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)