Yester Farm Dairies is a family operated artisan dairy producing a range of soft cheeses, cultured creams, soft cheeses, yoghurts and mozzarella all on the family farm. Family run, we are based in the beautiful East Lothian countryside close to the coast, Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders. Must live within the local area and have own means of transport.
Shift work (might include some days to cover annual leave)
Job Purpose
To support the safe, compliant, and efficient production and packing of dairy products in accordance with BRCGS Food Safety Standards, company procedures, and customer requirements. The role requires strict adherence to food safety, legality, quality, and hygiene standards at all times.
1. Key Responsibilities
· Operate maintenance of packing machinery in line with documented procedures and work instructions
· Assist in the production and packing of cheese and cultured cream products to defined specifications, ensuring consistency, quality, and traceability.
· Perform shredding and dicing of mozzarella using approved equipment and safe working practices.
· Complete all required production records clearly and accurately to support traceability and audit compliance.
2. Food Safety, Quality & Compliance
· Comply with all food safety systems, including HACCP, prerequisite programmes, and site quality procedures;
· Follow all documented procedures relating to product handling, allergen control, contamination prevention, and foreign body control.
· Maintain strict segregation of raw and finished products where applicable.
· Ensure all products are handled, stored, and processed in a manner that prevents contamination, deterioration, or misuse.
· Adhere to allergen management controls, including correct handling, storage, and labelling of allergenic materials if applicable.
· Immediately report any food safety, quality, or legality concerns, including deviations, non-conformances, or incidents.
· Support internal audits, inspections, and corrective actions as required.
· Maintain full traceability through accurate recording of batch, production, and processing data;
3. Packing, Labelling & Product Handling
· Carry out filling, packing, sealing, and labelling of products in accordance with procedures;
· Ensure all labels are accurate, legible, and correctly applied (including batch codes and use-by dates);
· Maintain product integrity and presentation standards;
· Prevent cross-contamination during all handling and packing activities.
4. Housekeeping & Hygiene
· Maintain high standards of personal hygiene in line with site rules, including correct use of PPE and handwashing procedures.
· Clean and sanitise equipment and production areas in accordance with documented cleaning schedules and procedures.
· Ensure work areas are kept clean, organised, and audit-ready at all times.
· Report any hygiene risks, pest activity, or contamination concerns immediately.
5. Record Keeping & Traceability
· Complete production, cleaning, and stock records accurately, legibly, and in real time;
· Assist with stock control of ingredients, packaging materials, and consumables;
· Report shortages or discrepancies promptly.
6. Equipment Operation
· Operate warehouse and production handling equipment safely and in line with training;
· Conduct basic pre-use checks on equipment such as pallet trucks or forklifts (if authorised);
· Report any equipment faults or safety concerns immediately;
· Follow all manual handling and safe lifting procedures.
7. Health & Safety:
· Follow all health and safety procedures, including safe use of machinery and manual handling practices.
· Report hazards, near misses, or unsafe conditions promptly.
8. Communication & Teamworking
· Work closely with cheesemakers, production staff, and management to support efficient operations;
· Communicate clearly regarding production issues, deviations, or quality concerns;
· Contribute to a positive food safety culture by following procedures and raising concerns appropriately.
9. Audits & Continuous Improvement
· Support internal and external audits by maintaining compliance with procedures and records
· Participate in corrective actions and improvement initiatives;
· Contribute suggestions to improve efficiency, quality, and safety of production processes
10. Training & Food Safety Culture:
· Participate in all required training, including food safety, HACCP awareness, allergen management, and BRCGS requirements.
· Demonstrate a positive food safety culture by taking responsibility for product safety and quality.
· Maintain awareness of individual responsibilities in relation to food safety, legality, authenticity, and quality.
11. General Duties:
· Support wider production operations as required to meet business needs.
· Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by management.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £13.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- You will require a car or bike to get to site, we are in a rural area without good public transport links so a car/bike is essential.
Work Location: In person
