At a Glance
- Tasks: Support sustainable food production in a hands-on role across various stages of farming.
- Company: Join a B-Corp certified vertical farm on a mission to change the world.
- Benefits: Earn £13.45/hr, enjoy 20 days holiday, and access learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with growth opportunities in a fast-growing industry.
- Why this job: Be part of a pioneering team making a real impact on sustainable food production.
- Qualifications: Team player with attention to detail and a positive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 27800 - 27800 € per year.
About Us
We’re on a mission to change the world by growing better. As a B-Corp certified, energy-saving, sustainably powered vertical farm, we’re transforming the way food is grown—creating delicious, nutritious, and affordable produce that doesn’t cost the earth. We believe in bold ambitions and simple solutions, tackling one of the world’s biggest challenges: sustainable food production.
At our core, we believe in:
- Standing Tall – We do what we say we’re going to do. We take pride in our work.
- Thinking Big – We embrace bold ambitions while avoiding unnecessary complexity.
- Growing Together – We’re one team, collaborating and challenging each other to unlock our full potential.
- Being Deep Rooted – We do the right thing, even when no one is looking. We care about people, the planet, and our business.
Your Role
We’re looking for a Food Production Operative to support our core farming and manufacturing processes, playing a vital part in producing high-quality, sustainable food. This role is essential to the seamless running of our vertical farming facility, and you'll be hands-on across various stages of production, from seeding to dispatch.
Location: This role will be based in Sandwich
Hours: minimum 40 hour week; 7am start with a 4 on 4 off shift pattern
You’ll work closely with the Agronomy and Production Supervisors, Warehouse Supervisors and Production Coordinator and other cross-functional teams to ensure we deliver exceptional products that meet the highest food safety and quality standards. You’ll be expected to think big, work efficiently, and help us grow together.
Who you’ll be working with
You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive production team, working alongside operatives, supervisors, engineers, and technical specialists. You’ll play a key role in ensuring our production lines run smoothly and sustainably while being given opportunities to develop your skills and grow your career. We believe in growing together, ensuring every team member has the opportunity to flourish and make a real impact.
What you’ll be doing
A typical day may involve working in the following areas:
- Scanning and manual handling of trays and trollies
- Hygiene duties
- Laying out benches
- Harvesting
- Loading empty crates into the optical sorter
- Transporting filled crates to the WIP chiller
- Completing crate labels
- Low care packing – Packing bagged product ready for despatch
- Packing cases to customer orders
- Manual handling of customer crates
- Tray Wash & Warehouse
Change water filters, remove gross debris and monitor chemical levels. Ensure materials are stored and handled safely. Manage loading control measures and product identification. Throughout your work, you’ll be encouraged to think big, embracing innovation while keeping solutions efficient and effective.
What skills you should have
We’re looking for someone who is deep rooted, passionate about people, the planet, and (of course) leafy greens, someone who thrives in a collaborative and purpose driven environment.
Must have skills:
- Team Player– Works well with others and communicates clearly.
- Attention to Detail– Consistently ensures product quality and accurate documentation.
- Positive Attitude– Enthusiastic, proactive, and willing to take on new tasks.
Nice to have skills:
- Previous Experience in Food Manufacturing– Knowledge of food hygiene practices.
- Forklift License– Helpful for supporting warehouse logistics.
What success looks like in this role
- 3 months in–You’ve mastered the basics across all production areas, built good team relationships, and consistently delivered to standard.
- 6 months in–You’ve gained deeper understanding of production systems and begun identifying opportunities to improve processes.
- 12 months in–You’re a key member of the team, trusted to train others and contribute to shaping a more efficient operation.
Interview Process
We believe in a transparent and streamlined hiring process. Here’s what you can expect:
- Initial screen–an initial video call with a member of the People team.
- Hiring Manager Interview– a deep dive over Teams into your experience and potential fit for this role.
- On site Interview– meet the team, get a feel for our culture, and present a task.
- Offer– if successful, we’ll make a verbal offer followed by the details in writing.
What’s in it for you?
We believe in standing tall by offering opportunities that allow you to grow, thrive and be recognised for your contributions.
- Be part of a pioneering business– join one of the fastest growing and most exciting teams in the vertical farming industry.
- Work with a team that’s rooted in purpose– you will work with and learn from a friendly, smart, growing, and passionate team who care about each other and the business.
- Cultivate your own growth– a chance to develop yourself and make the role your own as the business and team builds, broadening your knowledge and capabilities to push you to the next level.
- Make an impact– Help drive change for good as part of a B-Corp certified company leading sustainable innovation.
Our goal is to change the world by growing better – and we want you to be a part of that journey.
Package & Benefits
- Real Living Wage employer £13.45 /hr
- Overtime x1.25 (applicable after 40 hours completed)
- 20 days’ holiday
- 5% employer pension contribution
- Learning Portal – access to 100s of online courses
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Referral Bonus – Get £500 for every successful hire you refer
We believe in growing together, ensuring everyone in our team has the opportunity to thrive. Our team is the most valuable part of our business – our success is defined by the hard-working, brilliant and enthusiastic people we employ.
Our recruitment process and employment decisions are based on our business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, colour, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or disability status. We don’t tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics and we encourage all suitable applicants to apply for open positions.
Food production operative employer: GrowUp Farms
Join a pioneering B-Corp certified vertical farm in Sandwich, where we are committed to sustainable food production and fostering a collaborative work culture. As a Food Production Operative, you'll be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a positive impact on the planet while enjoying competitive benefits, opportunities for personal growth, and a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food production operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into their mission and values. Show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about sustainable food production and is excited to be part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to teamwork and attention to detail. Think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills and how they align with the role of a Food Production Operative.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your positive attitude! During the interview, let your enthusiasm shine through. They want to see that you’re proactive and willing to take on new tasks, so don’t hold back on sharing your excitement for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in joining their team. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Food production operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for sustainable food production! Share why you care about the planet and how you align with our mission to grow better. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in food manufacturing or teamwork. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for, so don’t be shy about showcasing your strengths!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point—just like our farming processes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at GrowUp Farms
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of food production and hygiene practices. Brush up on any relevant experience you have, especially if you've worked in food manufacturing before. This will show that you're serious about the role and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role is all about collaboration, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've worked well in a team. Think of specific situations where you contributed positively or helped resolve conflicts. This will demonstrate that you embody the 'growing together' ethos we value.
✨Embrace the Culture
Familiarise yourself with the company's mission and values. During the interview, express your passion for sustainable food production and how it aligns with your personal beliefs. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're a good cultural fit.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team's dynamics, opportunities for growth, or how they implement their sustainability practices. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.