Hygiene Operative

Recruit4talent; Bilston; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Night shift 4-on 4-off

28 days holiday

Rewards scheme

Employee discount

Onsite parking

Company pension

Discounted or free food

Referral programme

Job summary

Recruit4talent is seeking a Hygiene Operative / Machine Minder for a night shift role in Bilston. You will be responsible for the technical strip-down of production machinery and deep cleaning of meat processing equipment, while ensuring compliance with food safety and QA standards.

The role requires experience with hand tools and COSHH guidelines, with potential overtime. The position offers a night shift pattern (5:30pm–6:00am, 4-on 4-off) and benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience using basic hand tools to remove and refit components.
• Experience as Hygiene Operative or Industrial Cleaner in food manufacturing or meat processing.
• Understanding of COSHH and safe operation of high-pressure jet washers.
• Ability to lift components and work in cold environments for long periods.
• Strong eye for cleanliness and commitment to food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Safely strip down and reassemble machinery to allow deep cleaning.
• Deep clean meat processing equipment and facility, including lines and walls.
• Operate high-pressure jet washes and chemical cleaners per COSHH guidelines.
• Conduct basic mechanical checks and report wear or faults to engineering.
• Maintain strict hygiene QA standards to prevent cross-contamination.
• Follow Lockout-Tagout procedures and wear PPE at all times.

Skills

Hand tools

TIG welding

COSHH knowledge

Food safety

English communication

Job description

Hygiene Operative / Machine Minder

Night shift of an award-winning, £multimillion turnover food manufacturing company based in Bilston. They are a privately owned company who supply numerous sectors including foodservice, retail, wholesale and catering, both in the UK and abroad.

Night shift: 5:30pm to 6:00am Monday to Friday. 4-on 4-off rotating shift.

The Role

In this dual role, as Hygiene Operative / Machine Minder you will be responsible for both the technical strip-down of production machinery and the deep cleaning of our meat processing equipment and facility. Your day-to-day duties will include:

• Safely remove and refit machine guards, covers, and conveyor belts to allow access for deep cleaning.
• Correctly reassemble all components post-clean to ensure they are production ready.
• Clean and sanitize the meat processing factory, including production lines, walls, floors, and ancillary areas.
• Safely operate high-pressure jet washes and foam cleaning equipment. Dilute and apply industrial cleaning chemicals in strict accordance with COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) guidelines.
• Conduct basic mechanical checks during reassembly to ensure belts are correctly tensioned and aligned. Report any wear, tear, or mechanical faults to the engineering team.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and Quality Assurance (QA) standards. Ensure zero risk of cross-contamination.
• Follow all Lockout-Tagout safety procedures before touching or dismantling any machinery. Wear the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times.

Your Experience as Hygiene Operative / Machine Minder

• Proven experience or comfort using basic hand tools to remove and refit mechanical components (covers, guards, and conveyor belts).
• Previous experience working as a Hygiene Operative or Industrial Cleaner, ideally within a food manufacturing, meat processing, or FMCG environment.
• Understanding of chemical handling (COSHH) and safe operation of high-pressure jet washers.
• Ability to handle physical work, including lifting components, working in cold factory environments, and standing for long periods.
• A strong eye for cleanliness and a commitment to food safety standards.
• Good English communication skills to understand safety instructions and report mechanical issues.
• Previous experience working within a food processing facility (ideally poultry or meat processing).
• Proven TIG on stainless steel to a high cosmetic and hygienic finish; back-purging.
• Flexible approach: Willingness to overtime and to cover colleagues as and when required.
• Food Safety Level 2 is desirable
• COSHH qualification is desirable
• Takes pride in the finish of their work and does not cut corners on hygiene.
• Self-motivated, able to plan own work and work alone or as part of a team.
• Clear communicator with production, hygiene, QA and contractors.

The ideal candidate will have basic technical knowledge to safely dismantle machinery for cleaning and reassemble it ready for the next production run, while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.

Benefits

• £13.81 per hour
• 28 days holiday
• Night shift: 4-on, 4-off rotating shifts 5:30pm to 6:00am
• Rewards scheme
• Employee discount
• Onsite parking
• Safe working environment
• Employee progression opportunities
• Referral programme
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Hygiene Operative / Machine Minder

Bilston, West Midlands

£13.81 per hour + benefits