Production & Operations Assistant

Job Summary

We are looking for a hands-on Production & Operations Assistant to help run the day-to-day engine of FOODHAK's FMCG snacking business from our new production and warehouse site in Wokingham. This is a doing role at the heart of the operation: you will plan and run production shifts against live orders and forecasts, keep the supply chain moving, protect product quality, and keep the warehouse, packing and dispatch running smoothly every day. You will work closely with our Technical Consultant and leadership team, and play a direct part in keeping the site audit-ready as we build towards SALSA/BRCGS certification.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Planning & Shift Management: Plan weekly and daily production runs based on confirmed orders and demand forecasts; prepare production schedules, raw material requirements and line setups; run production shifts hands-on, keeping output, yield and waste on target and accurately recording batch and shift data.
• Hands-On Production: Operate and maintain production equipment — including depositing/portioning machinery (e.g. Handtmann vacuum fillers), commercial combi ovens, mixers and packing equipment — following setup, changeover and cleaning procedures to keep lines running safely and efficiently.
• Supply Chain & Procurement: Manage the purchasing and call-off of raw materials, ingredients and packaging against the production plan; track supplier lead times, pricing and delivery performance; maintain stock levels and reorder points so production is never short and working capital is never wasted.
• Quality Assurance: Carry out quality checks across incoming goods, in-process production and finished products against specifications; manage batch coding, traceability records, allergen controls and shelf-life checks; raise and help resolve non-conformances quickly.
• Food Safety & Compliance: Adhere to and help maintain the site's food safety management system — HACCP, GMP, hygiene and COSHH procedures — supporting our Technical Consultant with documentation, audits and corrective actions on the journey to SALSA/BRCGS certification. Champion a clean-as-you-go culture on site.
• Packing & Dispatch: Assist with product packing, labelling and case/pallet build to customer and retailer specifications; prepare orders for dispatch accurately and on time.
• Warehouse & Logistics: Run day-to-day warehouse operations — goods-in checks, correct storage, stock rotation (FIFO/FEFO), cycle counts and stock accuracy; book and coordinate couriers, hauliers and 3PL movements for customer deliveries, including retail and wholesale orders.
• Continuous Improvement: Spot and flag ways to improve output, reduce waste and tighten processes; keep the production and warehouse areas organised, safe and audit-ready at all times.

What You'll Bring

• Prior production experience in a bakery or food manufacturing environment — you are comfortable on the line and know how a food production day runs.
• Working knowledge of production machinery such as Handtmann (or similar depositing/filling) machines, commercial ovens and packing equipment.
• Hands-on understanding of warehouse operations in FMCG manufacturing — goods-in, storage, stock rotation, picking and dispatch.
• A good grasp of food safety fundamentals (HACCP, GMP, allergen management, hygiene standards); a Level 2 Food Safety certificate (or willingness to obtain one) is expected.
• Basic procurement and stock management knowledge — ordering against a plan, chasing suppliers, keeping records straight.
• Organised, reliable and detail-driven, with the flexibility to switch between production, packing and warehouse tasks as the day demands.
• Comfortable with basic systems and record-keeping (production logs, stock sheets, spreadsheets).
• Based in or near Wokingham (or within easy daily commuting distance) — this is a fully on-site role, five days a week at the Wokingham site.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A genuine hands-on role at the centre of a fast-growing, science-led food brand — your work shows up on real shelves.
• A brand-new, purpose-built production facility and the chance to help shape how it runs from day one.
• Opportunities for career development and growth as the site and business scale.
• Pension scheme, generous holiday entitlement, and healthy, delicious lunches on site!

If you love the rhythm of a production floor, take pride in a well-run warehouse, and want to help build the future of food from the ground up — we'd love to meet you. Apply now at [email protected] / [email protected]

Pay: £25,420.00-£30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Canteen
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person