Production Assistant (Production Operative)

Proper Cornish; Bodmin; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free pasties and pastries daily

Free weekly fruit

Subsidised canteen

Monthly colleague treats & staff BBQs

Bake sales & competitions

Christmas goodies and celebrations

Free spa & golf facilities

Job summary

Proper Cornish is hiring a Production Assistant to support our pastry production team. You’ll be hands-on with machine setup, line operation, quality checks, and assisting hand crimping operatives.

Full training will be provided to develop skills across various production processes. Expect a 06:00–16:00 shift pattern, four days a week with a rolling day off, and entry training including Food Safety Level 2 and Health & Safety Level 2 certificates.

Qualifications

• No prior experience required; full training provided.
• Willingness to work a 06:00–16:00 shift pattern, four days out of five.
• Probation includes Food Safety Level 2 and Health & Safety Level 2 certificates.

Responsibilities

• Set up production machines at start of shift for smooth operations.
• Operate the production line to match hand crimpers working on the line.
• Keep pastry bases stocked and ready for production.
• Operate depositors to fill pastry bases accurately.
• Apply toppings and decorative elements as required.
• Conduct weight checks to ensure quality standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and organise products for traceability.
• Support hand crimping operatives and line efficiency.

Skills

Teamwork

Positive attitude

Fast-paced

Quality control

Attention to detail

Tools

Depositors

Glazers

Crimping line

Job description

Join Our Team as a Production Assistant!

Hours: 06:00–16:00, 4 days out of 5 with a rolling day off each week.

Breaks: 2 x 30-minute unpaid breaks per shift

Pay: £13.21 per hour standard. Enhanced rate of £16.51 per hour for hours worked between 20:00–06:00 or over 37.5 hours per week.

What You’ll Do

As a Production Assistant, you’ll be a vital part of our pastry production team, helping to keep our lines running smoothly and efficiently. You’ll play a hands‑on role in machine setup, line operation, quality control, and supporting our skilled hand crimping operatives. Full training is provided, and you’ll gain experience across a range of production processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Setting up production machines at the start of each shift to ensure smooth and efficient operations
• Operating the production line at the correct speed to match the number of hand crimpers working on the line
• Keeping hand lines fully supplied with pastry bases
• Operating depositors to accurately fill pastry bases ready for hand crimping
• Depositing the correct quantities of vegetables onto bases for layered products
• Collecting and managing waste to maintain a clean and efficient working environment
• Carrying out weight checks on filled bases to ensure products meet quality standards
• Marking products to maintain organisation and traceability
• Applying decorative elements to bespoke products when required
• Operating topping equipment to apply herbs, rusk, and other toppings accurately
• Operating glazers to ensure consistent coverage at the correct speed

No Experience? No Problem!

Full training is provided. During your probation period, you’ll also gain:

Food Safety Level 2 certificate

Health & Safety Level 2 certificate

Why Join Proper Cornish?

You’ll be at the heart of our pastry production, helping to create the high‑quality products our customers love. We are a growing business built on our values of Customer First, Honesty, Quality, Friendliness, and Passion.

With over 250 colleagues, we take pride in making the world a better place every day by filling it with pasties and other sweet and savoury pastry delights. We’re also proud to hold a Gold Health and Wellbeing Award, showing our commitment to supporting a healthy and happy workforce.

Proper Perks

• Free pasties and pastries every day
• Free weekly fruit
• Subsidised canteen
• Monthly colleague treats and regular staff BBQs
• Bake sales and competitions
• Christmas goodies and celebrations
• Free use of spa and golf facilities in St Austell
• Mental Health First Aiders
• Company-funded Health Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 free and confidential helpline)
• Death in Service Plan
• £500 colleague referral bonuses
• Staff discounts on pasties, pastries, cakes, and tarts
• Local business discounts
• Excellent training and career development opportunities
• Employment anniversary cash awards
• Strong internal communication and job security within a growing business

Ready to Join the Team?

If you’re a team player with a positive “can do” attitude and want to be part of a friendly, fast‑paced, and growing company, we’d love to hear from you.