Key Operator – High Care Kitchen

About the role

The Key Operator in the High Care Kitchen ensures the smooth supply of mashed potatoes, cooked fills and vegetables to three production areas – meals, sweets and the pie department. Working a 40‑hour week on a 14:00‑22:00 shift, you will coordinate operators, meet strict KPI targets and maintain food safety standards.

Key responsibilities

• Organise operators to deliver mashed potato, cooked fills and vegetables to meals, sweets and pie production areas on time.
• Follow machine plans set by the Kitchen Team Leader and achieve hourly KPI targets for tumbler, Stephan and mash stations.
• Monitor and report any supply issues promptly to support production plans.
• Ensure all staff wear appropriate PPE and adhere to standard operating procedures, including pump cleaning and material scanning.
• Maintain proper labeling, covering, and FIFO stock rotation for chilled and frozen items.
• Conduct regular stocktakes, liaise with team leaders to minimise waste, and copy production plans for the next shift.
• Collaborate with meals team leaders and report progress to the Kitchen TL and chefs.

Required profile

• Ability to perform all tasks within the High Care Kitchen area.
• Strong organisational skills to keep operators fully employed and productive.
• Willingness to work alongside operators when needed and follow health‑and‑safety guidelines.
• Proactive communication of supply problems and commitment to meeting production targets.

Required skills

• Tumbler machine operation
• Stephan machine operation
• Mash station operation
• Food safety handling (CCP temperature control)
• Stock management using FIFO principles
• Pump cleaning and material scanning procedures

What we offer

• £15.93 per hour
• Shift allowance
• Performance bonus
• Additional employee benefits