Job Introduction
Machine Operator
Cuisine Centre
Derby
Hourly Pay Rate: £14.45
About the Role
The Machine Operator is responsible for setting up and operating food handling and packing machinery to meet daily production and quality targets. The role involves monitoring machine performance, making adjustments as needed, and ensuring a continuous supply of consumables. You will also carry out routine maintenance, cleaning, and quality checks, reporting any issues to the QA Team and Production Manager.
Working Hours
40 hours per week
Monday – Friday: 07:00 – 15:30
Flexibility required and occasional overtime required to meet operational demands.
Key Responsibilities
Follow the production plan, ensuring efficient line operation of the machinery at the correct speeds, and that all products meet required specifications and quality standards.
Conduct finished goods and in-process quality checks.
Support the achievement of daily production and packing targets.
Complete relevant documentation promptly, including machine downtime.
Minimise waste through proper machine set-up and operation, helping the team meet company targets. Any waste must be recorded and disposed of properly.
Report and communicate any quality or production issues promptly to the Production Manager or QA Team.
Complete and sign-off cleaning schedules, making sure all utensils, machinery, and work areas always meet hygiene standards using the correct chemicals.
Wear appropriate PPE at all times and follow all Health & Safety and COSHH policies. Promote a safe working environment for everyone.
Be flexible and adaptable to work collaboratively, supporting all areas across the site.
Contribute your ideas to make continuous improvement of processes.
Key Skills & Experience
Essential
Strong communication skills.
Good numeracy and literacy skills.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
IT literate.
Self-motivated and able to work independently.
Strong organisational and time management skills.
Flexible, proactive, and adaptable.
Team player with a positive, "can-do" attitude.
Desirable
Knowledge of food hygiene and quality standards.
Experience in food production 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 our five meal ranges, and these are served nationwide in partnership with our clients in a variety of sectors. We are passionate about simplifying catering, whilst nourishing the nation with fresh, flavour-first food.
Our people are the secret ingredient to our success. Our dedicated team of Foodists take pride in every detail, as every meal matters. That’s why we invest in you, providing opportunities to grow, build, and develop your career. We know that a happy, talented team delivers the best food.
Our Four Core Values
Be a Foodist! – We are driven by a passion for food and culinary excellence, putting care into every detail.
Do the Right Thing – We always act with integrity and honesty, because high standards create quality products.
Take Responsibility – We share responsibility for our actions on site, and the wider impact on our customers, communities, and environment.
Have Respect & Compassion – We recognise that every role helps make the dish. We put our people at the centre of everything we do.
If you’re looking for a role in a growing food production business, where your work feels as good as it tastes, we’d love to hear from you.
Your Benefits
Free breakfast and lunch on shift.
Free on-site parking.
Convenient public transport links.
Perks at Work – exclusive benefits & wellbeing platform, including discounts on high-street brands and holidays.
Grow your career with development and progression opportunities.
“Pride in Every Plate” recognition scheme with prizes on offer.
Mental, physical, and financial wellbeing support.
Company pension scheme.
Free employee assistance programme.
Access to our employee networks across Compass Group UK&I. We want all our team members to feel empowered and valued to create an inclusive workplace culture.
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
About Us
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
Job Reference: com/1307/43172001/52820006/SU #Cuisine Centre
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!