Food Production Opeative (Dairy)

Qs Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

QS Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Production Operative to support cheese production in a busy food manufacturing environment.

You will prepare and handle milk and cheese products, follow recipes, and operate production equipment safely while maintaining hygiene and quality standards. No prior food manufacturing experience is required; full training is provided, and the role may involve manual handling and standing for long periods.

Qualifications

• Previous food manufacturing experience is advantageous but not essential.
• Ideal candidate: reliable, practical and detail-oriented.
• Training provided; hands-on production environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the production and maturation of cheese.
• Handle, turn, cut and prepare cheese products as required.
• Follow production recipes, processes and quality standards.
• Monitor products throughout the production process and report any issues.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness.
• Operate production equipment safely following appropriate training.
• Complete production and quality records accurately.
• Work effectively as part of a team to meet daily production targets.

Job description

As a Production Operative, you will play an important role in the production of high-quality cheese, working as part of a team in a busy food manufacturing environment.

Your responsibilities will include preparing and handling milk and cheese products throughout the production process, following set recipes and procedures, and ensuring products meet the required quality and hygiene standards. You may be involved in activities such as moulding and cutting cheese, adding cultures, turning and grading cheeses, monitoring the maturation process, and preparing finished products for packaging.

You will be required to follow strict food safety, hygiene and health & safety procedures always, while maintaining a clean and organised production area. The role may also involve manual handling, standing for extended periods and working in chilled or temperature-controlled environments.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with the production and maturation of cheese.
• Handle, turn, cut and prepare cheese products as required.
• Follow production recipes, processes and quality standards.
• Monitor products throughout the production process and report any issues.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness.
• Operate production equipment safely following appropriate training.
• Complete production and quality records accurately.
• Work effectively as part of a team to meet daily production targets.

Previous food manufacturing experience is advantageous but not essential, as full training can be provided. The ideal candidate will be reliable, practical and comfortable working in a hands‑on production environment, with good attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality and hygiene.