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