Production Operative jobs in Bedford

Used to hitting targets, keeping quality tight, and owning your machine? You’ll fit here.
This role is for operators who want more responsibility, more skill, and a clear route to higher pay.

The Role

If you’ve worked in manufacturing, you’ll know the difference between just running a machine and actually owning it.

We’re looking for experienced operators who want to take the next step, develop deeper technical skills, and build towards becoming a fully skilled Production Machine Technician, with a clear route to Master Technician.

You’ll start by learning our machines and processes properly, then take full responsibility for performance, quality, and output. This is a role where standards matter and where good operators stand out quickly.

Pay & Progression

• Starting salary: £29,000
• Progression to £34,000 as you develop into Technician and Master Technician level
• Clear, structured progression based on skill, not time served

Shift Pattern

We're looking for 4 operators to go onto shifts and have a weekly rotating shift pattern:

• Weekly rotating shifts Monday to Friday:

06:00 – 14:00
14:00 – 22:00

What You’ll Be Doing

• Setting and running production machinery to meet output and quality targets
• Working towards and maintaining 75%+ productivity on your machine
• Identifying faults, making adjustments, and reducing downtime and waste
• Taking ownership of quality from your machine
• Supporting other machines and operators across the department
• Completing production and quality documentation accurately
• Working safely and following all site procedures

As you progress, you’ll also:

• Train and support less experienced team members
• Run multiple machines confidently
• Play a key role in improving performance and efficiency

What We’re Looking For

This role suits someone who already understands production environments and wants more responsibility.

Essential:

• Experience operating machinery in a manufacturing environment
• Strong attention to detail and quality standards
• Good problem-solving skills and a practical mindset
• Reliable, consistent, and able to work at pace
• Comfortable working shifts

Desirable:

• Experience in box manufacturing / packaging
• Background in CNC, printing, or similar machinery
• Experience setting machines rather than just operating

What Good Looks Like

• Consistently achieving 75%+ productivity
• Producing high-quality output with minimal issues
• Taking ownership of your machine and performance
• Supporting the wider team and stepping in where needed

Why Join Us?

• A genuine opportunity to build a skilled trade, not just run a machine
• Clear progression with real pay increases as your skills grow
• A team environment where people are expected to step up and take ownership

If you’re used to working in production and want a role where you can develop, be relied on, and progress, this is the next step.

The Company: Reedbut Group Limited

The Reedbut Group designs and manufactures corrugated packaging. The business has three sites; Milton Keynes the head office, Andover and Strood, and is one of the leading independent sheet plants in the UK. The company has an annual turnover of more than £20 million and employs 90 people.

The business operates in the rapidly growing corrugated packaging market and the materials the company work with have strong green credentials and are playing a leading role in the war against single use plastic.

Location: Reedbut Group Ltd – 2 Bransworth Avenue, Milton Keynes, MK10 0DD

Job Type: Permanent

Pay: £29,000.00-£34,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company pension
• Free parking
• Profit sharing

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Milton Keynes MK10: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• Machine operation: 2 years (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person