Food jobs in Northern Ireland

Role Overview

We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Food Production Assistant to join our production team, specialising in the manufacture of fresh cream desserts and gluten-free products. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing, assembling, decorating, packaging, and maintaining the quality of products while ensuring strict adherence to food safety, allergen control, and hygiene procedures.

This role requires a strong commitment to quality, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently within a fast-paced food production environment.

Key Responsibilities

Fresh Cream Dessert Production

• Prepare and assemble a range of fresh cream desserts, cakes, trifles, cheesecakes, and seasonal products.
• Fill, decorate, and finish products to company specifications and quality standards.
• Carry out excellent piping work using fresh cream, buttercream, and other decorative finishes to a consistently high standard.
• Monitor product quality, appearance, consistency, and shelf life.
• Ensure correct storage and handling of fresh cream and chilled ingredients.

Gluten-Free Production

• Assist in the production and packaging of gluten-free bakery and confectionery products.
• Follow strict allergen control procedures to prevent cross-contamination.
• Ensure gluten-free production areas, equipment, and utensils are maintained to the required standards.
• Complete production records and allergen documentation accurately.

General Production Duties

• Weigh, measure, and prepare ingredients according to recipes and production schedules.
• Operate bakery and food production equipment safely and efficiently.
• Pack, label, and prepare products for distribution.
• Maintain a clean and hygienic working environment in accordance with company procedures and food safety regulations.
• Carry out daily cleaning schedules and equipment sanitation.
• Support stock rotation and ingredient management.
• Assist with production planning to meet customer demand and delivery deadlines.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all company food safety, health and safety, and hygiene procedures.
• Maintain compliance with HACCP, allergen management, and gluten-free production requirements.
• Report any quality concerns, equipment faults, or food safety issues immediately.
• Participate in food safety and allergen awareness training as required.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in a food production, bakery, confectionery, or catering environment.
• Experience working with fresh cream products, desserts, or cake decoration.
• Good understanding of food hygiene and safe food handling practices.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

• Experience in gluten-free food production or allergen-controlled environments.
• Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 2 or above).
• Knowledge of HACCP and allergen management procedures.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable and punctual.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• High standards of cleanliness and professionalism.
• Flexible approach to work and production demands.
• Passion for producing high-quality food products.
• This role is offered on a temporary contract initially, with the possibility of a permanent appointment for the successful candidate based on performance and operational requirements.

Pay: From £12.71 per hour

Benefits:

• Company pension

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Newtownards, County Down: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• Food preparation: 1 year (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person