Oven/Prep Operator

Preparation Operator (Night Shift)

Location: Cuisine Centre, SmartParc SEGRO, Derby, UK
Pay Rate: £14.45 per hour

About the Role

The Preparation Operator (Nights) plays a key role in supporting daily production by ensuring all ingredients and components are fully prepared and ready for the day shift. Working nights, you will operate to the highest quality, food safety and hygiene standards while achieving daily operational targets.

The role involves accurate weighing of raw materials, allergen control, waste management, hygiene compliance, and occasional support with despatch activities during the early hours.

Working Hours

• 40 hours per week
• 4 on, 4 off shift pattern
• Shift hours: 22:00 to 06:30 (flexibility available on core hours)
• Flexibility and occasional overtime required to meet operational demands
• £1 per hour uplift for unsociable working hours

Key Responsibilities

• Use daily plans to accurately prepare ingredients for the following day's production while maintaining GMP, food safety, quality and hygiene standards.
• De-box raw materials and dispose of packaging correctly.
• Weigh and mix ingredients as required, ensuring allergen and non-allergen separation.
• Complete routine process and quality checks.
• Complete all documentation accurately and on time.
• Support the preparation of lorry loads for despatch during the early morning.
• Complete cleaning schedules and ensure all utensils, machinery and work areas meet hygiene standards.
• Wear appropriate PPE and follow Health & Safety and COSHH requirements.
• Report quality, safety or production issues to the Nights Team Leader.
• Support other departments and operational areas when required.
• Contribute ideas for continuous improvement.

Production & Operations

• Prepare ingredients accurately in line with daily preparation and production plans.
• De-box raw materials and dispose of packaging through the correct waste streams.
• Weigh and mix ingredients while maintaining allergen controls.
• Maintain compliance with GMP, food safety, quality and hygiene standards.
• Complete documentation clearly and accurately.
• Carry out routine process and quality checks.
• Report quality, safety or production concerns promptly.
• Maintain clean preparation areas and equipment.
• Use correct chemicals, equipment and PPE for all cleaning activities.
• Complete cleaning records and sign-off procedures.
• Segregate and dispose of waste correctly.
• Support despatch operations during early morning hours.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company Health & Safety, Food Safety and HR policies.
• Wear appropriate PPE at all times.
• Maintain a safe working environment for yourself and colleagues.

Team & Continuous Improvement

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across departments.
• Be flexible and support different areas of the factory where required.
• Contribute ideas for process improvements.
• Support company targets relating to efficiency, waste reduction and customer service.

Key Competencies

Essential

• Strong communication skills
• Good numeracy and literacy skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• IT literate
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Good organisational and time-management skills
• Flexible, proactive and adaptable
• Team player with a positive attitude

Desirable

• Knowledge of food hygiene and quality standards
• Previous experience in food manufacturing or raw material handling

About Cuisine Centre

As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Cuisine Centre is the food production arm of the UK's largest contract catering business. We prepare millions of quality meals each year across five meal ranges, supplying customers nationwide across a variety of sectors.

Our people are the secret ingredient to our success. Our dedicated team takes pride in every detail because every meal matters. We invest in our people, providing opportunities to develop and progress their careers.

If you are looking to join a team where your contribution is valued and where there are genuine opportunities for development, we would like to hear from you.

Our Core Values

1. Be a Foodist
   We are driven by a passion for food and culinary excellence.

2. Do the Right Thing
   We act with integrity and honesty in everything we do.

3. Take Responsibility
   We take ownership of our actions and their impact on customers, communities and the environment.

4. Have Respect & Compassion
   We value every individual and recognise that every role contributes to our success.

Benefits

• Free breakfast and lunch during shifts
• Free on-site parking
• Good public transport links
• Perks at Work benefits platform, including retail and holiday discounts
• Career development and progression opportunities
• "Pride in Every Plate" monthly recognition scheme
• Mental, physical and financial wellbeing support
• Company pension scheme
• Free Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to Compass Group UK & Ireland employee networks and inclusion initiatives