Skilled Production Operative


Company:	The Compleat Food Group
Salary:	£14.11 per hour (plus overtime outside of normal shift)
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Market Drayton, TF9 3AL
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	14 Sept 2026
Closing date:	14 Oct 2026

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Summary

Job Advert

We’re looking for reliable and motivated Skilled Factory Operatives to join our team in Market Drayton. This is a hands-on role within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment, where you’ll be responsible for operating machinery and supporting the smooth running of production lines.

If you’re someone who takes pride in doing a job well, works safely, and enjoys being part of a team—this could be a great opportunity for you.

Job Title: Skilled Production Operative

Shift Pattern: 5am - 5pm or 06:00 - 18:00 4on 4off

Location: Palethorpes Bakery, Market Drayton, TF9 3AL

Salary: £14.11 per hour (plus overtime outside of normal shift)

About The Compleat Food Group

At The Compleat Food Group, we’re proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion. Formed in 2021, we’re on a mission to create Food to Feel Good - great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat.

We’re home to some of the UK’s most exciting and loved food brands, including Wall’s Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co., unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, and Harvey & Brockless. Alongside our branded portfolio, we’re a leading supplier of delicious own-label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added-value egg products, continental meats, dips and sauces and plant-based food to the UK’s major retailers, as well as across foodservice.

With over 6,000 talented colleagues across 17 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, we’re united by a shared ambition to shape the future of food for the better.

At our Palehorpes Bakery in Market Drayton we are one of the leading producer's of savory rolls, savory hot pies, pasties and slices since 1852

Your Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

- Carry out pre-start checks on machinery and report any issues immediately

- Operate production line equipment safely and efficiently

- Ensure products meet customer specifications and quality standards

- Take corrective action where needed or escalate issues to the Group Leader

- Maintain high standards of Clean As You Go (CAYG) and GMP practices

- Communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and engineers

- Support engineers by reporting faults and helping track machine downtime

- Develop a solid understanding of multiple pieces of production equipment

- Follow all Health & Safety rules and procedures at all times

- Use PPE (personal protective equipment) correctly

- Report any hazards, incidents, or near misses

- Never misuse equipment designed for safety

- Ensure a safe working environment for yourself and your team

- Following all food safety, hygiene, and quality procedures

- Maintaining excellent personal hygiene standards

- Supporting and promoting Clean As You Go (CAYG) practices

- Ensuring all work meets regulatory and customer requirements

Requirements:

1. Good written and spoken English skills to effectively communicate with team members and supervisors.

2. Previous experience in a fast-paced factory environment, ideally within the food industry.

3. Physical ability to lift and handle weights up to 25kg safely.

4. Experience as Production Operative or knowledge of operating and maintaining production line equipment is advantageous.

5. Knowledge of critical control points (CCPs) and food safety regulations is preferred.

Benefits to Include:

1. 24 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)

2. Enhanced rates for all overtime

3. Heavy discounted staff shop

4. Free Parking

5. Sink your teeth into discounts with our online and high-street retailer discount scheme and benefits portal.

6. Join us in spreading sweetness with charity initiatives and team events that'll warm your heart.

7. 24/7 access to Grocery Aid

8. Rise through the ranks with informal and formal training and career development opportunities through our individual online LMS portal.

9. Secure your future with our company pension plan

What You Should Know About How We Recruit

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe great teams are built on difference. We create an inclusive, respectful environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and are able to be themselves at work.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect. If you need a reasonable adjustment at any stage of our recruitment process, just let us know, we’ll support you — confidentially and with care.

We hire the best people for our roles, not the same people. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, we focus on what you do and the impact you could make in our business. Our recruitment process is fair, accessible, and designed to give everyone an equal chance.

You’ll also find benefits that support people at every life stage, plus active internal networks — including Women @ Compleat, LGBTQIA+, and Neurodiversity

Recruitment Agencies:

We have a small, active and trusted Preferred Supplier List to assist us if required. We do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions. We only accept CV submissions for roles released to you directly by our Talent Acquisition team.

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