Vacancy Detail

Production Operative

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)

Location: Chessington | Salary: £12.30 - £13.30 per hour | Job type: Permanent | Posted: 13/10/2025