Food Production

Food Production

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Specialist Recruitment for the Food Production Industry

Need reliable food production staff or searching for jobs in food manufacturing? Quest Employment connects businesses with skilled, semi-skilled, and entry-level workers for the fast-paced food production sector.

We understand that quality, compliance, and efficiency are critical in food production. That’s why we supply fully trained and compliant candidates ready to meet both seasonal peaks and long-term staffing demands.

View our current food production vacancies

Roles We Recruit For:

  • ✔Food Production Operatives – Sorting, preparing & processing food items

  • ✔Quality Control Inspectors – Ensuring high production standards

  • ✔Machine & Line Operators – Running and maintaining production machinery

  • ✔Packing Operatives – Weighing, labelling & packaging food products

  • ✔Hygiene & Sanitation Operatives – Maintaining cleanliness & food safety compliance

At Quest Employment, we ensure all food production workers meet industry standards—including food hygiene regulations and safety training—so you can maintain operational excellence with every hire.

Looking for expert food production recruitment or job opportunities?

Contact us today or visit your nearest Quest Employment branch—we’re ready to help you find the perfect fit.

Check out our branches

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of food production jobs do you offer?

We recruit for a variety of roles within food production, including positions for production operatives, packaging operatives, machine operators, supervisors and quality control inspectors.

Do you recruit for seasonal food production jobs?

Yes, we often have opportunities for seasonal food production roles, particularly during peak times in the food industry. These can range from temporary roles during holiday seasons to positions needed for large-scale production runs.

What are the typical working hours for food production roles?

Working hours vary depending on the specific role and employer. We offer day shifts, night shifts as well as part-time and full-time opportunities.

Is experience required to apply for food production jobs?

While previous experience in food production is an advantage, many of our clients are open to candidates who are willing to learn. We offer opportunities for entry-level roles as well as more experienced positions within the sector.

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  • Quote

    ​We’ve used Quest to find us suitable staff for our Ecommerce office for the past 18th months and they’ve come up trumps for every post we’ve had to fill. Each time, they found us suitable, hard-working, reliable candidates that are now valuable members of the team. Mardi and Kristina have both been fantastic in knowing just who would fit in with this small, but extremely busy office, and I would most certainly use them for all my recruitment needs.

    Client
    Client Bedford
  • Quote

    ​We have been working with Quest Employment over many years.During this time, Quest have worked with us to supply reliable staff that meet our business requirements.Quest Employment continues to work closely with us providing a great service, with clear communication and we have the confidence in Quest Employment to continue to provide our staff needs year after year.They are a professional team and available out of hours should the need arise.I strongly recommend using the service that Quest Employment provide in all your labour requirements.

    Client
    Client Bedford
Your Recruitment Team
Joanna Brzezinska

Joanna Brzezinska

Senior Branch Manager

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Jobs in Food Production

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Featured Job
Production Operative
Peterborough
£13.68 - £14.53 per hour inc. shift allowance
Overview We are seeking a dedicated and diligent Production Operative to join our team. The Production Operative will be responsible for various tasks including baking, mixing, packing biscuits, stacking pallets, and ensuring the quality of our products. Shift Patterns The Production Operative will work a 3 shift Rotation – 1 week on each. 6-2pm / 2-10pm / 10pm-6am - shift rotates in reverse e.g. Nights - Lates - Days Competitive Pay Production Operative - Pre AWR - Monday - Sunday to first 37.5 hours £12.21 per hour, Over 37.5 hours weekly £18.32, additional £1.47 per hour shift allowance when working all 3 shifts on rotation. (Pre 12 weeks 1 x 30 Minute break unpaid.) Production Operative - Post AWR - Monday - Sunday to first 40 hours £12.97 per hour, Over 40 hours weekly £19.08, additional £1.56 per hour shift allowance when working all 3 shifts on rotation. (Post 12 weeks all breaks paid.) Role Responsibilities Baking, mixing, and packing biscuits within a dusty environment Stacking pallets and labeling products Ensuring products meet quality standards Lifting up to 25kg and standing for long periods Maintaining a clean and safe workspace Qualifications Previous experience in a production or manufacturing environment preferred Ability to lift up to 25kg and stand for extended periods Computer literacy for recording and tracking production data Attention to detail and a commitment to product quality Day-to-day Mixing and baking biscuit dough Packing and labelling finished products Operating machinery and equipment as required Following health and safety protocols Working as part of a team to meet production targets Benefits Club Quest Membership: Access a variety of health and financial wellbeing benefits. Great Progression Opportunities: Grow your career with us! Flexible Working Rotas. Full PPE Provided: Work safely and comfortably. Free Onsite Parking: Convenient access to your workplace. Weekly Pay: Enjoy pay every Friday. Temporary to Permanent Opportunities: Potential for a long-term career.
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Featured Job
Technical Operator - Production
Peterborough
£16.36 - £17.06 per hour inc. shift allowance
About Us Our client is more than just a global leader in high-quality food ingredients — they’re a team of dedicated people passionate about creating exceptional products. From indulgent chocolates and silky creams to vibrant fruits, crunchy cereals, and irresistible toppings, their innovations reach millions worldwide. Our client blend tradition with cutting-edge extrusion technology, but it’s their people who make the difference. They value teamwork, take pride in what they do, and never compromise on quality or safety. The Role We’re looking for a hands-on, dependable Technical Operator who takes pride in their craft and thrives in a team setting. You’ll be operating, monitoring, and maintaining our extrusion and processing lines, ensuring our cereals and toppings consistently meet the highest quality standards. You won’t just be running a machine — you’ll be a key part of a close-knit production team where everyone’s role matters. Key Responsibilities Operate extrusion equipment and related machinery to produce cereals and toppings to exact specifications Complete start-up, changeover, and shutdown procedures on time and to standard Carry out in-process quality checks with accuracy and care Perform basic fault-finding, adjustments, and routine maintenance to keep production on track Work side-by-side with engineers, supervisors, and teammates to solve problems quickly Champion health & safety, hygiene, and food safety practices at all times What We’re Looking For Previous experience in food manufacturing (extrusion experience a plus) Strong mechanical skills and an understanding of production machinery Attention to detail with a commitment to doing things right the first time Reliability — we’re counting on you to keep things running smoothly A collaborative mindset and the confidence to work independently when needed -Flexibility to work rotating shifts (6–2, 2–10, 10–6) What’s in it for You Competitive pay plus shift allowance Ongoing training, including specialised extrusion skills A supportive team culture where your input matters The satisfaction of knowing your work is part of something enjoyed by millions Temporary to permanent opportunities If you’re a team player with strong character, a hands-on approach, and a passion for quality, we’d love to have you on board. Please send your CV and a short covering note.
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Featured Job
Machine Operator
Northampton
£13.85 per hour
​Job Title: Packing Machine Operator Location: Brackmills, Northampton, NN4 Salary: £13.85 per hour Hours: Monday to Friday – 14:45 to 22:45 Job Type: Full-time, Temp-to-Perm Recruiter: Quest Employment Northampton  Contact: Jakub Job Description Quest Employment is currently recruiting for Packing Machine Operators to work in ahigh-speed production environment in Brackmills, Northampton. You’ll be part of a well-established team producing seasoning and spice blends used by some of the UK’s biggest food brands and retailers. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with the right experience and transferable skills to join a fast-paced, clean, and well-organised food manufacturing site. Key Responsibilities Operate and monitor automated high-speed packing machines Ensure packaging lines run smoothly, efficiently, and safely Load materials and carry out basic line changeovers and adjustments Perform visual and quality checks of packed goods Record production data and report any machine faults Work collaboratively with line leaders and other team members Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety Ideal Candidate Physically fit and comfortable with an active, hands-on role Previous experience as a machine operator, packer, or in fast-paced food production Familiarity with packing lines, food hygiene, or FMCG environments is a strong advantage Good attention to detail and ability to follow instructions Reliable, punctual, and a team player with a strong work ethic What’s on Offer Competitive pay:£13.85 per hour Full-time, ongoing work with temp-to-perm opportunities Weekly pay via Quest Employment Supportive team environment and on-site training Clean, modern production facility in Brackmills How to Apply Submit your CV to be considered for this role. For more information, call Jakub Quest Employment Northampton. Only candidates with the right to work in the UK and relevant experience will be considered. ​
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Featured Job
Process / Multiskilled Operator
Peterborough
£12.95 - £14.79 per hour.
Overview We are seeking a talented and dedicated Process/Multiskilled Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience in bakery, drier, and food production, and possess strong attention to detail. As a Process/Multiskilled Operator, you will be responsible for mixing cereal products, preparing and mixing products, and must be capable of lifting up to 25kg. Shift Patterns Panama Shift Pattern - 06:00am-18:00pm / 18:00pm-18:00am - 2 x days on - 2 x days off - 3 x days on - followed by 2 x days off - 2 x days on - 3 x days off / Breaks: 3 x 20 minute paid while on 12 hours shift (Sunday is the start day of the week for payroll) Competitive Pay To first 36/48 hours base rate £12.25, Tx½ base rate over shift pattern core hours £18.38. Days including shift allowance 5.7% £0.70 = £12.95, Nights including shift allowance 20.7% £2.54 = £14.79. Role Responsibilities Mixing cereal products according to specified recipes and production schedules Preparing and mixing products in accordance with standard operating procedures Operating and monitoring industrial baking and drying equipment Ensuring strict adherence to health and safety guidelines at all times Keeping detailed records of production activities and reporting any issues to management Collaborating with team members to achieve production targets and maintain a clean and organized workspace Qualifications Previous experience in a bakery, drier, or food production environment Ability to lift up to 25kg and perform physical tasks as required Excellent attention to detail and a focus on quality Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment Understanding of food safety and hygiene standards Day-to-day On a daily basis, you will be responsible for operating and monitoring industrial baking and drying equipment, following specified recipes and production schedules to efficiently mix cereal products, and maintaining a clean and safe workspace. You will collaborate with colleagues to meet production targets and ensure the highest quality of products. Benefits Access to Club Quest membership for health and financial wellbeing perks. Opportunities for career progression. Full PPE provided (if required). Free on-site parking. Weekly pay (every Friday). A friendly and supportive work environment. Easily accessible location near public transport.
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Featured Job
Packing Operative
Peterborough
£12.91 - £14.75 per hour
Overview We are seeking a Packing Operative to join our team. As a Packing Operative, you will be responsible for efficiently and accurately packing materials onto pallets, conducting quality checks, and ensuring that all products meet the required standards. Shift Patterns Panama Shift Pattern - 06:00am-18:00pm / 18:00pm-18:00am - 2 x days on - 2 x days off - 3 x days on - followed by 2 x days off - 2 x days on - 3 x days off / Breaks: 3 x 20 minute paid while on 12 hours shift (Sunday is the start day of the week for payroll) Competitive Pay To first 36/48 hours base rate £12.21, Tx½ base rate over shift pattern core hours £18.32. Days including shift allowance 5.7% £0.70 = £12.91, Nights including shift allowance 20.7% £2.53 = £14.74. Role Responsibilities Packing materials onto pallets in a safe and efficient manner Performing quality checks to ensure products meet required standards Maintaining a clean and organized work environment Communicating any equipment malfunctions or safety concerns to the supervisor Adhering to health and safety regulations at all times Qualifications Previous experience in packing or a similar role is desirable but not essential Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail Strong communication skills and the ability to work well within a team Day-to-day Assembling packaging materials and ensuring accurate count Inspecting products to ensure they meet quality standards Using packing equipment and machinery safely and efficiently Collaborating with team members to meet production targets Benefits Access to Club Quest membership for health and financial wellbeing perks. Opportunities for career progression. Full PPE provided (if required). Free on-site parking. Weekly pay (every Friday). A friendly and supportive work environment. Easily accessible location near public transport.
Apply Now
Featured Job
Production Operative
March
In advert body
Overview We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Production Operative to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience in a production environment and possess a keen eye for detail to ensure quality and efficiency in our operations. Shift Patterns 06:00 - 14:00 14:00 - 22:00 22:00 - 06:00 Competitive Pay Days & Lates (21 yrs & over): £12.21 per hour Days & Lates (20 yrs & under): £11.12 per hour Nights (21 yrs & over): £14.04 per hour Nights (20 yrs & under): £12.78 per hour Responsibilities Efficiently and accurately pack products according to company standards Perform quality checks to ensure products meet specifications Maintain a clean and organised work environment Follow safety protocols and procedures at all times Collaborate with team members to meet production targets Flexibility to adapt to changing production needs and tasks Qualifications Proven experience working in a production environment Strong attention to detail and quality Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment Excellent communication and teamwork skills Flexibility to work in different roles within the production process Understanding of health and safety regulations Day-to-day Pack products according to production schedules Inspect products for defects and maintain quality standards Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors Adhere to safety protocols and maintain a clean work area Collaborate with team members to optimise production processes Demonstrate flexibility in carrying out various tasks as needed Benefits Club Quest Membership: Access a variety of health and financial wellbeing benefits. Great Progression Opportunities: Grow your career with us! Flexible Working Rotas. Full PPE Provided: Work safely and comfortably. Free Onsite Parking: Convenient access to your workplace. Weekly Pay: Enjoy pay every Friday. Temporary to Permanent Opportunities: Potential for a long-term career.
Apply Now
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