Skilled Production Operative

The Compleat Food Group; Market Drayton; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday 24 days

Overtime premium

Staff discounts

Free parking

Discount portal

Charity initiatives

Grocery Aid access

Training & development

Company pension

Job summary

The Compleat Food Group’s Palethorpes Bakery in Market Drayton is seeking a Skilled Production Operative to help run production lines safely and efficiently, ensuring quality products and minimal downtime.

You will work a 5am–5pm shift on a 4-on, 4-off pattern, with an hourly rate of £14.11 and overtime opportunities; a supportive team and development opportunities are available.

Qualifications

• Previous manufacturing or food production experience (desirable)
• Good numeracy and literacy skills
• Basic computer skills
• Good spoken and written English
• Positive, team-focused attitude
• Good problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

• Operate production machinery safely and efficiently
• Carry out pre-start checks and report issues
• Understand equipment in your area
• Monitor products to meet customer specs and quality standards
• Take corrective action or escalate issues
• Identify machinery issues and assist Engineering to minimise downtime
• Record downtime and production information
• Promote Clean As You Go and GMP
• Communicate with colleagues and management
• Keep production running smoothly through your shift

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Numeracy

Literacy

Basic computer skills

English communication

Team player

Problem solving

Tools

None

Job description

Salary: £14.11 per hour (plus overtime outside of normal shift)

We’re looking for a Skilled Production Operative to join our team at Palethorpes Bakery in Market Drayton, part of The Compleat Food Group.

This is a hands‑on role where you’ll take responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of production machinery, helping us manufacture high-quality food products that meet our customers’ expectations.

If you have experience in a manufacturing environment, enjoy problem-solving and like being part of a busy, supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.

Job Title: Skilled Production Operative

Shift Pattern: 5am-5pm (4 on 4 off)

Location: Palethorpes Bakery, Market Drayton, TF9 3AL

Salary: £14.11 per hour(plus overtime outside of normal shift)

What you’ll be doing

As a Skilled Production Operative, you’ll play an important part in keeping our production lines running safely, efficiently and to the right quality standards.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Operating production machinery safely and efficiently.
• Carrying out pre-start checks in line with site procedures and immediately reporting any issues to your Group Leader.
• Developing an in‑depth understanding of the equipment and machinery used within your area.
• Monitoring products to ensure they meet the required customer specifications and quality standards.
• Taking corrective action when required or escalating issues to your Group Leader.
• Identifying machinery issues and working with our Engineering team to help minimise disruption and downtime.
• Accurately recording machinery downtime and other relevant production information.
• Promoting excellent Clean As You Go (CAYG) and Good Manufacturing Practices across the team.
• Communicating effectively with colleagues, Group Leaders, Engineers and the wider management team.
• Helping to keep production running smoothly and efficiently throughout your shift.

What we’re looking for

You’ll be someone who enjoys working in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment and takes pride in doing things properly.

Ideally, you’ll have:

• Previous manufacturing or food production experience – desirable but not essential.
• Good numeracy and literacy skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Good spoken and written English.
• A positive, team‑focused attitude.
• Good problem‑solving skills.

Benefits to Include:

• 24 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
• Enhanced rates for all overtime
• Heavy discounted staff shop
• Free Parking
• Sink your teeth into discounts with our online and high‑street retailer discount scheme and benefits portal.
• Join us in spreading sweetness with charity initiatives and team events that'll warm your heart.
• 24/7 access to Grocery Aid
• Rise through the ranks with informal and formal training and career development opportunities through our individual online LMS portal.
• Secure your future with our company pension plan

What You Should Know About How We Recruit

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe great teams are built on difference. We create an inclusive, respectful environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and are able to be themselves at work.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect. If you need a reasonable adjustment at any stage of our recruitment process, just let us know, we’ll support you — confidentially and with care.

We hire the best people for our roles, not the same people. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, we focus on what you do and the impact you could make in our business. Our recruitment process is fair, accessible, and designed to give everyone an equal chance.

You’ll also find benefits that support people at every life stage, plus active internal networks — including Women @ Compleat, LGBTQIA+, and Neurodiversity

Recruitment Agencies:

We have a small, active and trusted Preferred Supplier List to assist us if required. We do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions. We only accept CV submissions for roles released to you directly by our Talent Acquisition team.

£14.11 per hour (plus overtime outside of normal shift)

£14.11 per hour (plus overtime outside of normal shift)