Production Operator

Saputo, Inc.; Northallerton; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 holidays + 8 bank holidays

Site bonus up to £500 per year

Full training on products

Inclusive working environment

3% Employer Pension Contribution

Health cash plan

Thrive wellbeing app access

Staff discounts on Saputo products

Free onsite parking

One paid volunteer day per year

My Staff Shop - exclusive benefits

Job summary

Saputo is hiring a Production Operator at the Wensleydale Creamery site in Hawes, UK. You will manage milk intake and assist other areas as required, following health, safety and quality procedures.

The role features a five-week shift cycle with long days and occasional weekends, with a hourly rate of £13.88, equating to around £32,458 per year including extra pay for early and weekend shifts. We offer comprehensive training, a supportive team, and a benefits package.

Qualifications

• Able to demonstrate good communication skills and a solid level of written and spoken English
• Skilled and experienced in manual handling
• Able to follow basic instructions and adhere to standard procedures
• Demonstrate appropriate levels of numeracy and literacy as required for the role
• Desirable: trained or experienced in basic Food & Hygiene Level 2 and Health & Safety Level 2

Responsibilities

• Follow SOPs, Site Policies and Safe Systems of Work (SSOW)
• Meet KPIs and food hygiene requirements
• Carrying out visual line quality checks against required standards
• Report any food safety and health & safety non-conformances or behavioural issues to your line manager
• Adhere to Clean as You Go practices in work area
• Ensure and verify all cleaning and sanitization chemicals are correct and used as per work instructions
• Ensure cleaning is performed and verified during production at the end of the manufacturing day

Skills

Communication skills

Manual handling

Numeracy

Literacy

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2

Health & Safety Level 2

Job description

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world. As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?

ABOUT SAPUTO

Saputo Dairy UK are the company behind Wensleydale cheese, and other iconic British dairy brands including Cathedral City, Clover, Country Life, Frylight and Davidstow — household names loved by millions. Saputo Dairy UK is part of Saputo Inc., a top ten global dairy company, offering the best of both worlds: the agility and warmth of a dedicated UK business with the support and resources of a global group. We pride ourselves on our inclusive, collaborative culture, where people are valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference. Our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and quality makes us a leader in the UK food industry.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

As a Production Operator at Saputo's Wensleydale Creamery site in Hawes, you will be a key team member on site covering milk intake and other areas when required. You will be expected to follow best practice for Health & Safety, Quality, and Cost management while working as a team player.

Shift Pattern: The role is to work on a 5-week shift pattern in the milk reception area. Four of those weeks are 4 x 10 hour days. The fifth week is 5 x days on ‘earlies’- working from 2am-10.30am. The role also includes working one weekend in five, in an 8-hour shift.

Hourly Rate: £13.88 (equates to annual salary of £32,458 which includes additional pay for earlies and weekends)

YOU’LL MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT MATTER BY…

• Following Standard Operating Procedures, Site Policies and Safe Systems of Work (SSOW)
• Meeting KPIs and food hygiene requirements
• Carrying out visual line quality checks against required standards
• Reporting any food safety and health & safety non-conformances or behavioural issues to your line manager
• Adhering to Clean as You Go practices in work area
• Ensuring and verifying all cleaning and sanitization chemicals are correct and used as per work instructions
• Ensuring cleaning is performed and verified during production at the end of the manufacturing day

YOU’RE BEST SUITED FOR THE ROLE IF YOU ARE…

• Able to demonstrate good communication skills and a solid level of written and spoken English
• Skilled and experienced in manual handling
• Able to follow basic instructions and adhere to standard procedures
• Able to demonstrate appropriate levels of numeracy and literacy as required for the role
• Trained or experienced in basic Food & Hygiene Level 2 and Health & Safety Level 2 (desirable)

WE SUPPORT AND CARE FOR OUR EMPLOYEES BY PROVIDING YOU WITH…

• 25 holidays + 8 bank holidays
• Site bonus of up to £500 per year
• Full training and knowledge of our products
• Inclusive working environment
• 3% Employer Pension Contribution
• Health cash plan
• Access to the Thrive wellbeing app 24-hours a day
• Discounted SDUK branded products
• Free, onsite parking
• One paid workday a year to volunteer for a local community or charitable institutions of your choice
• My Staff Shop - access to exclusive benefits, free advice and savings - providing great discounts from thousands of the UKs largest retailers & service providers
• Opportunities for progression within the UK

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION AT SAPUTO

We support employment equity. Saputo strives to embed diversity and inclusion in its operations and invites candidates from all horizons to join our team. To enable you to bring your best we will ensure you are provided with any physical or non-physical adjustments to support your participation in the job application and interview process.

NB: This role has been assessed and is not eligible for visa sponsorship

#SDUK2026

In the UK, Saputo is a producer of leading British food brands and value-added ingredients. We manufacture a range of cheeses, dairy spreads, and dairy-free products, with a portfolio of well-loved brands including Cathedral City, Clover, Country Life, Frylight and Wensleydale. Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success. You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.

Making Good Food Is Our Passion, and we do it responsibly. Our caring teams process about 10 billion litres of milk annually into a diversified range of dairy and dairy alternative products sold in over 50 countries. With 54 manufacturing facilities and over 18,100 employees, we operate our leading business in Canada, the USA, Australia, and the United Kingdom. All dairy processors have access to the same raw material and equipment; what distinguishes us is our can-do spirit and our diverse, inclusive work culture that empowers employees to grow in their own way.

Stay in touch! Follow the hashtag #OurBestIsMadeOfYours on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.