At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate production machinery and ensure food safety while contributing to a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Premier Foods, a leader in producing beloved food brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, early finishes, subsidised meals, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with support for all employees and excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by producing trusted food products enjoyed by millions.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and a strong commitment to safety and quality.
The predicted salary is between 32300 - 32300 £ per year.
- Operator
- Based - Ashford, Kent
Salary and Shifts available
- Rotating Mon - Friday (6am to 2pm & 2pm to 10pm) - £32,300 per annum
- Night Shift Mon - Friday (10pm to 6am) - £34,720 per annum
Join the Team Behind Some of the Nation's Favourite Foods!
Do you enjoy working as part of a team, learning new skills, and making a real difference every day?
We're looking for enthusiastic, agile, and safety-focused Food Operators to join our manufacturing team at Ashford.
As an Operator, you'll play a key role in producing trusted food brands enjoyed by millions of consumers across the UK, helping to ensure our products are made safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.
This is a highly varied role where you'll have the opportunity to work across different production areas, develop new skills, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
Whether you're already experienced in food manufacturing or looking to build on your production skills, we'll provide a supportive environment where you can grow and succeed.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Operating production machinery and processing equipment safely and efficiently
- Supporting line start-ups, changeovers, and shutdowns
- Completing food safety, quality, and hygiene checks
- Maintaining machine settings and monitoring performance to maximise efficiency
- Supporting material supply, line servicing, and production activities
- Working flexibly across production areas to meet business needs
- Completing production records and ensuring compliance with GMP standards
- Contributing to a culture of teamwork, safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
What We're Looking For
- Experience in a food manufacturing environment ideally.
- Machine or mixer operating experience within processing or packaging operations
- . A strong understanding of food safety, hygiene, and GMP standards.
- A positive attitude and willingness to support colleagues across the site.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Good communication skills and a safety-first mindset.
- Flexibility to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Desirable
- Knowledge of Continuous Improvement tools such as 5S, SMED, or Kaizen
- Experience as a Lead Operator or supporting team performance
- Experience working with SIC or UDM programmes.
Salary and Shifts available
- Rotating Mon - Friday (6am to 2pm & 2pm to 10pm) - £32,300 per annum
- Night Shift Mon - Friday (10pm to 6am) - £34,720 per annum
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a team producing food brands loved by millions.
- Develop your skills across a variety of manufacturing processes and equipment.
- Work in a supportive environment that encourages learning, development, and career progression.
- Contribute to delivering high-quality products that consumers trust and enjoy every day
- Early Friday Finishes for 4 months in the summer
- Subsidised canteen with hot meals
- Recognition days for free ice-cream, food vans, Summer BBQ, Christmas events
- Pension Scheme
- Share Save Scheme
- Salary Sacrifice Scheme for cycle to work / EV
At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality.
We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in.
Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.
We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process.
If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.
Operator in Ashford employer: Premier Foods
Premier Foods is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Worksop where you can grow your career in food safety and quality. With a strong commitment to inclusion and individuality, the company fosters a welcoming culture that values each employee's contributions while providing opportunities for professional development in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operator in Ashford
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Premier Foods.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Premier Foods!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Premier Foods, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Premier Foods, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Operator in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Premier Foods, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Premier Foods.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Premier Foods. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Premier Foods. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Foods
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Premier Foods’s mission.
