Finnebrogue
Machine Operative (Vegetarian Site)

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Machine Operative
(Proceal / Vemag)
Be part of something big
Finnebrogue is a leading UK-based food producer within the global Sofina Foods Group. We look at what is wrong with food to figure out how to make it the best it can be. Operating from four facilities in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, Finnebrogue supplies major supermarkets with own-label bacon, sausages, burgers, and vegetarian products, as well as its pioneering Naked range made without nitrites.
We have been recognised as the UK’s Employer of the Year by Grocer Gold and the Best Place to Work in Northern Ireland by the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards. Our robust People Strategy offers career pathways and development opportunities for all employees, emphasising talent growth and wellbeing with generous benefits for all. We are proud to be the first food producer in the UK and Ireland to achieve the Diversity Mark accreditation and are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace.
Globally, Sofina Foods and its wholly owned subsidiaries operate more than 40 sites and have over 14,000 employees in Canada, UK, Island of Ireland, Germany and France.
The Role
- Set up & operate machinery as per work instructions ensuring all H&S instructions are upheld.
- Ensure machine parts are cleaned to standard, fit for purpose, inspected regularly and any damage/defects reported/actioned.
- To correctly utilize the SI system, all ingredients scanned live to the systems for traceability purposes.
- To follow all SOPs and work instructions correctly to ensure compliance is met and customers receive the same high standard products.
- Efficiently and effectively, produce a variety of fresh products to an agreed specification and within scheduled time.
- To continually monitor and review the product quality and ensure food safety procedures are followed and action/report anything out of specification.
- Following strict PPE procedures to ensure no physical or chemical cross contamination.
- Responsible for ensuring that all relevant food safety and quality checks are completed in real time and without mistake.
- To ensure all equipment and surrounding area is kept clean, tidy and in safe working order by complying with all cleaning procedures.
- Achieving daily predetermined key performance targets set out by management.
- To work as and when required between multiple lines/sites, including but not limited to DBP and OTB.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Essential
What it takes
- Ability to work as part of a team with self-motivation and initiative
- Good communication skills
- Confident in speaking and reading English.
Desirable
- Health and Safety / First Aid related qualification.
- Level 2 Food Hygiene/safety Qualification (or equivalent)
- Previous experience within a food production environment.
- Previous experience operating machinery.
- Experience of delivering high end products to multiple well known retailers.
- Experience delivering KPI targets.


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Hours of work
- Day Shift: 5 days out of 7.
- 7:00am to finish (between 4:00pm to 6:00pm)
Benefits
At Finnebrogue, we offer more than just a job - we provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support and reward our employees. Working in one of our state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll enjoy free onsite parking and access to electric charging points and access a restaurant-standard canteen with all meals subsidised, including free breakfast options.
- You'll enjoy access to our award-winning Food Shack, where you can receive up to 5 free food products per week.
- You'll also have confidential support through Insula Wellbeing, our on-site counsellors.
- We offer a full calendar of wellbeing, social, and sports events, helping you stay balanced and connected.
- As you settle into the business, your benefits will continue to grow, with the Perks Discount card, gym membership, cashback healthcare plan, cycle-to-work scheme, electric car scheme, and even your birthday as a paid holiday.
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