Production Process Operative

Dale Farm; Cookstown; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Dale Farm Cooperative invites applications for a Production Process Operative to join the Bulk Cheese and Whey team. You will help ensure safe, efficient production of cheese and whey products on a 3 on 3 off rotating 12-hour shift pattern.

The role requires a background in food manufacturing, a hands-on approach and commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement. Training and development are included in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 GCSE’s or equivalent (inc English and Maths).
• A minimum of 1 years’ relevant food manufacturing / FMCG experience.
• A demonstrable technical skill set – mechanical, electrical or electronic.
• Strong communication skills both verbal, written and computerised.
• Clearly demonstrate an ability to communicate to and work with to a range of internal and external stakeholders professionally and effectively.
• Food Hygiene / Safety Level 2
• HACCP level 2
• Working knowledge of a Cheese or Whey Production Process.
• Working knowledge of Scada systems.

Responsibilities

• Health & Safety: Follow health and safety rules and company policies. Participate in the production risk assessments and method statements for those tasks performed.
• Quality Control: Check products for defects and ensure quality.
• Operate Machinery: In accordance with company Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessments/Method Statements.
• Monitor Production: Adjusting production lines as needed to avoid downtime.
• Material Handling: Assist and support all the production teams in loading and unloading materials and products where suitable qualified.
• Troubleshoot: Analyse production line and machinery performance for issues, resolve these issues or report issues.
• Record Keeping: Keep accurate records of production activities to comply with company and legislative requirements.
• Cleaning: Strictly follow the departments cleaning schedule and support other functions as deemed necessary by Line Management.
• Process Improvement: Help improve production processes.
• Training: Fully embrace all training for the role and be prepared to cross train within the department to support the Factory targets.
• Other Duties: Perform other reasonable tasks as assigned by the Line Management.

Skills

1 year experience

Technical skills (mechanical/electical

Communication skills

Stakeholder communication

SCADA systems

Education

3 GCSEs or equivalent (incl English & Maths)

Tools

SCADA systems

Job description

Closing Date : 05 November 2026 05:00 pm

Dale Farm Cooperative is a UK dairy farmer co-operative owned by over 1200 dairy farmers who supply us with fresh milk. Dale Farm has operations throughout the UK and Ireland producing and distributing a wide range of dairy products which it sells across the UK and Ireland as well as exporting to over 45 countries worldwide.

At Dale Farm virtually every career discipline is represented in our workforce, from production, engineering and distribution, to sales & marketing and food technology/quality assurance, to Finance, HR and IT through to general management. Our standards are high and when we recruit we are looking for those with energy and drive, who are keen for responsibility and motivated to succeed with a record of achievement and with the potential to develop as the company grows.

Culture

Our culture is based on setting best in class standards, working to-wards and delivering on committed objectives, striving for constant improvement and involving everyone in the company. We strive to develop our people and harness everyone's contribution to deliver a winning team.

The company is an Equal Opportunities employer and is committed to a safe, inclusive and relationship based workspace.

In return, we offer a high degree of responsibility, plenty of challenge, good opportunities for learning and personal development and rewarding benefit packages, all within a fast moving and results oriented environment.

Production Process Operative

As a key member of the Bulk Cheese and Whey team, a Production Process Operative, will play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient production of quality cheese and whey products. The working pattern associated with this role is 3 on 3 off rotating 12-hour shifts. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who thrives in a hands-on environment and is passionate about a career in the food industry.

The Role:

• Health & Safety: Follow health and safety rules and company policies. Participate in the production risk assessments and method statements for those tasks performed. Report any near misses or incidents immediately to the Shift Manager or Relief.
• Quality Control: Check products for defects and ensure quality.
• Operate Machinery: In accordance with company Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessments/Method Statements.
• Monitor Production: Adjusting production lines as needed to avoid downtime.
• Material Handling: Assist and support all the production teams in loading and unloading materials and products were suitable qualified.
• Troubleshoot: Analyse production line and machinery performance for issues, resolve these issues or report issues.
• Record Keeping: Keep accurate records of production activities to comply with company and legislative requirements.
• Cleaning: Strictly follow the departments cleaning schedule and support other functions as deemed necessary by Line Management.
• Process Improvement: Help improve production processes.
• Training: Fully embrace all training for the role and be prepared to cross train within the department to support the Factory targets.
• Other Duties: Perform other reasonable tasks as assigned by the Line Management.

The Person

• Minimum of 3 GCSE’s or equivalent (inc English and Maths)
• A minimum of 1 years’ relevant food manufacturing / FMCG experience.
• A demonstrable technical skill set – mechanical, electrical or electronic.
• Strong communication skills both verbal, written and computerised.
• Clearly demonstrate an ability to communicate to and work with to a range of internal and external stakeholders professionally and effectively.
• Food Hygiene / Safety Level 2
• HACCP level 2
• Working knowledge of a Cheese or Whey Production Process.
• Working knowledge of Scada systems.

Completed application form, must be received by Thursday 5th November 2026 by 5:00pm

Only applications from EU Nationals or those with a valid permit to work in the UK will be accepted.

We are an equal opportunities employer AMBITION | CURIOSITY | TEAMWORK | POSITIVITY | RESOLVE | ACCOUNTABILITY