Production Operatives

DR. OETKER (UK) LIMITED; Leyland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pizza manufacturer based in Leyland is seeking Production Operatives for rotating shifts. Responsibilities include operating machinery, conducting quality checks, and supporting production processes. Candidates should have strong team skills and attention to detail. The role offers competitive pay, training programs, and a friendly work environment. Join us to help shape the future of pizza production.

Benefits

Competitive pay with increases

Overtime pay

33 days holiday

Skills-based development programmes

Private medical insurance

Enhanced pension scheme

Free pizzas and fresh fruit

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing, FMCG or fast-paced production environments is an advantage.
• Ability to work under pressure and follow standard operating procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate machinery in Bakery, Topping, or Packaging areas.
• Conduct quality and food safety checks.
• Identify non-conformances in line with ISO, FSSC, GMP and HACCP standards.
• Support smooth changeovers and ensure accurate documentation.
• Collaborate with team and supervisors to drive site performance.

Skills

Team player

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Flexibility for shifts

Problem-solving skills

Job description

Production Operatives (rotating shifts) – starting rate from £12.45

Dr. Oetker, we shape a better tomorrow by building teams that care about quality, consistency, and continuous improvement. Our Leyland site is where Chicago Town pizzas were first made over 30 years ago - and we’re still growing today.

Leyland is a proud member of the Pizza Production Unit (PPU) – a collaborative network across our pizza manufacturing sites focused on sharing best practice, developing expertise, and driving change. As part of the PPU, you’ll have the opportunity to influence improvement projects and contribute to shaping the future of our processes.

What You’ll Do

• Operate machinery or support production processes in our Bakery, Topping, or Packaging areas
• Carry out quality and food safety checks (e.g. visual inspections, CCP verifications, traceability)
• Identify and elevate non-conformances in line with ISO, FSSC, GMP and HACCP standards
• Support smooth changeovers, maintain standards, and ensure accurate completion of documentation
• Work collaboratively with your team, supervisors and support functions to drive site performance

Full training is provided – but experience in food manufacturing, FMCG or fast-paced production environments is a real advantage.

Why Join Dr. Oetker in Leyland?

• State-of-the-art facility producing some of the UK’s leading frozen pizza brands
• Friendly and inclusive culture where every employee has a voice and we strive to be ‘better for everyone’
• Strong focus on internal promotion and development
• Modern site with high hygiene, automation, and safety standards

What We’re Looking For

• A great team player who can communicate clearly and professionally
• A strong work ethic with good attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and follow standard operating procedures
• Proactive problem-solver who takes pride in quality
• Flexibility to work rotating shifts (AM/PM Monday to Friday)

What We Offer

• £12.45/hr (equivalent to £24,277) depending on experience
• Increased pay up to £13.60/hr (£26,520) as you develop skills and responsibilities
• Overtime paid at 1.5x (£18.67/hr+)
• 37.5 hours per week, rotating AM/PM shifts, Mon‑Fri (no weekends)
• 33 days holiday including bank holidays, with service‑related increases
• Skills‑based development programme to support your career growth
• External delivered apprenticeship programmes supported
• Free pizzas, fresh fruit, tea & coffee – and a subsidised on‑site restaurant
• Free on‑site parking and EV charging points
• Private medical insurance, healthcare cash plan & enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced pension scheme (6% employer contribution)
• Employee referral scheme (£350), suggestion schemes & recognition awards
• Cycle to Work Scheme, free health checks and more

Next Steps

Ready to take the next step in your manufacturing career? Apply Now and submit your online application.

Still have questions? Get in touch – we’re happy to talk through the role and what life’s like at Dr. Oetker.

Dr. Oetker (UK) Limited