Production Process Operative

Dale Farm; Cookstown; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Dale Farm is seeking a Production Process Operative to join the Bulk Cheese and Whey team on a 3 on 3 off, 12‑hour shift pattern. The role focuses on safe, efficient production of cheese and whey products within a fast-paced environment.

You will follow health and safety rules, operate machinery, monitor lines, and support loading/unloading while contributing to continuous improvement. The ideal candidate has 1 year in food manufacturing and good communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 GCSEs including English and Maths.
• A demonstrable technical skill set – mechanical, electrical or electronic.
• Food Hygiene / Safety Level 2 and HACCP Level 2.
• Strong communication, both written and verbal, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Health & Safety: follow rules and company policies, report near misses.
• Quality Control: check products for defects and ensure quality.
• Operate Machinery: according to SOPs and risk assessments.
• Monitor Production: adjust lines to avoid downtime and maintain efficiency.
• Material Handling: assist with loading/unloading materials.

Skills

Mechanical skills

Electrical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

3 GCSEs including English & Maths

Food Hygiene Level 2

HACCP Level 2

Tools

SCADA systems

Job description

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.

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