Find your place in the field of good food

Our goal is to connect good people with good food. We advertise sustainable food jobs and training opportunities to help jobseekers and employers find each other.

Roots to Work is a project of Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming.

Job description

Job Title:                             Production Assistant

Reporting To:                      Food Factory Production Manager

Salary Range:                     £27,007.50 per annum

Contract Type:                    Permanent

Location:                             Deptford – Felix's Food Factory   

Hours/Days per week:        37.5 hours per week, Monday – Saturday, 5 out of 6 days

Requirements:                    The Felix Project can only employ applicants who currently have the right to work in the UK.  

About The Felix Project The Felix Project is London’s largest food redistribution charity. Our vision is a London where good food is never wasted, and no one goes hungry. We aim to reduce the negative impact food waste has on the environment by working with the food industry to rescue high quality surplus produce, that would otherwise have gone to waste. This food is sorted at one of our four depots or one of our 3 food production sites (one of them being the Felix Food Factory). It is then distributed to over 1,200 community organisations, such as food banks, homeless shelters and primary schools, all of whom are working within communities across London to feed people experiencing hunger.

Purpose of the Job 

We are looking for the Production Assistant to play a key role in the Felix's Food Factory. 

At the Felix's Food Factory, we take surplus food from our supplier network and create a range of products which have added value and extended shelf life. A particular focus will be seasonal fruit and vegetable ‘gluts’, using ingredients which we may otherwise not be able to redistribute. 

• Using four key food production processes (re-packaging, jarring / preserving, dehydrating and freezing) we will create a range of products.

• A typical day at the Food Factory will likely include:

• Planning new product/s based on the ingredients available that day, 

• Agreeing relevant food safety requirements and working in line with this, 

• Working with the production team and volunteers to prepare, produce and package delicious products, 

• Planning for future products and project work

The Production Assistant will work across all areas of the production spaces, in a hands-on food manufacturing role working across multiple production lines and duties, such as:

• Supporting in the day-to-day running of the unit across the entire process from goods-in, through all production methods and to goods-out duties. 

• Working alongside and supervising our daily volunteers, from inductions and briefings as well as on the production lines throughout the day. Whilst creating an efficient, safe and most importantly enjoyable experience for all our volunteers and visitors. 

• Supporting the Production Manager and Production Supervisor in ensuring that all Food Safety, Health and Safety and HACCP standards are being met through each day and reporting any issues or concerns to the senior team. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

 Your normal duties and responsibilities will be set out in your job description. However, the charity may require you to perform other duties from time to time.

• Responsible for the smooth running of the production lines

• Contributing to achieving production targets

• Assist the Production Manager & Supervisor with the day to day running of the unit 

• Assist in ensuring that the quality and quantity of the end products meets our targets

• Assist with recording all data and ensuring HACCP requirements are met 

• Assist with inbound goods, the correct storage and recording/labelling of these

• Ensure that all production areas and equipment is kept clean, sanitary and standards followed 

• Supervising volunteers whilst on shift, ensuring they are always working in a safe manner. 

• Working closely and reporting into the senior team about target delivery and reporting any issues efficiently 

• Working on the production lines from beginning to end of each process, either supervising volunteers or completing the tasks directly

Person Specification 

• This is a brand new and unique operation and requires someone with experience and an openness to creating and delivering on a new project. 

• Someone who believes in the mission we have as an organisation and wants to put their experience and knowledge into a mission driven project.  

• We believe in an upbeat and enjoyable working environment but one that is driven to meet our targets and have the most impact we can in the communities we support.  

• Whilst previous experience and knowledge of food production is ideal, that experience does not have to be in a similar operation to this. 

• We are looking for someone who wants to grow into the role and be able to develop themselves and their knowledge whilst we develop this new operation. 

Essential Criteria 

• Some experience within a food production or hospitality operation

• Clear eye for detail, team player, enjoys the work they do and a strong work ethic.

• Able to absorb and maintain standards across their entire working area

• Strong people skills, a positive attitude and belief in an ethical, equitable and enjoyable working environment. 

• Comfortable in working in a fast changing and growing work environment.

• Some administrative and/or organisational experience 

• Basic computer literacy and strong verbal communication skills. 

• A desire to learn new techniques and expand experiences

• Willing to work in a physical role which will involve some manual handling and cleaning duties  

Equity Diversity Inclusion & Belonging At The Felix Project, we are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do. We value the unique contributions of every individual and strive to create a respectful, inclusive environment free from discrimination or prejudice. Our commitment extends to all employees, and volunteers, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of background or characteristics.  

Benefits

• Birthday Day off.
• Access to benefit platform for a wide range of discounts on everyday spends plus gym discounts.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Employee assistance programme including 24 Hour GP helpline.
• Opportunity for free meals whilst working at our depots.
• After work activities such as Felix’s softball team, running club and cycling club

Application information

Application procedure 

Once you apply you will be directed to our recruitment portal. Please upload your CV and a Covering letter outlining your suitability for the role and make sure that they are both uploaded before submitting your application. After you have submitted your application, you have 24 hours in which you can access you application and make edits. We will only consider applications with both CV and cover letter submitted.   

Recruitment timeline 

We reserve the right to close advertisements early and we might assess candidates and arranging interview as applications come in, so please apply as soon as possible, to avoid missing out on this opportunity.  

Due to the anticipated large number of applicants, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of your application, we regret to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful. Consequently, will not be able to provide feedback. 

 

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