Dairy Factory General Operative Job Description

This Dairy Factory General Operative job description sets out the main duties, qualifications, skills and measures of success for the role, which is also known as Factory Worker, Production Operative, Factory Labourer or Packer. Download it free as a Word or PDF template and adapt it for your own vacancy.

Job title	Dairy Factory General Operative
Also known as	Factory Worker, Production Operative, Factory Labourer, Packer
Department	Dairy processing
Reports to	Team Leader
Direct reports	None

What does a Dairy Factory General Operative do?

Helps keep the dairy factory running by feeding production lines, packing products and moving materials. Keeps work areas clean and follows food safety and health and safety rules at all times.

Dairy Factory General Operative duties and responsibilities

Packing and line work

• Feed packaging, lids, labels and other materials onto the line
• Pack products into boxes, crates or trays and stack them on pallets
• Check that packs are sealed, labelled and date coded correctly
• Remove damaged or faulty packs and tell the Team Leader
• Move between lines and tasks as needed

Moving materials

• Move materials and finished goods using pallet trucks and trolleys
• Lift and carry items using safe manual handling methods
• Rotate stock so that older materials are used first
• Keep stock and pallet areas tidy and clear

Cleaning and hygiene

• Keep work areas clean, tidy and free of waste
• Follow hygiene rules on hand washing, clothing, hair nets and jewellery
• Put waste and recycling in the correct bins
• Help with cleaning at the end of each shift

Safety and teamwork

• Follow safety rules and wear the PPE provided
• Report accidents, near misses and hazards straight away
• Fill in simple checklists and records accurately
• Work well with the team and follow instructions from the Team Leader

Dairy Factory General Operative qualifications and experience

Essential

• Basic reading, writing and number skills
• Ability to follow instructions and simple written procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good attendance and timekeeping
• Willingness to work shifts, including early starts, nights and weekends

Desirable

• Basic food hygiene certificate or similar
• Experience in a factory, warehouse or food production setting
• Certificate to use a pallet truck or forklift

Skills and attributes

• Attention to detail
• Teamwork
• Reliability
• Working at a steady pace
• Flexibility to change tasks
• Clear communication

How success is measured

• Packing and line targets met each shift
• Packs correctly sealed, labelled and coded
• Clean and tidy work areas at all times
• Packaging and product waste within target
• Good attendance and timekeeping
• No accidents or injuries

Working conditions and safety

Shift work in a food factory, which may include early starts, nights and weekends. The work involves standing for long periods, repeated movements and lifting, sometimes in cold or noisy areas; PPE and training are provided.

• Follow health and safety rules and safe systems of work, and wear the correct PPE
• Follow food safety, hygiene, HACCP and quality procedures at all times
• Report hazards, accidents, near misses and concerns promptly

Dairy Factory General Operative interview questions

Use these questions to assess candidates for a Dairy Factory General Operative role. Each one includes what a good answer shows.

1. What jobs have you done in a factory, warehouse or similar place?
   What a good answer shows: Describes real tasks clearly, or shows a strong willingness to learn if new to factory work.
2. How do you check that a pack is correct before it goes on a pallet?
   What a good answer shows: Looks at the seal, label, date code and any damage, and removes faulty packs.
3. How do you stack a pallet so it is safe and stable?
   What a good answer shows: Heaviest items at the bottom, follows the stacking pattern, keeps the load straight and within height limits.
4. Why is it important to use older stock first?
   What a good answer shows: Understands that stock rotation keeps materials in date and reduces waste.
5. What hygiene rules should you follow in a food factory?
   What a good answer shows: Mentions hand washing, hair nets, clean clothing, no jewellery and no food or drink in production areas.
6. How do you lift and carry a heavy box safely?
   What a good answer shows: Plans the lift, bends the knees, keeps the load close, and asks for help or uses equipment.
7. Why are good attendance and timekeeping important in a factory?
   What a good answer shows: Understands the line and team depend on everyone, and tells the Team Leader early if running late.
8. Tell us about a time you worked well as part of a team.
   What a good answer shows: Gives a real example of helping others, following instructions and sharing the work fairly.
9. A box of product falls on the floor and splits open. What do you do?
   What a good answer shows: Makes the area safe, tells the Team Leader, keeps damaged product away from the line and cleans up correctly.
10. The Team Leader asks you to move to a line you do not know. What do you do?
    What a good answer shows: Agrees willingly, asks to be shown the job and its safety rules, and asks questions if unsure.

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