JOB DESCRIPTION – TRAINEE CHEESEMAKER
This growing family business producing and supplying quality dairy products UK-wide is looking for an additional trainee cheese maker to join the production team. There is scope for progression for the right person.
Shift work - moving to 4 on 4 off
Role Purpose
To develop practical skills and technical knowledge in cheesemaking while actively supporting production in a food manufacturing environment operating to BRCGS standards. The role combines hands-on production work with structured training to achieve competence in all key cheesemaking processes.
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1. Training & Competency Development
a) Undertake structured training in cheesemaking processes, dairy science principles, and production systems;
b) Develop competence in production tasks under supervision, progressing towards independent working where appropriate;
c) Build understanding of key cheesemaking principles including milk handling, pasteurisation, culturing, coagulation, curd handling, and maturation;
d) Maintain accurate training and competency records in line with site procedures;
e) Participate in ongoing assessments to demonstrate skill development.
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2. Production Duties
a) Assist and progressively take responsibility for the manufacture of cheese and dairy products in accordance with approved recipes, specifications, and make sheets;
b) Operate production and packing equipment safely and in line with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs);
c) Monitor key process parameters (e.g. temperature, time, pH) and report any deviations promptly;
d) Ensure production activities consistently meet product quality, safety, and legality requirements.
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3. Food Safety, Quality & Compliance
a) Comply with all food safety systems including HACCP, prerequisite programmes, and site quality procedures;
b) Understand and support monitoring of Critical Control Points (CCPs) under supervision;
c) Follow allergen management procedures, including segregation, changeovers, and contamination prevention;
d) Ensure full product traceability by correctly recording batch information and production data;
e) Support compliance with BRCGS, and regulatory requirements.
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4. Hygiene, Cleaning & Site Standards
a) Carry out cleaning and sanitation tasks in accordance with cleaning schedules and SSOPs;
b) Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and comply with hygiene zoning and PPE requirements;
c) Ensure production areas, tools, and equipment are kept clean, safe, and audit-ready;
d) Report any hygiene risks, contamination issues, or pest sightings immediately.
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5. Packing, Labelling & Product Handling
a) Assist in filling, packing, and labelling of products in accordance with documented procedures;
b) Ensure correct labelling, including batch codes, use-by dates, and product identification;
c) Maintain high standards of presentation and packaging integrity;
d) Prevent cross-contamination during handling and packing activities.
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6. Record Keeping & Traceability
a) Complete production, cleaning, and stock records accurately, legibly, and in real time;
b) Ensure documentation complies with BRCGS and company traceability requirements;
c) Assist with stock control, including monitoring and reporting shortages of ingredients, packaging, and consumables.
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7. Health & Safety
a) Comply with all Health & Safety policies, risk assessments, and safe systems of work;
b) Use equipment and PPE correctly and safely at all times;
c) Report all accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions immediately.
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8. Communication & Teamworking
a) Work closely with cheesemakers, production staff, and management to support efficient operations;
b) Communicate clearly regarding production issues, deviations, or quality concerns;
c) Contribute to a positive food safety culture by following procedures and raising concerns appropriately.
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9. Audits & Continuous Improvement
a) Support internal and external audits by maintaining compliance with procedures and documentation;
b) Participate in corrective actions and improvement initiatives;
c) Continuously develop knowledge of food safety, quality systems, and operational best practice.
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10. General Responsibilities
a) Carry out any other reasonable duties as required;
b) Act at all times in a manner that protects the safety, quality, and legality of products.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Do you have your own transport to and from work as we are not on a public transport route?
Work Location: In person
