Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-focused Production Assistant to join our small but experienced team.
The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in the production process within our facility, ensuring that all operations run smoothly and efficiently and playing their part in this team-orientated environment.
This position is essential for maintaining high standards of quality, food hygiene, food safety and health & safety throughout our production operation.
The role will primarily be based within our production unit, working closely alongside the Production Manager. However, as part of our small and growing business, there will also be occasions where you will be required to provide delivery driving cover and support our retail shop.
We typically run production from Monday to Thursday inclusive, although there will be occasions when production will also be required on a Friday, along with any delivery driving cover or Retail cover.
Responsibilities
Production
- Working closely alongside our Production Manager as part of a small team, with effective communication to ensure standards, efficiency, quality and productivity are maintained at a high level.
- Assisting with the preparation, production and packing of food products according to established recipes, specifications and production requirements.
- Ensuring products are consistently produced to our required quality standards.
- Supporting the training and development of team members where required.
- Communicating effectively with all departments within this small but growing business.
- Ensuring compliance with food safety standards, including following HACCP procedures and all company food hygiene requirements.
- Maintaining high standards of personal hygiene and cleanliness throughout the production process.
- Conducting regular checks on equipment to ensure it is functioning correctly and reporting any mechanical or maintenance issues.
- Maintaining cleanliness and organisation of the production area in accordance with food hygiene, health & safety and food safety requirements.
- Collaborating with team members to optimise workflow and improve production efficiency.
- Performing basic mathematical calculations for inventory management, weighing and product measurements.
- Working with and taking direction from Production Management, while being capable of taking responsibility for the production operation in the event of management absence.
Delivery Driving
As part of the flexibility required within this role, you will occasionally be required to provide delivery driving cover.
Duties would include:
- Delivering products and orders to our wholesale and online retail customers in a professional and friendly manner.
- Ensuring products are handled and transported safely and in accordance with food safety requirements.
- Loading and unloading products safely.
- Ensuring the delivery vehicle is kept clean and presentable.
- Completing delivery paperwork and any required checks.
- Providing delivery cover when our usual driver is unavailable.
Retail Shop
There will also be occasions when you will be required to provide support and cover within our retail sausage shop.
Duties would include:
- Serving customers in a friendly, professional and helpful manner.
- Assisting with the preparation, packing and presentation of products for sale.
- Replenishing stock and maintaining an attractive shop display.
- Operating the till and handling customer transactions where required.
- Maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness, food hygiene and presentation within the shop.
- Answering customer queries and providing information about our products.
- Supporting the wider team with general shop duties as required.
Requirements
- Previous experience in food production or a similar environment, such as a butchers, is desirable but not essential.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to work effectively as part of a small team.
- Confidence in communicating effectively with colleagues and management.
- Basic maths skills are essential for accurate weighing, measurements and inventory tasks.
- Knowledge of food safety practices, including HACCP, is highly desirable.
- A good understanding of food hygiene and health & safety requirements.
- Mechanical knowledge would be beneficial for troubleshooting equipment issues during production.
- The ability to work with and take instructions from Production Management, while also being confident enough to use your own initiative.
- A full and clean UK driving licence is essential.
- Comfortable with early morning starts.
- Reliable, punctual and committed to helping the business grow.
- Friendly and confident when dealing with customers when providing retail shop or delivery cover.
- Flexible and willing to support different areas of the business when required.
The Opportunity
This is a varied role within a small but growing business and would suit someone who enjoys being hands-on and taking pride in the work they do.
While the main focus of the role is food production, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to gain experience across our production, delivery and retail operations. There is also room for progression and increased responsibility should the company achieve its growth plans.
If you are passionate about food production, customer service and take pride in maintaining high standards and enjoy being part of a close-knit team, we would encourage you to apply.
Job Type
Permanent
Benefits
- Free parking and on-site parking at Production
Schedule
- Monday to Friday
- Occasional weekend work required to meet business needs.
- Early morning starts
- Occasional Friday production as required
Ability to Commute/Relocate
Ipswich: Reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience
Language
Work Location
In person
Job Type: Permanent
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Experience:
- Food production: 1 year (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
