General Operative, 4 days on/4days off

O'Brien Fine Foods; Naas; On-site; EUR 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 paid breaks per day

4 days off after each 4-day block

Overtime paid at Time & 1/2

Bike to work scheme

Employee assistance program

Job summary

O’Brien Fine Foods, based in Timahoe, Co. Kildare, is looking for Production Operatives to join a busy chilled food facility producing Brady Family Ham. The role offers a 4-days-on/4-days-off pattern with no night shifts, full training, and progression opportunities within a supportive team environment.

You will work in a modern production setting, receive shift premiums and access benefits such as EAP and annual leave enhancements. Previous FMCG experience is helpful but not required.

Qualifications

• No formal qualifications required; full training provided.
• Experience in FMCG or manufacturing is advantageous but not essential.
• Awareness of food safety and hygiene standards is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Carry out assigned production tasks in line with SOPs – Standard Operating Procedures.
• Operate slicing and packaging equipment safely and efficiently.
• Follow instructions from Team Leaders and Supervisors while taking ownership of tasks.
• Identify and report safety, quality or performance issues promptly.
• Work collaboratively as part of a production team.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and Team Leaders.
• Support a positive team culture focused on safety and quality.
• Operate machinery within a controlled High Care environment.
• Manage equipment changeovers and data collection.
• Maintain strict compliance with food safety and H&S standards in a fast-paced FMCG setting.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Willingness to learn

Attention to detail

Flexible/adaptable

Education

No formal qualifications required

Job description

Job Description:

O’Brien Fine Foods is an Irish family business based in Timahoe, Co. Kildare. Our Production Operatives play a vital role in producing the high‑quality food and best loved brand (Brady Family Ham) enjoyed by families across Ireland. This is a hands‑on role in our modern production environment, where teamwork, pride in your work and doing the right thig really matter. We’re offering a predictable 4‑days‑on / 4‑days‑off shift pattern, giving you genuine work‑life balance, regular time off and consistent hours — with no night shifts.

You’ll be fully trained, supported by experienced Team Leaders, and part of a close‑knit team that looks out for one another. We have a structured development plan for our operations colleagues to support them to enhance their skills and their earning potential. Whether you’re experienced in food production or looking to build a long‑term career in manufacturing, this is a great opportunity to join a growing, stable business that invests in its people. In return for your commitment and attention to quality and safety, you’ll benefit from a competitive rate structure, shift premiums, paid breaks, overtime opportunities, and the reassurance of steady, year‑round work.

If you enjoy practical work, take pride in producing quality products in a chilled food production environment, and want a role that offers structure, stability and opportunity to progress — we’d love to hear from you.

You will also have access to our Employee Assistance Programme, Life assurance cover, colleague product shop, complementary monthly lunch, additional annual leave with service, recognition and service awards, Christmas Hamper and much more.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out assigned production tasks in line with SOPs – Standard Operating Procedures.
• Operate slicing and packaging equipment safely and efficiently.
• Follow instructions from Team Leaders and Supervisors while taking ownership of tasks.
• Identify and report safety, quality or performance issues promptly.
• Work collaboratively as part of a production team.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and Team Leaders.
• Support a positive team culture focused on safety and quality.
• Operate machinery within a controlled High Care environment.
• Manage equipment changeovers and data collection.
• Maintain strict compliance with food safety and H&S standards in a fast-paced FMCG setting.

Education & Qualifications

• No formal qualifications required.
• Full training is provided.

Knowledge & Exp

• Previous experience in FMCG or manufacturing is advantageous but not essential.
• Awareness of food safety and hygiene standards is beneficial.

Core Skills

• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• High motivation and willingness to learn.
• Attention to detail and quality focus.
• Flexible and adaptable to business needs.

Working Conditions: Chilled food production environment operating a four days on / four days off shift pattern. Shifts operate from 6:00am to 6:30pm

Benefits:

• You will have 3 breaks in a day and 1 of these will be paid (30 mins).
• You will have 4 consecutive days off plus your annual leave entitlement. This means you could take 4 days Annual Leave and have a period of 12 days off.
• You will have access to Overtime: Paid at Time & ½ for all hours worked above rostered weekly hours.
• Each team/ shift have some public holidays off – this will vary depending on how your roster falls.
• You will always have your evenings free – finishing your shift at 6.30pm daily.
• There are health benefits to working a predictable shift pattern, particularly sleep health.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Maternity top up scheme after two years service
• Enhanced annual leave scheme commencing after two years service

Physical requirements

The work in some areas can be physically demanding & it will be necessary to stand for extended periods of time, lift heavy objects on a regular basis & do repetitive tasks. Job rotation, manual handling techniques and observing rest periods are of vast importance.

Hours of Work:

Each team will work four days on and four days off per week. Shift starts at 6:00am and ending at 6:30pm daily.

Benefits:

• Bike to work scheme
• Employee assistance program
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person