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:	30 Sept 2026
Closing date:	30 Oct 2026

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Summary

Job Advert

We’re looking for a Skilled Production Operative to join our team at Palethorpes Bakery in Market Drayton, part of The Compleat Food Group.

This is a hands-on role where you’ll take responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of production machinery, helping us manufacture high-quality food products that meet our customers’ expectations.

If you have experience in a manufacturing environment, enjoy problem-solving and like being part of a busy, supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.

Job Title: Skilled Production Operative

Shift Pattern: 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.

What you’ll be doing

As a Skilled Production Operative, you’ll play an important part in keeping our production lines running safely, efficiently and to the right quality standards.

Your responsibilities will include:

- Operating production machinery safely and efficiently.

- Carrying out pre-start checks in line with site procedures and immediately reporting any issues to your Group Leader.

- Developing an in-depth understanding of the equipment and machinery used within your area.

- Monitoring products to ensure they meet the required customer specifications and quality standards.

- Taking corrective action when required or escalating issues to your Group Leader.

- Identifying machinery issues and working with our Engineering team to help minimise disruption and downtime.

- Accurately recording machinery downtime and other relevant production information.

- Promoting excellent Clean As You Go (CAYG) and Good Manufacturing Practices across the team.

- Communicating effectively with colleagues, Group Leaders, Engineers and the wider management team.

- Helping to keep production running smoothly and efficiently throughout your shift.

What we’re looking for

You’ll be someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and takes pride in doing things properly.

Ideally, you’ll have:

- Previous manufacturing or food production experience – desirable but not essential.

- Good numeracy and literacy skills.

- Basic computer skills.

- Good spoken and written English.

- Strong communication skills.

- A positive, team-focused attitude.

- Good problem-solving skills.

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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