General Operative

Zeelandia UK Ltd; Colchester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based food company located in Colchester is seeking a Full-time Production Operator to ensure timely supply of goods and maintain quality standards. Responsibilities include operating production machinery, conducting quality checks, and adhering to food safety protocols. The successful candidate should possess experience in a production environment and demonstrate strong teamwork and communication skills. This role supports continuous improvement initiatives and requires compliance with health and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in operating production machinery to meet targets.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.
• Ability to follow SOPs and food safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Operate production machinery to meet output targets.
• Conduct quality checks to ensure compliance.
• Manage raw material usage to minimize waste.

Skills

Operating production machinery

Quality checks

Compliance with safety protocols

Team collaboration

Customer relationship management

Tools

ERP system

FLT (Forklift Truck)

Job description

Contract type & hours: Permanent, Full-time 07.30-15:30

Role Purpose To ensure customers are supplied with goods on time, maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and assist in smooth running of all departments. This role supports the manufacturing process by operating machinery, monitoring quality, and maintaining hygiene standards to deliver consistent product output and protect brand reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate production machinery and equipment to meet daily output targets while maintaining zero safety incidents.
• Driving of FLT for picking/packing, unloading of lorries.
• Order processing or orders onto ERP system.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and food safety protocols (HACCP, allergen control, hygiene) to ensure 100% compliance.
• Conduct quality checks (weight, temperature, visual inspection) at defined intervals; escalate deviations immediately to maintain customer and regulatory standards.
• Maintain accurate production records (batch numbers, downtime, waste) in ERP or manual logs; ensure traceability compliance for audits.
• Perform cleaning and hygiene tasks (CIP, workstation sanitisation) to meet BRC/IFS standards and prevent contamination.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives (reduce waste, improve line efficiency); contribute ideas and implement agreed changes.
• Manage raw material usage to minimise waste and maintain stock integrity; report shortages promptly.
• Adhere to Health & Safety requirements (PPE, manual handling, machine guarding); report hazards and near misses within 24 hours.
• Collaborate with team leaders and QA to resolve production issues quickly; maintain positive communication across shifts.
• Attend and contribute to required meetings (daily production huddles, quality briefings, and safety talks).
• Participate in training for food safety