Oven/Prep Operator

Preparation Operator (Night Shift)

Have you got what it takes to succeed The following information should be read carefully by all candidates.
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 CompetenciesEssential 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 Be a Foodist
We are driven by a passion for food and culinary excellence.

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

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

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