Food Production Operative Jobs in Brighton BN1 | Apply Today & Start ASAP
Staff Direct is urgently recruiting reliable, skilled Food Production Operatives for immediate temporary and temp-to-perm roles with leading manufacturers in the Brighton BN1 area. Secure your next role with competitive weekly pay and flexible shifts.
Quick Apply
Submit your details for a fast-track application to multiple Brighton food production roles.
We'll contact you within 2 hours during business hours.
Start Date
Roles available for immediate start this week.
Pay Per Hour
Competitive rates, paid weekly. Overtime available.
Location
Brighton city centre & surrounding industrial estates.
Shift Patterns
Days, afters, nights & weekend shifts to suit you.
Food Production Operative Job Description – Brighton BN1
Staff Direct is working with several established food manufacturing and packaging companies in the Brighton BN1 area to recruit diligent and efficient Food Production Operatives. These roles are critical to maintaining the high standards of production lines that supply major UK supermarkets and food service providers. If you have experience in a fast-paced production environment and are looking for an immediate start with a reputable agency, we want to hear from you.
Successful candidates will join dynamic teams where quality, safety, and efficiency are paramount. We specialise in connecting skilled workers with reputable employers quickly. If you're also exploring opportunities like a Stock Replenishment Assistant or a Healthcare Assistant, our dedicated consultants can help you navigate the local job market. For those in different trades, we also facilitate roles for a Plumber / Pipefitter. Discover all your options on our comprehensive All Jobs board.
Key Responsibilities & Daily Tasks
Line Operation & Production
- Operating machinery and production line equipment safely and efficiently to meet daily output targets.
- Monitoring product quality, conducting visual checks, and removing any sub-standard items from the line.
- Following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and hygiene protocols to the letter.
Packaging & Preparation
- Weighing, packing, and labelling finished food products ready for dispatch.
- Assisting with the stock replenishment of packaging materials and ingredients on the production floor.
- Handling products with care, especially when dealing with chilled or fresh food items.
Hygiene & Safety
- Performing thorough cleaning of work areas, machinery, and utensils in compliance with BRC or SALSA standards.
- Adhering to all Health & Safety regulations, including PPE use and COSHH guidelines.
- Reporting any equipment faults or safety hazards immediately to the line supervisor.
Teamwork & Communication
- Working effectively as part of a team to ensure smooth line operation and shift handovers.
- Communicating clearly with colleagues and supervisors about production issues or delays.
- Supporting new team members and maintaining a positive, productive work environment.
What We're Looking For – Essential Requirements
Must-Have Experience & Skills
- Previous experience as a Food Production Operative, Packer, or in a similar factory/warehouse role.
- Understanding of basic food hygiene and safety practices.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks while maintaining high attention to detail.
- Good level of physical fitness for standing, lifting, and manual handling.
Desirable Attributes
- A valid Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2).
- Flexibility to work various shifts, including early starts and weekends.
- Own transport or reliable access to Brighton BN1 industrial estates.
- A positive, can-do attitude and strong work ethic.
From Temp to Permanent: Your Career Path
Many of our temporary Food Production Operative roles have the potential to become permanent positions for high-performing staff. Want to know how to make that transition successfully? Watch our guide on turning temporary work into a long-term career.
Apply for This Role
Submit your application today. A dedicated consultant will call you to discuss your experience and match you with suitable roles in Brighton.
Apply Online NowCall to Apply
+44 (0)2036275550Email Your CV
[email protected]⏱ Urgent Hiring: Interviews are being conducted this week for an immediate start. Apply before 5 PM for same-day callback.
Benefits of Working with Staff Direct
- Weekly Pay: Get paid every Friday, directly into your bank account.
- Holiday Pay: Accrue paid holiday entitlement from day one.
- Pension Scheme: Auto-enrolment into a workplace pension.
- Local Consultant: A dedicated point of contact who knows the Brighton market.
- Temp-to-Perm Pathway: Many of our roles lead to permanent contracts.
Learn more about how a temporary staffing agency can support your career flexibility and growth.
How to Apply in 4 Simple Steps
Our process is designed to get you from application to your first shift as quickly as possible.
Apply Online or Call
Submit your details via our form or call 020 3627 5550. Tell us you're interested in the Food Production Operative role in Brighton.
Quick Registration
Our Brighton team will call you to confirm your experience and conduct a brief telephone interview. We'll guide you through our fast online registration.
Role Matching & Interview
We match your skills with our clients' needs. You may have a quick onsite interview or go straight to a trial shift. We handle all the arrangements.
Start Work & Get Paid
Begin your new role, often within 48 hours of applying. Work your shifts, submit your timesheet, and receive weekly pay every Friday.
Need help? Read our guide on finding jobs through temp agencies.
Other Immediate Start Jobs in Brighton & Surrounding Areas
Staff Direct has a wide range of urgent vacancies across Sussex. Browse similar roles you can apply for today.
| Job Title | Location | Pay Rate | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Production Line Assistant
Food Manufacturing
|
Shoreham-by-Sea | £12.50 - £13.50 p/h | Tomorrow | Apply |
|
Food Packing Operative
Ambient Packaging
|
Brighton BN2 | £12.50 - £13.80 p/h | Urgent | Apply |
|
Stock Replenishment Assistant
Supermarket Depot
|
Hove | £12.90 - £13.50 p/h | ASAP | Apply |
|
Kitchen Porter
Hotel & Catering
|
Brighton City Centre | £12.75 - £13.25 p/h | This Week | Apply |
|
Warehouse Operative
Food Distribution
|
Newhaven | £12.20 - £13.00 p/h | Immediate | Apply |
View our full range of job opportunities across the UK, including specialised roles in Leicester and Swindon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What experience do I need to become a Food Production Operative in Brighton?
While previous experience in a food factory, packaging line, or similar production environment is highly beneficial, it's not always essential. We work with clients who are willing to train reliable, hard-working individuals with a good attitude. Key transferable skills include attention to detail, ability to follow strict procedures, teamwork, and basic manual handling. If you have experience in other fast-paced roles like warehouse work or as a Stock Replenishment Assistant, your skills are very relevant.
How quickly can I start working after applying?
For urgent roles, the process can be extremely fast. If you apply in the morning and have the right documentation ready (proof of ID, right to work, bank details), you could potentially complete registration the same day and start a trial shift the next morning. Typically, most candidates start within 2-3 days of applying. This is one of the key benefits of working with a specialist temporary staffing agency like Staff Direct – we cut through the red tape to get you working fast.
What is the typical shift pattern for Food Production roles in Brighton BN1?
Shift patterns vary by client. Common patterns include:
Early Shift: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Late Shift: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Night Shift: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM (often with a premium rate of pay)
Some sites operate 4-on-4-off patterns (12-hour shifts), while others have standard Monday-Friday days. We discuss your availability and preferences during registration to match you with suitable shifts. For maximum flexibility, explore our part-time and flexible roles.
Do I need my own transport to get to the factories in Brighton?
While having your own transport is a significant advantage for sites on industrial estates (like Shoreham or Newhaven), it is not always a strict requirement. Many sites in the Brighton BN1 area are accessible by public bus, and some are within cycling distance of the city centre. When we discuss roles with you, we will always confirm the location and transport links. It's important to be realistic about travel times, especially for early morning or late-night shifts when public transport may be limited.
What are the chances of a temporary role becoming permanent?
Many of our food production clients use temporary assignments as an extended interview process. If you demonstrate reliability, a strong work ethic, and fit well with the team, there is a very good chance of being offered a permanent contract. We actively encourage and facilitate this transition. In fact, a significant portion of our placements end in permanent job offers. To increase your chances, be punctual, proactive, and show a willingness to learn. For more insights, watch our video on turning a temporary job into a permanent position.
Ready to Start Your Next Role in Brighton?
Don't miss out on these immediate opportunities. Contact the Staff Direct Brighton team today to get your application moving.
How to Apply via Email
For a fast-track application, send your CV directly to our recruitment team. Ensure you mention the job title and location in your email.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected].
Please include your contact number, availability, and any relevant food production or factory experience.
Staff Direct – Brighton
A leading temporary staffing solutions provider connecting skilled workers with reputable employers across Sussex.
Browse more UK job opportunities or learn about our recruitment process.
Contact Details
Staff DirectBrighton BN1 Region
Sussex, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)2036275550
Email: [email protected]
Staff Direct is an equal-opportunities recruitment and temporary staffing agency serving Brighton BN1 and the surrounding region. © Staff Direct. All rights reserved.
A Day in the Life of a Brighton Food Production Operative
To give you a clearer picture of what to expect, here’s a breakdown of a typical shift at one of our leading BN1 client sites,"FreshCo Foods." This insight helps candidates prepare and demonstrates the structured, safety-focused environment you'll be joining.
Morning Shift Timeline (6:00 AM - 2:00 PM)
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6:00Arrival & Induction: Sign in, collect PPE (hairnet, gloves, coat, safety boots), and attend a 5-minute team briefing on daily targets and any specific quality alerts.
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6:15Line Start-up & Checks: Assist with basic machinery checks and initial hygiene inspections. You might be assigned to the salad packing line, ensuring scales are calibrated and packaging is stocked.
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8:30First Break & Hygiene Pause: A short break. Before returning, a full hand-wash and change of gloves is mandatory—hygiene is non-negotiable.
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11:00Mid-Shift Rotation & Stock Replenishment: Often, operatives rotate tasks to prevent fatigue. You may move from packing to quality inspection or assist with stock replenishment of ingredients from the chill store.
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13:30Shift Wind-down & Cleaning: Begin end-of-shift deep clean of your workstation. This involves disassembling parts of the line, using food-safe sanitizers, and logging any maintenance issues.
Modern, hygienic facilities are standard across our Brighton partner sites.
Career Progression Pathways
Starting as a Food Production Operative is often the first step into a stable career within the food manufacturing industry. Staff Direct has a proven track record of supporting workers to advance. Here are real progression examples from candidates we've placed in Brighton:
Line Leader / Supervisor
Demonstrate reliability and initiative for 6-12 months. You could be trained to oversee a small team, manage shift paperwork, and conduct new starter inductions. Average pay increase: £2-£3 more per hour.
"Staff Direct put me forward for a Team Leader course after 8 months. I'm now a permanent Shift Supervisor." – Mark, Brighton
Quality Control Inspector
If you have a keen eye for detail, you can transition into QC. This involves sampling products, monitoring hygiene audits, and ensuring compliance with BRCGS standards. Formal training is often provided.
This role requires a methodical approach, similar to precision needed in technical fields like that of a Plumber / Pipefitter.
Forklift & FLT Roles
Many sites need certified forklift drivers for warehouse and loading bay operations. We can often point you towards affordable local training to get your licence, significantly boosting your earning potential and employability.
A logical step for those experienced in stock replenishment and warehouse duties.
Understanding Brighton's Food Manufacturing Sector
Knowing the local industry landscape can help you target your job search and understand the stability of these roles.
Major Employers & Specialisms in BN1 & Surrounds
Brighton and its surrounding industrial estates are home to a diverse range of food producers. This variety means a wider choice of roles for you:
- Ready-Meal & Prepared Salads: High-volume sites supplying major supermarkets require operatives for assembly and packing lines. These are typically chilled environments (4°C).
- Artisan Bakery & Confectionery: Smaller, fast-growing producers of premium goods. Roles here may involve more manual handling and smaller batch production.
- Sustainable & Plant-Based Foods: Brighton is a hub for innovative food tech. These roles are often in modern facilities with a strong emphasis on sustainability practices.
- Distribution Centres: Large depots in Newhaven and Shoreham act as final-stage packing and distribution hubs, offering roles that blend production and warehouse skills.
This sector diversity provides job security; when one area slows, another is often recruiting. It's a key advantage of using a local agency like Staff Direct – we have our finger on the pulse of the entire market.
Seasonal Peaks & Planning Your Work
Food production in Brighton has predictable busy periods, which is excellent news for those seeking overtime or planning their annual income:
🍗 November - December (Christmas)
The peak period. Factories producing festive lines (stuffing, desserts, party food) require significant overtime. This is the best time to maximise earnings, with some sites offering 50+ hour weeks.
☀️ June - August (Summer)
Increased demand for salads, barbecue foods, and ice cream. Shift patterns expand, and temporary hiring surges to cover holiday periods—a perfect time to start.
🔄 January - February
A slightly quieter period ideal for training and upskilling. Many of our clients run internal courses during this time, which we can nominate you for.
Pro Tip: Register with Staff Direct before a peak season (e.g., register in October for Christmas work) to ensure you are first in line for the highest-paying overtime shifts.
Essential Documentation & Preparation Checklist
To ensure your registration and start date are not delayed, please have the following items ready. Being prepared is the single biggest factor in starting work quickly.
Mandatory Legal Documents (Right to Work)
You must provide original documents, not photocopies. We need to see these in person or via a live video link for verification.
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1Valid Passport (any nationality), OR
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2UK Birth Certificate + Proof of NI Number (e.g., P60, NI card, letter from DWP).
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3Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) showing your right to work.
⚠️ Without these, we cannot legally place you in any role. Check your passport expiry date now.
Practical Preparation Checklist
Tick these off to be"job-ready" from day one:
- Bank Account Details: For weekly payment. Ensure your account is active.
- Safety Footwear: Steel-toe cap boots are required on almost all sites. Budget around £25-£40.
- Transport Plan: Test your commute to likely industrial estates (BN1, Shoreham, Newhaven) at the time of your shift.
- Updated CV: Even a simple one-page CV listing any previous manual work, reliability, and team skills.
- Contact References: Have the name and phone number of at least one previous employer or character reference ready.
By having these items prepared, you demonstrate professionalism and enable us to process your application in under 24 hours, getting you to the front of the queue for the best shifts.
Your Next Step is Simple
You now have a comprehensive understanding of the role, the local sector, and the preparation needed. The only thing left is to take action.
Call to Register Now Browse All Food Production Jobs