Hygiene Operative

Hygiene Operative  / Machine Minder sought to join the night shift of an award-winning, £multimillion turnover food manufacturing company based in Bilston. They are a privately owned company who supply numerous sectors including foodservice, retail, wholesale and catering, both in the UK and abroad.
 
Night shift: 5:30pm to 6:00am Monday to Friday. 4-on 4-off rotating shift.
 
The Role:
In this dual role, as Hygiene Operative / Machine Minder you will be responsible for both the technical strip-down of production machinery and the deep cleaning of our meat processing equipment and facility. Your day-to-day duties will include:

• Safely remove and refit machine guards, covers, and conveyor belts to allow access for deep cleaning.
• Correctly reassemble all components post-clean to ensure they are production ready.
• Clean and sanitize the meat processing factory, including production lines, walls, floors, and ancillary areas.
• Safely operate high-pressure jet washes and foam cleaning equipment. Dilute and apply industrial cleaning chemicals in strict accordance with COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) guidelines.
• Conduct basic mechanical checks during reassembly to ensure belts are correctly tensioned and aligned. Report any wear, tear, or mechanical faults to the engineering team.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and Quality Assurance (QA) standards. Ensure zero risk of cross-contamination.
• Follow all Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) safety procedures before touching or dismantling any machinery. Wear the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times.

 
Your Experience as Hygiene Operative / Machine Minder:

• Proven experience or comfort using basic hand tools to remove and refit mechanical components (covers, guards, and conveyor belts).
• Previous experience working as a Hygiene Operative or Industrial Cleaner, ideally within a food manufacturing, meat processing, or FMCG environment.
• Understanding of chemical handling (COSHH) and safe operation of high-pressure jet washers.
• Ability to handle physical work, including lifting components, working in cold factory environments, and standing for long periods.
• A strong eye for cleanliness and a commitment to food safety standards.
• Good English communication skills to understand safety instructions and report mechanical issues.
• Previous experience working within a food processing facility (ideally poultry or meat processing).
• Proven TIG on stainless steel to a high cosmetic and hygienic finish; back-purging.
• Flexible approach: Willingness to overtime and to cover colleagues as and when required.
• Food Safety Level 2 is desirable
• COSHH qualification is desirable
• Takes pride in the finish of their work and does not cut corners on hygiene.
• Self-motivated, able to plan own work and work alone or as part of a team.
• Clear communicator with production, hygiene, QA and contractors.

The ideal candidate will have basic technical knowledge to safely dismantle machinery for cleaning and reassemble it ready for the next production run, while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.
 
Benefits:

• £13.81 per hour
• 28 days holiday
• Night shift: 4-on, 4-off rotating shifts 5:30pm to 6:00am
• Rewards scheme 
• Employee discount 
• Onsite parking 
• Safe working environment 
• Employee progression opportunities 
• Referral programme 
• Company pension 
• Discounted or free food

 
Hygiene Operative / Machine Minder
 
Bilston, West Midlands
 
£13.81 per hour + benefits