James Catchpole - The Ilchester Cheese Co.

James Catchpole

Managing Director

I joined The Ilchester Cheese Co. in 2023 as Supply Chain Director, after leading supply chain and manufacturing at Mars / Royal Canin, Yankee Candle, and Refresco, then moved into the MD role 6 months later. What I love first and foremost about The Ilchester Cheese Co. is the culture and the people- we have real expertise across functions and years of experience here. It’s important to me that people enjoy coming to work, and are passionate about the products they make and sell.

In my role I love that I am able to shape the strategy for the future, making decisions that really make a difference. I take pride in having supported peoples’ development in the business, seeing sparks in people and helping to shape their career.

The quality of our products is second to none, and retaining the highest levels of quality, health and safety is my number one priority. I’m passionate about our portfolio of exceptional brands, and am excited for a future where we put them front and centre of the business.

We are lucky that we’re a local business with heritage, with strong connections to the local community. But we also have a great parent company in TINE, Norway which gives us access to more resources, support and some wonderful Norwegian cheeses. I’m excited for the future of The Ilchester Cheese Co., creating growth and opportunities locally, improving our site sustainability, and producing excellent cheeses for people to enjoy across the globe.

The beauty of our portfolio is that there’s something for everyone’s tastes; my absolute favourite is Jarlsberg® Reserve with its strong flavour profile.

“It’s important to me that people enjoy coming to work, and are passionate about the products they make and sell”

Night Hygiene Operative

We are looking for flexible, proactive and confident Hygiene Operative who is looking to secure a career in food manufacturing.

Working for a global specialty cheese business with innovation at its heart, Norseland brings together Norwegian and British expertise in cheese production and manufacturing. The Norseland “house of brands” includes a variety of increasingly popular cheeses. Taking center stage from Norway is Jarlsberg®, admired by leading chefs worldwide, whilst brands from the UK include the ever-popular Applewood® Cheese, Mexicana® and Ilchester®

We offer an comprehensive benefits package that includes: Time and a half Overtime, free health care cash plan, free retailer discount portal, free parking, company pension, life insurance, free teas and coffees.

Hourly rate including 25% of Night Shift Premium is £15.06 per hour.

Summary and purpose of Role:

To participate in the high standard of hygiene as is required for a food producing factory and carry out the hygiene tasks assigned to you
To develop competence in all areas of basic skills described below

Entry Level hygiene operatives will effectively carry out a cleaning process for the following areas and pieces of equipment:

Wash stations and changing rooms
Offices
W/Cs
Canteen
All low risk and High care areas and equipment across both sites
Carrying out Laundry procedures
Removing waste to the compactors and operating the compactors
Supporting production lines washout
Replenishing overalls, toilets paper, soap, sanitiser, etc.

Interpersonal skills:

Clear communication skills
Positive Team work skills
Self-Motivated
Prepared to develop skills through the company’s training programme as required

Outputs and Deliverables:

Ensure quality standards are achieved at all times and ensure appropriate action is taken when necessary
Adhere to all the company’s policies procedures and plans.
Thorough knowledge of the department and its interaction with related departments
Ensure the Health and Safety of yourself and others
Work to achieve Good Manufacturing Practice at all time
Be proactive in achieving training requirements
Contribute toward the effective cleaning of all machinery in your working environment
Comply with any reasonable requests that you have been trained to do.

Training/Skills development:

Upon employment, Entry Level operatives should successfully complete training in the following areas:

Quality Assurance skills

Foreign Body training
HACCP
Food Safety for manufacturing level 2
Holchem essential cic system
Allergen training

Health & Safety Skills

Manual handling training
COSHH training
Emergency procedures training

Background & profile:

Present yourself and a professional and courteous manner at all times
Achieve required pass mark in English language aptitude test
Willing to work overtime including weekends when required
Ensure you meet the standards of personal hygiene required by the business at all times

Working Pattern:

10pm-6am Monday-Friday

Requirements:

Previous hygiene experience within manufacturing required
Previous experience within food manufacturing desired