About Us
Fen Farm is a well-established, family-run dairy farm and artisan food producer based in Bungay, Suffolk. We pride ourselves on sourcing high-quality ingredients from our farm shop and trusted local suppliers, and producing food with care, skill, and integrity. Sustainability, traditional methods, and reducing waste are at the heart of everything we do.
About the Role
We are looking for reliable and hardworking Casual Cheese Production Operatives to support our cheesemaking team during busy periods and seasonal demand. This hands-on role is responsible for supporting all stages of the cheesemaking process, from milk preparation and curd handling through to maturation, packing, and preparation for dispatch.
Working within a production and maturation environment, you will help ensure our cheeses are produced, handled, and cared for to the highest standards of quality, consistency, and food safety. The role includes turning cheeses during maturation, supporting production activities, and carrying out cleaning and sanitation tasks to maintain a safe and hygienic working environment.
This is a physically active role that requires a good level of fitness, attention to detail, and a willingness to work flexibly as part of a team.
Key Responsibilities:
Cheese Production
- Assist with all stages of cheesemaking, including renneting, curd handling, moulding, salting, turning, and transfer to maturation.
- Support milk intake and preparation in line with production requirements.
- Follow production schedules, standard operating procedures, and instructions from the Cheese Production Manager.
- Carry out routine production checks, including temperature and pH monitoring where required.
- Complete production records accurately and on time.
- Support the efficient flow of product through the production process.
Maturation & Dispatch Preparation
- Handle, move, turn, and care for cheeses during drying and maturation.
- Monitor cheese condition and report any quality concerns or defects.
- Support wrapping, packing, labelling, and preparation of products for dispatch.
- Ensure all cheeses are handled carefully to maintain quality and presentation standards.
- Assist with stock movement and organisation within production and maturation areas.
Hygiene, Cleaning & Food Safety
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene at all times.
- Carry out scheduled cleaning and sanitation across production and maturation areas.
- Clean equipment, tools, and work areas in accordance with cleaning schedules.
- Follow all food safety, HACCP, SALSA, and health and safety procedures.
- Ensure compliance with food safety and quality requirements throughout all tasks.
Teamwork & Communication
- Work collaboratively with the Cheese Production Manager and wider production team.
- Follow instructions clearly and accurately.
- Report equipment faults, quality concerns, stock issues, or production problems promptly.
- Support colleagues to ensure smooth daily production operations.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties within cheese production or other areas of the business when required.
What We're Looking For:
Essential
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to work efficiently within a food production environment.
- Good organisational skills and a proactive approach to work.
- Ability to follow procedures and maintain high hygiene standards.
- Reliable, punctual, and able to work effectively as part of a team.
- Physically capable of carrying out manual handling tasks throughout the day.
Desirable
- Previous experience in food production, food handling, agriculture, manufacturing, or warehouse environments.
- Knowledge of food hygiene and food safety practices.
- Experience working with quality-controlled food products.
Physical Requirements
- This is a physically demanding role involving regular manual handling.
- Candidates must be comfortable lifting, moving, stacking, and turning cheese throughout the working day.
- Ability to work on your feet for extended periods within production and maturation environments.
What Success Looks Like
- Production tasks are completed accurately, efficiently, and to the required standards.
- Cheese is handled, turned, and cared for correctly throughout the maturation process.
- High standards of hygiene, food safety, and health and safety are maintained at all times.
- Production and cleaning records are completed accurately and on time.
- Work areas remain clean, organised, and inspection-ready.
- Issues are identified and reported promptly.
- Consistent support is provided to ensure smooth and efficient daily production operations.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a passionate team producing exceptional artisan cheese.
- Work in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Gain hands-on experience across all stages of cheesemaking.
- Flexible casual hours to support business needs.
- Contribute directly to producing award-winning products enjoyed by customers across the UK.
Job Type: Casual Worker
Salary: Competitive hourly rate
Hours: Flexible, based on business requirements
Work Location: On-site only
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
