Hygiene Operative

Location: Gateshead Team Valley, UK

Salary: Hourly, Overtime.

Reports to: Hygiene Team Leader

About Us:

Biscuit International UK is the leading specialist supplier of own-label gluten-free biscuits and cookies in the United Kingdom. Located in Gateshead, our production facility operates three lines, with an annual output exceeding 4,300 tonnes annually in plain, chocolate, and sandwich biscuit formats. We are part of Biscuit International, Europe's leading private label biscuit and bread substitute manufacturer, with a rich heritage of over 400 years of expertise in delivering excellent taste at great value.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Hygiene Operator to join our production team. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the required hygiene standards are achieved throughout the site. You will collaborate with the production team to complete changeover cleans to the required specification within the required timeframe. You will be trained on all standard cleaning procedures to ensure the highest level of hygiene is achieved and maintained.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure all equipment is cleaned to the required standard, working to GMP standards to avoid contamination, allergen, and pest issues.
• Undertake scheduled hygiene daily and deep cleaning tasks following Standard Operating Procedures, company procedures, and Health & Safety regulations.
• Clean equipment, food processing lines, and areas to required standards.
• Collaborate with the production team to ensure changeovers are carried out to the required quality and time specification.
• Maintain tidy changing areas and ensure they are equipped with disposables.
• Perform hygiene operations, both internal and external, ensuring storage areas and equipment are stripped, cleaned, and reassembled according to procedures.
• Use chemicals safely and correctly, perform deep cleans, and operate compactors.
• Ensure site deep cleaning meets required levels and microbiological standards for a safe production environment.
• Assist production with changeovers, ensuring equipment and machinery are thoroughly cleaned.
• Collect overalls for external laundering and maintain a clean and tidy site.
• Dispose of waste material following the "Clean as you go" policy.
• Alert the Hygiene Supervisor of any hygiene-related problems.
• Accurately weigh and remove waste to external compactors and handle recyclable products.
• Inspect and report any substandard equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all hygiene procedures, including COSHH, and wear correct PPE at all times.

Skills & Experience:

• Basic understanding of English language.
• Ability to consistently deliver in a fast-moving environment.
• Good verbal and written English communication.
• Accurate numeracy skills.
• Level 2 Food Safety (provided by the business).
• Flexibility to be trained in all required areas of the role.
• Experience in food manufacturing and handling is desirable.

Why Join us?

At Biscuit International UK, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. Our team is dedicated to producing high-quality products that meet the evolving needs of our customers. By joining us, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive team that values collaboration and excellence.

In our hiring practices, we are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that a diverse team brings a wealth of perspectives and ideas, driving innovation and success. We adhere to fair hiring practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of their background.

We are committed to protecting your personal data. Details of how we collect, use and store personal information during the recruitment process are set out in our Job Applicants’ Privacy Notice , available here: https://www.biscuitinternational.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Job-Applicants-Privacy-Notice\_UK.pdf.