies in Essex and Suffolk
We frequently recruit for production operative roles across Essex and Suffolk. Whether you’re experienced or just starting, we have positions available that offer opportunities for career growth.
Temporary Factory Operative

Prime Appointments are pleased to be working with a well known independent Food Product manufacturer in the Earls Colne area,

£12.71 p/h
Earls Colne, Essex
Food & Beverage
On-site
Job ref: ACEM_1782304632 View
Temporary Production Forklift Driver

Are you an experienced Forklift Driver looking for your next opportunity? We are recruiting for a Production Forklift Driver to join a busy manufacturing company in Maldon

£14.50 p/h
Maldon, Essex
Food & Beverage
On-site
Job ref: CM/HQ0099351_1782298847 View
Permanent Forklift Driver

Prime Appointments are currently looking for a Forklift Driver to work in Witham. This is for a logistics distribution and supply chain company.

£14.26 p/h
Witham, Essex
Warehouse
On-site
Job ref: ACpf_1782298299 View
Permanent Field Service Engineer

Are you looking for a 4 day working week? Do you have a background in mechanical engineering? Do you hold a clean UK driving license? If so, APPLY for the following role.

£40,000 p/a
Hadleigh, Suffolk
Engineering
On-site
Job ref: 95815_1782292158 View
Permanent Client Service Administrator

To ensure that client records are kept fully up to date with all related correspondence uploaded and correct indexing to appropriate systems.

£12.71 - £13.18 p/h
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Office & Administration
Hybrid
Job ref: AFClientAdmin_1782229038 View
Permanent Maintenance Electrician

We have a new and exciting opportunity for an electrician with a background in manufacturing / wiring or machinery. If you're interested, APPLY TODAY!

£17.00 - £20.00 p/h
Ipswich, Suffolk
Engineering
On-site
Job ref: 96269_1782227723 View
Permanent Design Assistant

This is a great opportunity for someone with good Photoshop skills to join a design and planning company and learn.

£26,000 - £30,000 p/a
Kelvedon, Essex
Depending on level of experience
Office & Administration
On-site
Job ref: 96698_1782225127 View
Temporary Food Mixer / Production Operative

We are recruiting for a Food Mixer / Production Operative to join a well-established food manufacturer in Earls Colne.

£13.36 p/h
Earls Colne, Essex
Food & Beverage
On-site
Job ref: CM/HQ00993519_1782223198 View
FAQs About Production Operative Jobs
What skills and experience do I need?

No formal qualifications are required for entry-level production operative roles, but experience in manufacturing or a fast-paced environment is beneficial. Employers look for attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to follow safety procedures.

How much does a production operative earn in Essex and Suffolk?

Hourly pay typically ranges from £12.21 to £12.50 per hour, depending on experience and shift patterns. Overtime and night shifts may offer higher pay rates.

What are the working hours for a production operative?

Production operative shifts can vary, including early morning, evening, and weekend shifts. Some roles are on rotating shifts, while others follow regular working hours.

Is production operative work physically demanding?

Yes, this role involves standing for long periods, lifting and handling materials, and sometimes working in noisy or hot environments. Physical stamina and the ability to work in a team are important.

Do I need any qualifications for a production operative role?

No formal qualifications are usually required. However, employers often look for previous experience in manufacturing, production, or warehouse environments.

What are the safety requirements for production operatives?

Production operatives must follow strict safety protocols, including wearing protective gear, adhering to machinery guidelines, and following manual handling techniques. Employers provide necessary safety training.

Production opertive 2