Production Operative (Food Industry)

Adecco UK; Ashford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading distributor of high-quality produce is seeking a Senior Production Operative to ensure efficient processing and quality control. The role involves supporting team operations, training staff, and maintaining high standards of safety and quality. Benefits include annual leave, pension, and career progression opportunities.

Benefits

21 days annual leave + bank holidays

5% pension

Life Insurance

Training & Development

Annual Bonus

Cycle to Work Scheme

Free produce once a week

Qualifications

• Counterbalance forklift license preferred.
• Must be comfortable in cold temperatures.
• Physically demanding role requiring fitness.

Responsibilities

• Support Team Leader with efficient line operations.
• Quality check produce during processing.
• Train and monitor Production Operatives.

Skills

Analytical

Attention to Detail

Communication

Computer Literacy

Physical Fitness

Tools

Counterbalance Forklift

Job description

Job Title: Senior Production Operative

Location: Outskirts of Ashford, Kent (you will need your own transport)

Salary: £28,662 + contracted overtime OTE £30,409

Hours:

Rotating Shifts Monday to Friday

Early Shift - Monday 5am - 2pm (first 1h paid at x1.5) / Tuesday to Friday 5.45am - 2pm (first 15m paid at x1.5)

Late Shift - Monday to Friday 1.45pm - 10pm (first 15m paid at x1.5)

Our Client:

Our client is a leading distributor of high-quality produce serving a wide range of customers in the food service and retail industries. They are committed to providing customers with the finest frozen fruit and vegetable products while maintaining the highest standards of quality and food safety.

Role Summary:

As a Senior Production Operative you will play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of the business, ensuring the efficient processing, packaging and quality control of our clients produce.

Benefits:

• 21 days annual leave + bank holidays


• 5% pension


• Life Insurance


• Training & Development / Career Progression Opportunities


• Annual Bonus


• Cycle to Work Scheme


• Free produce once a week

Key responsibilities within your new role would be to:

• Support the Team Leader and Shift Manager with the efficient running of the lines.


• Setting up print machines to ensure the correct print is on each customers packaging as specified.


• Using a counterbalance forklift to ensure production lines have sufficient produce and packaging.


• Move pallets from one area to another using the forklift.


• Loading produce in to hoppers for production.


• Weighing the correct amount of produce as per each recipe / job sheet.


• Lifting boxes of up to 10kg into hoppers.


• Quality checking produce as it passed through the line.


• Deep cleaning of production equipment after each run to avoid contamination.


• Completing paperwork to ensure traceability of all produce.


• Printing and labelling finished goods for dispatch.


• Wrapping pallets for distribution.


• Work closely with other teams and departments to maximise task efficiency.


• Achieve Line and personal KPI's.


• Ensure and maintain quality of the product.


• Eliminate non-conformance's (job right first time).


• Gain good working knowledge of the routine machine operations of the line equipment.


• Optimise line efficiency whilst maintaining and improving standards.


• Responsible for minding machines in the absence of the Team Leader.


• Train, coach and monitor the performance and compliance of Production Operatives & Agency Staff.


• Health & Safety Champion.


• Good Manufacturing Practice Champion.


• Champion continuous improvement in the factory including Lean Manufacturing Techniques

Experience and skills required for this position:

• Have an existing counterbalance forklift licence (ideal not essential)


• You will need your own transport due to location.


• Analytical and attention to detail skills for the completion of documentation.


• Computer literate.


• Have a can do attitude - leads by example and takes a hands on approach.


• Have good communication at all levels using verbal and written methods.


• This role will require entering a cold store during the day so you must be comfortable with entering cold temperatures.


• This role will be on your feet and can be physically demanding so you must be physically fit.

Next steps:

If this sounds like the ideal position for you and you have the experience outlined above, then please apply and you will be contacted by a member of our team if your CV matches our requirements.

If you would like any further information before applying, then please call Ellie (Permanent Consultant) on 01233 646632.

Alternatively, if you know someone who may be suitable for this role please share the details, if you successfully refer a friend you will receive a £50 voucher *terms apply*.

Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

By applying for this role your details will be submitted to Adecco. Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement explaining how we will use your information is available on our website.