General Production Operative (Fruit Packing)
Location: Ardleigh, Colchester, Essex
Department: Production
Job Type: Full-time / Permanent (Shift patterns to be confirmed)
Join the Peake Fruit Team
Peake Fruit is a long-established, family-owned fresh produce business with over 40 years of experience in growing, storing, packing and supplying high-quality British and imported fruit to leading UK retailers. As one of the largest fruit packhouses in East Anglia, we're proud of our reputation for quality, innovation and teamwork.
We're looking for enthusiastic and reliable General Production Operatives to join our busy production team. If you're hardworking, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and take pride in producing quality work, we'd love to hear from you.
The Role
As a General Production Operative, you'll play an important part in ensuring our fruit is packed safely, accurately and to the highest standards before reaching customers across the UK.
Your Responsibilities
- Pack fresh fruit into trays, punnets, bags and boxes.
- Follow customer specifications for weight, size, presentation and labelling.
- Maintain a consistent and efficient working pace.
- Handle fruit carefully to minimise damage and waste.
- Carry out visual quality checks and remove damaged or unsuitable products.
- Ensure labels and batch information are correct.
- Report quality or production issues to the Line Leader.
- Follow all food safety, hygiene and health & safety procedures.
- Wear the required PPE and maintain a clean working area.
- Work closely with colleagues to achieve production targets.
- Support new team members when required and contribute to a positive team environment.
What We're Looking For
We'd like to hear from candidates who are:
- Reliable and punctual.
- Able to work in a fast-paced production environment.
- Comfortable standing for long periods.
- Detail-oriented with good hand-eye coordination.
- Able to follow instructions accurately.
- Positive, flexible and willing to work as part of a team.
- Previous food production or packing experience is beneficial but not essential as full training will be provided.
What Success Looks Like
You'll be successful in this role by:
- Maintaining excellent packing speed and productivity.
- Producing consistently high-quality work.
- Keeping waste to a minimum.
- Demonstrating excellent attendance and reliability.
- Supporting your colleagues and contributing to a positive working environment.
Why Join Peake Fruit?
- Full training provided.
- Friendly, supportive team environment.
- Opportunity to work for an established, family-run business.
- Modern fruit packing facility.
- Opportunities to develop your skills and progress within the business.
If you're looking for a hands-on role with a company that values quality, teamwork and reliability, we'd love to receive your application.
Apply today and become part of the Peake Fruit team.
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
