Food Production Operative
Location: Chessington area (food manufacturing site)
Shift Pattern: 4 on / 4 off, 07:00 – 19:00
Hourly Pay: £12.30 (rising to £13.30 upon successful conversion)
Contract Type: Temp to perm16 weeks, with view to permanent employment
About the Role
We are recruiting for a Production Operative to join a busy food manufacturing operation (chilled environment). You’ll be part of a team producing and packing high-quality food products, working in a hygienic, fast-paced environment. The 16-week period acts as a pathway to permanent employment for those who demonstrate reliability, commitment, and the ability to perform to standard.
This is not a “stop-gap” role, we are seeking candidates who are serious about building a stable career in food production, willing to be hands-on, and comfortable being on their feet for long shifts.
Key Responsibilities
*
Working on the production line: portions, packing, weighing, labelling, quality checks
*
Operating manual and semi-automated equipment (training provided)
*
Maintaining hygiene, cleanliness, and following “clean-as-you-go” practices
*
Adhering to food safety, HACCP, and health & safety protocols
*
Reporting any faults, defects, or deviations immediately
*
Supporting colleagues and being flexible to contribute across tasks
*
Meeting productivity and quality targets as you progress
What We’re Looking For
Essential / Preferable Qualifications & Traits
*
Food Safety Level 2 certification, or willingness to complete our online training before or upon start
*
Strong work ethic: reliable, willing to commit full 16 weeks and beyond
*
Ability to remain alert and maintain quality over full 12-hour shifts
*
Comfortable working in a chilled, high-output food production environment
*
Basic English to follow instructions and record data
*
Previous experience in food production / manufacturing is a bonus but not essential
Physical & Work Requirements
*
Must be able to stand, walk, bend, lift (up to ~15 kg) over long periods
*
Able to tolerate cold zones (chilled work areas)
*
Comfortable wearing required PPE (gloves, hair nets, overalls, etc.)
*
Able to commute reliably to the site
What We Offer
*
Structured Temp-to-Perm pathway: £12.30/hr during 16 weeks, rising to £13.30/hr upon conversion into permanent role
*
Full training, including food safety, HACCP, and on-the-job coaching
*
Weekly monitoring, feedback and support during the 16 weeks
*
Stable shift pattern and consistency (4 on / 4 off)
*
Opportunity for long-term career progression in a well-established operation
The Pathway Explained
*
The 16-week period acts as a real assessment window, not just a “trial”
*
Performance, attendance, reliability, quality, and culture fit will all be evaluated
*
Those who meet the criteria will be offered direct permanent employment
*
Support and feedback will be ongoing (weekly touchpoints)
How to Apply
Please submit your CV / application with a short note explaining:
1.
Why you want to work in food production
2.
Whether you hold a Food Safety Level 2 qualification (or your willingness to complete it)
3.
Your availability and commute (or postal area)