Preparation Team Leader (Night Shift)
Cuisine Centre
SmartParc SEGRO, Derby, UK
Hourly Pay Rate: £17.25
About the Role
Working a 4 on, 4 off night shift pattern, you will lead the preparation team to ensure all ingredients and components are prepared accurately and ready for production. You'll be responsible for achieving operational targets while maintaining the highest standards of quality, food safety, hygiene, and product traceability.
Working Hours
40 hours per week
4 on, 4 off shift pattern: 22:00 – 06:30
Flexibility and occasional overtime required to meet operational demands.
£1 per hour night shift uplift.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the night preparation team to complete daily production plans.
Ensure ingredients are prepared, weighed, mixed, and packed in line with product build guides.
Maintain compliance with GMP, quality, food safety, and hygiene standards.
Ensure full product traceability through accurate documentation, date coding, and FIFO.
Maintain accurate inventory and material usage records.
Support waste reduction by following correct waste handling and disposal procedures.
Complete and sign off production and cleaning documentation accurately.
Maintain a safe working environment by enforcing Health & Safety, COSHH, and PPE requirements.
Lead, support, and motivate the night shift team to achieve operational targets.
Report quality, stock, or production issues promptly to the Production Manager.
Work collaboratively across departments and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Provide cover for the Production Manager during holidays and meetings when required.
Key Skills & Experience
Good literacy and numeracy skills.
Proficient IT skills.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
Flexible, proactive, and reliable.
Positive, "can-do" attitude and strong team player.
Previous experience leading or supervising a team.
Knowledge of food hygiene and quality standards.
About Cuisine Centre
As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Cuisine Centre is the food production arm of the UK's largest contract catering business. We prepare millions of quality meals each year across our five meal ranges, serving customers nationwide across a variety of sectors.
Our people are the secret ingredient to our success. We invest in your development, creating opportunities to build your career while delivering fresh, flavour-first food.
Our Four Core Values
Be a Foodist! – We are driven by a passion for food and culinary excellence.
Do the Right Thing – We act with integrity and honesty.
Take Responsibility – We take ownership of our actions and their impact.
Have Respect & Compassion – We put our people at the centre of everything we do.
If you're looking for a role in a growing food production business, where your work feels as good as it tastes, we'd love to hear from you.
Your Benefits
£1 per hour night shift uplift.
Free breakfast and lunch on shift.
Free on-site parking.
Convenient public transport links.
Perks at Work – discounts, rewards, and wellbeing support.
Career development and progression opportunities.
"Pride in Every Plate" recognition scheme.
Company pension scheme.
Free Employee Assistance Programme.
Access to our employee networks across Compass Group UK&I to help create an inclusive workplace.
