Pa Machine Operator

Chartwells Independent; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

On-site parking

Public transport links

Wellbeing platform

Career development

Job summary

Cuisine Centre, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, is seeking a Machine Operator at SmartParc SEGRO in Derby. The role involves setting up and operating food handling and packing machinery, maintaining quality checks, and supporting daily production targets.

You will follow schedules, maintain hygiene, and adapt to different site areas as needed. We offer 40-hour weeks, Monday to Friday 07:00–15:30, with occasional overtime.

Qualifications

• Experience with food handling equipment and packing lines.
• Ability to follow production plans and meet quality standards.
• Willingness to work 40 hours per week with potential overtime.

Responsibilities

• Follow the production plan and run machinery at correct speeds.
• Conduct finished goods and in-process quality checks.
• Support daily production and packing targets.
• Complete downtime records and relevant documentation promptly.
• Minimise waste by proper machine setup and operation.
• Report production or quality issues to the Production Manager or QA Team.
• Complete cleaning schedules and maintain hygiene standards with proper chemicals.
• Wear PPE and comply with Health & Safety and COSHH policies.
• Contribute to a safe working environment and be flexible to cover different areas.

Skills

Strong communication

Numeracy skills

Attention to detail

IT literate

Self-motivated

Organisational skills

Flexible

Team player

Job description

Machine Operator

Cuisine Centre
SmartParc SEGRO, Derby, UK

Hourly Pay Rate: £14.45

About the Role

The Machine Operator is responsible for setting up and operating food handling and packing machinery to meet daily production and quality targets. The role involves monitoring machine performance, making adjustments as needed, and ensuring a continuous supply of consumables.

You will also carry out routine maintenance, cleaning, and quality checks, reporting any issues to the QA Team and Production Manager.

Working Hours

• 40 hours per week
• Monday to Friday: 07:00 to 15:30
• Flexibility required, with occasional overtime to meet operational demands

Key Responsibilities

• Follow the production plan, ensuring efficient operation of machinery at the correct speeds while meeting product specifications and quality standards.
• Conduct finished goods and in-process quality checks.
• Support the achievement of daily production and packing targets.
• Complete relevant documentation promptly, including machine downtime records.
• Minimise waste through correct machine set-up and operation, helping the team meet company targets. Record and dispose of all waste appropriately.
• Report and communicate quality or production issues promptly to the Production Manager or QA Team.
• Complete and sign off cleaning schedules, ensuring all utensils, machinery and work areas meet hygiene standards using the correct cleaning chemicals.
• Wear appropriate PPE at all times and follow all Health & Safety and COSHH policies.
• Promote a safe working environment for all colleagues.
• Be flexible and adaptable, supporting different areas across the site as required.
• Contribute ideas that support continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Key Skills & Experience

Essential

• Strong communication skills
• Good numeracy and literacy skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• IT literate
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Flexible, proactive and adaptable
• Team player with a positive, can‑do attitude

Desirable

• Knowledge of food hygiene and quality standards
• Experience in food production or raw material handling

About Cuisine Centre

As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Cuisine Centre is the food production division of the UK's largest contract catering business. We prepare millions of quality meals each year across five meal ranges, serving customers nationwide in partnership with clients across a variety of sectors.

We are passionate about simplifying catering while nourishing the nation with fresh, flavour-first food.

Our people are the secret ingredient to our success. Our dedicated team of Foodists take pride in every detail because every meal matters. That's why we invest in our people, providing opportunities to grow, develop skills and build rewarding careers.

Our Four Core Values

Be a Foodist!

We are driven by a passion for food and culinary excellence, putting care into every detail.

Do the Right Thing

We act with integrity and honesty because high standards create quality products.

Take Responsibility

We take ownership of our actions and consider the impact we have on customers, communities and the environment.

Have Respect & Compassion

We recognise that every role contributes to success and put people at the heart of everything we do.

Your Benefits

• Free breakfast and lunch on shift
• Free on‑site parking
• Convenient public transport links
• Perks at Work wellbeing and rewards platform
• Career development and progression opportunities
• "Pride in Every Plate" recognition scheme with prizes
• Mental, physical and financial wellbeing support
• Company pension scheme
• Free Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Access to Compass Group UK & Ireland employee networks

Additional Compass Benefits

• Contributory pension scheme
• Career Pathways and MyLearning development programmes
• Digital GP access and wider healthcare benefits for you and your immediate family
• Travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and other major retailers
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets
• Cashback rewards across a wide range of brands
• Free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• Ability to share discounts and offers with friends and family

Why Join Us?

If you're looking for a role within a growing food production business where your work genuinely makes a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

At Compass Group UK & Ireland, you'll help feed people, fuel progress and forge connections across approximately 6,000 venues nationwide. We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits and exceptional opportunities for learning and career development.

Job Reference: com/2108/43172001/52820006/R/SU
Location: Cuisine Centre, SmartParc SEGRO, Derby

Diversity & Inclusion

Compass Group UK & Ireland is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every colleague can be their authentic self and has equal opportunities to succeed. We value and celebrate diverse backgrounds, experiences, talents and perspectives because diversity is our strength. We want every team member to feel valued, empowered and supported to reach their full potential.