- The packhouse is busy all year round, so there is reliable full-time employment for those that want it.
- Payment is by the hour but with bonus based on packing speed, but the National Minimum Wage is guaranteed to all.
- All employees from all countries are on the same rate scale of pay.
- Minimum recommended age is 18yr old due to legal restrictions on working hours, depending on if you are still at school etc.
- The Farm is more seasonal and harvest staff are needed from June to September, with full time work available for a smaller number of people.
- All picking is ‘piece-work’ rates, so opportunities to earn more than the minimum wage, but the National Minimum Wage is guaranteed to all.
- All employees from all countries and all ages are paid the same rates of pay, so if you are under 23yrs old, you have same rates of pay as those of 24rs and older when picking on ‘piece-rate’
- Minimum recommended age is 18yr old due to legal restrictions on hours depending if still at school etc., but we will still consider you if 16 or 17yrs old, but employment will come with some legal restrictions.
- We have a mixture of crops grown under tunnels as well as outside to protect the fruit from the weather and also to spread out the harvest. If it rains, we therefore have work picking under cover.
- Some accommodation is available in ‘mobile homes’ for seasonal harvest workers.
- 28 days holiday per annum for all, with entitlement from 1st day of employment e.g. for someone working 5 days per week, they would accrue 1 full days holiday for each 9.3 days worked.
- Wages paid weekly into bank account (this can be paid cash for first two weeks if bank account is not set up at the start of employment)
- All necessary training will be given, with a comprehensive induction and Q&A session with one of your Managers or Supervisors before commencing any work.
- Above minimum wages paid from the start, which increases after 3 months and again at 12 months
- Fixed days off each week and no rolling shifts, so you can plan ahead.
- Most people do 5 days per week, with average of 40hrs worked each week, but there are plenty of opportunities for those that wish to do more hours.
- Due to the seasonal nature of some of the work (both inside the packhouse and on the farm) we will often ask you to help finish the field harvested or Job being packed before going home, but we do all that we can to maintain the 40hr average working week as an average over a rolling 12 week period.
- At busy times for those working 5 days per week, there is an option to work a 6th day, but to be very clear this is an option and not a requirement.
- ‘Extra time’ is available most weeks of the year for those that wish to do a few more hours, both on the farm and in the packhouse.
- Part time work (3 or 4 days per week) is sometimes available.
- We have a “mums” group in the packhouse that work roughly 9am-3pm in line with needs to collect children from school. The number in this group is limited due to the hours of operation and the timing of orders received from our customers, but we try to be flexible with those who have children to pick up and drop off at school.
- Opportunities for quick career progression, together with improved wages.
- Free onsite parking.
- Free WIFI on site.
- Free Internet Café with desktop PC’s as well as WIFI
- Automatic pension scheme enrolment after 3 months work (you can also opt out of this at any time)
- We have a good working atmosphere.
- Free use of onsite gym
- Subsidised canteen on site, serving hot food all day, together with various vending machines for snacks, hot and cold drinks in the evening when canteen servery is closed. No cash required for canteen, any purchases are deducted from wages weekly. Cashless payment options on hot drinks vending machine.
- Modern packhouse with modern equipment and good staff facilities.
- Please do NOT apply for a job if you do not have the legal right to work in the UK (e.g. UK National or ‘pre-settled status‘ or ‘settled status’, or ‘indefinite leave to remain’ or ‘permanent Residency’ statuses).
- We cannot assist directly with Visa applications other than to give some general advice. At the current time, there is no realistic possibility of obtaining a visa to work on a farm or a packhouse in the UK, except through the SAWS scheme.
- The site has numerous Covid protocols in place including automatic temperature screening equipment, both where packhouse staff enter the packhouse and also where farm staff report for work each morning.
Packhouse
We are looking for a reliable and motivated End of Line Operators. One shift – from 7 am to finish. Previous experience is not essential. On site training will be provided where all relevant information will be explained.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manual handling
- Putting raw material on the line
- Collecting packed product / punnets and putting into the boxes
- Stacking boxes on the pallet at the end of the line
- Work with Tablet end-of-line applications, recoding quantity packed for a job.
There is an opportunity to progress within company for those with good performance.
Please complete the application form which will be sent to our Human Resources Department along with your CV if you have one.
Previous experience on similar position is required.
POSITION SUMMARY
A Line Leader has a key role in the production process. They are responsible for efficient completion of customers’ orders whilst also ensuring that Winterwood internal Policies, Procedures are followed.
Line leaders are also responsible for supervision of the packers, infeed /outfeed staff and the Pallet Truck Driver that is assigned to work on the line.
Line leaders are required to make sure that right packaging is used for specific customer’s orders (as per customer’s specifications) and the correct fruit is given to packers (as per stock allocations)
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Line Leaders are required to carry out all tasks that are involved with the running of the line, such as:
- setting up the line prior to work,
- changing tools, changing film, setting up the line’s printer, setting up the checkweigher, metal detector, production scales,
- setting up heat-sealer for each job (GT2 and GT2s)
- metal detector calibration,
- setting up label applicators,
- completion of required checks,
- make sure cleaning procedures are followed etc. on the tablet.
Starting rate is £14-£15 per hour with possibility of increase after training and 3 months’ probation period.
On site training will be provided where all relevant information will be explained.
We are offering competitive salary, 5 day working week (weekend availability required), on site amenities and other extras that will be explained to all candidates invited to an interview.
Please complete the application form which will be sent to our Human Resources Department along with your CV if you have one.
We are looking for Fruit packers.
- Full time packer ( 5 days a week)
- Weekend packer ( job available Saturdays and Sundays)
POSITION SUMMARY
The main purpose of the Fruit Packer’s position is to carry out fruit packing in conscientious manner, taking care to pack the fruit with the minimum of handling. It is also Packer’s responsibility to make sure that damaged, mouldy or other unacceptable quality fruit are being removed while packing and fruit that are in the punnet meet the minimum quality standards, as described by Line Leader or Line Leader’s Assistant prior starting each job. Fruit Packer is expected to follow all company’s internal procedures that were introduced during the Induction Training and will be provided during the Packer’s Training
One shift – 7 am to finish. Previous experience is not essential. On site training will be provided where all relevant information will be explained. There is an opportunity to progress within company for those with good performance.
Please complete the application form which will be sent to our Human Resources Department along with your CV if you have one.
We are seeking a reliable and motivated Order Picker to join our team! If you have basic English skills, basic computer knowledge, and the ability to operate an electric pallet truck, this role could be perfect for you.
POSITION SUMMARY
Order pickers are in charge of preparing finished product for dispatch. They are responsible for palletising and loading the pallets of finished product on the lorry. They are responsible for safe and efficient preparation of the pallets for each order, depot and customer and the safe loading to the collecting vehicle, whilst also ensuring that all internal company’s policies and procedures as well as customers’ requirements are followed.
Key Responsibilities:
Picking and packing orders accurately and efficiently.
Operating an electric pallet truck to move goods safely within the warehouse and loading costumers lorries .
Using a computer or handheld device for costumer’s distributions .
Ensuring a clean and organized workspace.
Requirements:
Basic English skills (reading, speaking, and understanding).
Basic computer skills (familiarity with data entry or basic software).
Experience driving an electric pallet truck is essential.
Attention to detail and a strong work ethic.
What We Offer:
Full Training .
Competitive salary.
Friendly and supportive work environment.
Opportunities for growth and development.
How to Apply:
If you meet the above requirements and are ready to take on a new challenge, please complete the application form which will be sent to our Human Resources Department along with your CV if you have one.
As a Hygiene Technician, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene standards of the factory, ensuring that machinery and equipment are dismantled, deep-cleaned, and reassembled to meet food safety regulations. Working as part of the evening team, you will focus on the disassembly and maintenance of production machinery, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for food production.
This role is perfect for someone who enjoys being on the ground, working with a team, and ensuring everything is clean, safe, and up to standard.
Working hours: 3/4pm – 12:30am (8-9 hours shift)
Key Responsibilities:
Machinery Cleaning & Maintenance:
- Dismantle production machinery and equipment for thorough cleaning, ensuring compliance with hygiene and food safety standards.
- Use cleaning chemicals safely and effectively to remove food residues, debris, and potential contaminants.
- Reassemble machinery after cleaning, ensuring all components are properly fitted and functioning correctly.
- Conduct basic maintenance tasks, including lubrication and minor repairs, to prevent breakdowns.
Factory Hygiene & Compliance:
- Perform deep cleaning of production areas, floors, drains, and surfaces to maintain a hygienic working environment.
- Follow strict hygiene protocols, including adherence to COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations.
- Complete hygiene records and checklists accurately, documenting all cleaning and maintenance activities.
- Report any equipment faults, damage, or potential risks to the Hygiene Supervisor or Engineering team.
Health & Safety:
- Work safely with chemicals and ensure PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is worn at all times.
- Follow all health and safety procedures, including Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) protocols when working with machinery.
- Maintain a clean and organised work area to minimise risks and hazards.
Requirements:
- Previous experience in a hygiene, sanitation, or cleaning role within a food production or manufacturing environment is preferred.
- Knowledge of food hygiene standards, HACCP, and COSHH regulations.
- Ability to dismantle and reassemble machinery safely and efficiently.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to hygiene and safety standards.
- Good communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
- Physically fit and able to work in a fast-paced, hands-on role.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in the fruit or fresh produce industry.
- Basic mechanical or engineering skills.
- Food Safety or Hygiene certification (Level 2 or above).
What We Offer:
Hourly rate: Starting hourly rate is £14.00 (paid per hour, weekly) This will be reviewed after 12 weeks trial period based on performance.
How to Apply:
If you meet the above requirements and are ready to take on a new challenge, please complete the application form which will be sent to our Human Resources Department along with your CV if you have one.
We’re looking for a hands-on and detail-focused Hygiene Supervisor to join our team at Winterwood Farms Ltd, a leading soft fruit packhouse. You’ll play a key role in keeping our facility clean, safe, and compliant with food hygiene standards, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
This role is perfect for someone who enjoys being on the ground, working with a team, and ensuring everything is clean, safe, and up to standard.
Working hours: 3/4pm – 12:30am (8-9 hours shift)
Key Responsibilities:
Hygiene Management:
- Create and follow hygiene schedules to make sure all areas of the packhouse (like production lines, storage areas, staff facilities, and equipment) are spotless and meet high standards.
- Keep an eye on the cleaning team’s work and offer helpful feedback to improve how things are done.
Compliance and Standards:
- Make sure everything meets food safety rules (like BRCGS, HACCP, and retailer standards).
- Carry out regular hygiene checks and fix any issues quickly.
- Keep clear records of cleaning schedules, inspections, and any actions taken to fix problems.
Team Support:
- Help guide and encourage the hygiene team, making sure everyone knows and follows the right procedures.
- Train and support staff on cleaning methods, safe chemical use, and food hygiene practices.
Chemical and Equipment Care:
- Manage the safe storage, handling, and use of cleaning chemicals and equipment.
- Regularly check stock levels and ensure we have enough cleaning supplies.
Team Collaboration:
- Work closely with production, quality, and technical teams to ensure hygiene processes fit well with daily operations.
- Share updates on hygiene performance, any issues, and suggestions with the management team.
Health & Safety:
- Ensure all cleaning tasks are done safely and follow health and safety rules.
- Spot and reduce any risks in cleaning activities to keep the workplace safe.
Requirements:
Experience in a similar hygiene or supervisory role, ideally in food production or a packhouse.
- Good understanding of food safety standards, hygiene practices, and relevant regulations (like HACCP and BRCGS).
- Strong people skills and the ability to work well with a team.
- A keen eye for detail and a commitment to keeping things clean and safe.
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and meet deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications:
- HACCP certification or similar food safety training.
- Experience with soft fruit or fresh produce.
- Knowledge of COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health).
What We Offer:
Hourly rate: Starting hourly rate is £14.50 (paid per hour, weekly) This will be reviewed after 12 weeks trial period based on performance.
How to Apply:
If you meet the above requirements and are ready to take on a new challenge, please complete the application form which will be sent to our Human Resources Department along with your CV if you have one.
We are looking for a Labels Printing Room Operator to join our team in Winterwood Farm. If you are detail-oriented, work well in a fast-paced environment, and have basic computer skills, we want to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities:
- Printing and preparing labels for packing the orders
- Ensuring accuracy and quality of printed labels
- Managing label stock and replenishment
- Coordinating with the packing team to meet daily production targets
Requirements:
- English skills – ability to speak, read, and write
- Computer literacy – basic skills required
- Fast worker – able to meet deadlines efficiently
- Team player – work well with others in a busy environment
What We Offer:
- Full Training
- Competitive salary
- Supportive and friendly work environment
- Opportunities for growth and development
How to Apply:
If you meet the above requirements and are ready to take on a new challenge, please complete the application form which will be sent to our Human Resources Department along with your CV if you have one.
We have a position as Quality Controller available within our QA department.
Key Responsibilities:
- Checking labels, boxends, promotions and pre-printed film
- Responsible for quality on production line
- Collecting Shelf- life samples
Requirements:
- Basic English
- Basic knowledge on working with tablet
- Good attention to detail
Previous experience in similar position is advantage but not essential. On site training will be provided where all relevant information will be explained. We are offering competitive salary, 5 day working week, on site amenities and other extras that will be explained to all candidates invited to an interview.
How to Apply:
If you meet the above requirements and are ready to take on a new challenge, please complete the application form which will be sent to our Human Resources Department along with your CV if you have one.