At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare, pack, and label fresh meat products while ensuring quality and hygiene standards.
- Company: Join a family-run business with over 150 years of experience in the food industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, 20% staff discount, and access to health support.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth with fully funded training and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values passion, enterprise, and family in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Food safety awareness, attention to detail, and good communication skills are essential.
Based at our contemporary head office and distribution centre on the outskirts of Preston, James Hall & Co. Ltd. have been established for over 150 years proudly serving communities across the north of England as supplier and distributor to over 450 SPAR stores. We are proud to be one of the biggest employers in Lancashire with over 4000 colleagues who represent our core values of passion, enterprise, and family every single day.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of work: 38 hours per week (Monday – Friday 07:00 till 16:15)
Location: James Hall & Co. Ltd, SPAR Distribution Centre, Bowland View, Preston, PR2 5QT
About the Role
We have an opportunity within our Fresh Meat Department here at James Hall & Co. This is a key role where you’ll help ensure our fresh meat products are prepared, packed, and labelled to the highest standards of quality, hygiene, and food safety.
Here’s What You Can Expect to be Doing:
- Operating preparation, packing, and labelling machinery for fresh meat products.
- Following strict hygiene and food safety procedures at all times.
- Checking product quality and reporting any issues immediately.
- Completing accurate production records for full traceability.
- Cleaning and sanitising work areas and equipment regularly.
- Wearing the correct PPE and following all health and safety guidelines.
- Assisting with stock control and correct storage of products.
- Working as part of a team to meet daily production targets and deadlines.
- Lifting product, loading machines, moving pallets and other forms of manual handling.
A Few Things About You:
- Food Safety Awareness – understanding of hygiene standards.
- Attention to Detail – ability to spot and report quality issues.
- Physically Fit – comfortable working in a chilled environment and performing repetitive tasks involving manual handling.
- Good Communication – able to work well with your team and follow instructions clearly.
- Problem-Solving Skills – confident in responding to operational issues and escalating when needed.
- Basic Numeracy & Literacy – for accurate record keeping and understanding written instructions.
- Team Player – positive attitude and willingness to support others in a fast‑paced environment.
It’s a Bonus If You Have:
- Previous experience working in a food production area.
- Knowledge of HACCP principles or food safety certifications.
Why Join Us?
James Hall & Co. Ltd. have one simple vision: to still be in business in another 50 years! To make this vision possible we need the best talent to join us on our journey. We are a family company and believe that if we look after our people, they will look after us.
- Loyalty Pay – Celebrate your work anniversary with a little extra! You’ll earn an additional £0.25 per hour over the financial year, with the hourly amount increasing the longer you stay with us. Your total is paid as a lump sum in the month following your anniversary.
- 20% Staff Discount – Enjoy 20% off your shopping in our company‑owned SPAR stores — perfect for those everyday essentials and treats.
- Annual Leave – Start with a generous 30 days of annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays. Entitlement increases with length of service, rewarding your continued commitment.
- Health & Wellbeing – All colleagues can access our on‑site registered nurses and physiotherapist at Bowland View for confidential support. We also run a year‑round programme of health and wellbeing initiatives covering physical, mental, and lifestyle topics.
- Company Sick Pay – We offer a Company Sick Pay scheme to support you during periods of ill health, providing peace of mind when you need it most.
- Pension & Life Insurance – You will be enrolled into the Nest pension scheme. After two years of service, you will also receive life insurance cover, offering added security for you and your loved ones.
- Free Onsite Parking – All colleagues have access to free onsite parking, making your commute more convenient and cost-effective.
- Learning & Development – Whether you're looking to build your career or gain new skills, our in‑house team will support you with fully funded, accredited training and industry‑recognised qualifications.
- Grocery Aid Support – Access free, confidential, 24/7 support through Grocery Aid — offering expert advice and help on everything from mental health and financial concerns to legal issues and family support.
Please note if we receive a high number of applicants, we may close the advert early. We advise interested candidates to submit their applications promptly to avoid disappointment.
Production Operative - James Hall & Co. employer: James Hall
James Hall & Co. Ltd. is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment at our modern head office and distribution centre in Preston. With over 150 years of service, we prioritise employee well-being through generous benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, health and wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities for professional development, all while fostering a culture of loyalty and community among our 4000 colleagues.
