York, ENG, GB
Production Operative
We at Yara are part of a global network, collaborating to profitably and responsibly solve some of the world's key challenges - resource scarcity, food insecurity and environmental change.
About the Unit
At Yara, our mission is to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet. Every day, our operations teams play a vital role in delivering safe, efficient and reliable manufacturing processes that support customers and communities across Europe and beyond.
We are looking for a Production Operative to join our team.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Yara during a period of significant growth and investment. You'll initially be based at our Pocklington site before permanently relocating with the operation to our brand-new manufacturing facility in Howden in early 2027. This £100+ million investment will feature modern facilities, advanced technology and increased automation, creating an exceptional working environment for our employees. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the transition to one of the UK's newest and most advanced manufacturing facilities.
Responsibilities
As a Production Operative, you will play a key role in ensuring the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the production plant. Working as part of a collaborative manufacturing team, you will monitor processes, operate equipment and respond to operational needs while contributing to operational excellence, product quality and continuous improvement across the site.
Key responsibilities
- Operate and monitor production plant and process equipment
- Operate material handling equipment, such as forklift trucks and pallet trucks, where appropriately trained
- Follow operating procedures and quality standards in all production activities
- Identify and report process deviations, equipment faults and unsafe conditions
- Work closely with colleagues and supervisors to support safe and efficient production operations
- Maintain accurate records and communicate effectively during shift handovers
- Keep production areas clean, organised and safe
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the site
- Work in accordance with all safety, environmental and operational requirements
Profile
Essential
- Strong commitment to safe working practices
- Good problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Ability to follow procedures and work consistently to quality standards
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work a continuous rotating shift pattern
- Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle
- Ability to travel to Howden approximately 1-2 times per month during the transition period and relocate with the operation to Howden in early 2027
Desirable
- Experience working in a manufacturing, production, process or industrial environment
- Experience operating process plant or production equipment
- Counterbalance forklift truck licence
- Experience within chemical, process or manufacturing industries
- Familiarity with continuous improvement practice
What we offer
- A meaningful role with direct impact on plant performance, product quality and operational success
- The opportunity to build a long-term career within a global organisation committed to sustainability and innovation
- Ongoing learning, training and development opportunities to help you grow professionally
- A collaborative team environment where wellbeing, inclusion and continuous improvement are valued
- 25 days' annual leave, plus the option to purchase up to 5 additional days
- Vitality Private Healthcare
- 10% employer pension contribution.
- Annual bonus scheme.
- Life Assurance
- A wide range of wellbeing and social activities, including football, badminton, tennis, running and walking groups
Additional Information
Working Pattern
This role operates on a continuous shift rota. Shifts are either:
Early shift: 6:00am to 2:00pm – Monday to Friday
Late shift: 13:45pm to 23:45am – Monday to Thursday
Both shift patterns include two paid 20-minute breaks.
Alternatively, some positions may operate on a 12-hour shift pattern, depending on operational requirements.
The successful candidate will need to have the right to work in the UK, with any visa requirements already in place.
Apply no later than
13.8.2026 – However we may hold interviews before this date for suitable candidates.
Knowledge grows through differences
Yara is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is not only the right thing, but also the smart thing to do. To deliver on this, Yara has firmly anchored Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) in our business strategy and has more than 400 employees worldwide involved in D&I ambassadors networks.
As part of our recruitment process, where permitted by local law, we may conduct reference and background checks. These checks will only be performed when deemed necessary for the nature of the job. Candidates will be informed by HR before any background checks are initiated.
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Industrial, Equipment Operator, Forklift, Warehouse, Equity, Manufacturing, Finance