Career Opportunities at Ferndale Foods
The production of chilled meals is a complex operation dependant on the successful
co-ordination between interdepartmental roles; to aid the process Ferndale offers
an extensive range of employment opportunities.
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Process Operatives
Ferndale believes processing operatives are the backbone of any successful
food manufacturer; with consumer trends evolving the role is variable
requiring continual development. Tasks range from material preparation to
cooking, assembly to packing.
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Food Technology
Food technology is integral to the advancement of our product portfolio; it
requires our technologists to have a sound knowledge of food science along
with processing capabilities. Tasks involve the development of new meals
from concept to national deliverance, development of existing products and
development of processing techniques. Our aim is to continually deliver
culinary excellence.
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Supply Chain
The supply chain at Ferndale is critical to our customer & business needs.
We collaborate with or supply base to ensure material availability all year
round. Accurately forecasting demand using the latest technology enables the
supply chain team to schedule 24/7 deliveries of raw materials and
manufacturing requirements to meet customer demand. All of this is
performed within short shelf life constraints.
The supply chain at Ferndale is innovative, customer focused, performance
driven & a corner stone of the business.
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Technical/Laboratory
Quality assurance has an integral role within the technical department the
functions involve the monitoring, auditing and training in key areas of food
quality & safety. Data is continually monitored against both business and
customer driven KPI targets. Ferndale has on-site LIMS operated
microbiological laboratory which is CLAS accredited to test for all indicator
and main pathogens. Ensuring technical competence is of vital importance
in supplying the large retailers and food service customers. Ferndale
therefore prides itself on the professionalism of its technical team.
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Engineering
Our skilled engineering team have a pivotal role in ensuring the efficiencies
of both site and process equipment. Although plant maintenance is a
priority the engineers are also involved inimplementing new equipment
and systems. Our engineers operate with a multi-disciplined skill base,
encompassing all M&E trades.
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Marketing & Sales
We operate in the fatest growing sector of the food industry. Putting the needs of the consumer at the heart
of all business decisions is a key driver to success. An eye for ever changing consumer trends, inter personal
skills and a passion for food are essential requirements.
Our Marketing Department uses consumer and market insight to create a dynamic interface between
our NPD teams and the customer so as to deliver innovative product solutions. Commercial acumen combined with
managing the customer proactively builds the foundation for a sustainable relationship that linked with the product
solutions forms the basis of the business plan.
Further developing relationships both internally and with customers is key for the Sales team to deliver the
business plan in line with production capabilities.
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Finance
Ferndale Foods is a fast-moving business which requires real-time monitoring
of product flows, cost and business performance. It works closely with the
commercial and operational drivers of the company, providing proactive
advice and reactive information to maximise efficiencies and assist with the
product development. Departmental roles span the full breadth of
experience from entry-level clerk to FInance Director. There is a strong
sense of value-adding in the finance department which creates a real sense
of job satisfaction amongst our varied and highly-motivated staff.
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Human Resources
The welfare and satisfaction of our staff is vital in ensuring that we remain
competitve and fair within todays market. Our human resources team is
critical in implementing both external and internal methods to attract,
retain and develop staff.
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Communication is paramount within any large organisation. Its the job of
our I.T team to ensure systems are maintained and updated. An
understanding of business requirements is essential with attention being
paid to ‘best practice’ developments. The department is divided into two
sections. The Network Team: Responsible for the maintenance and
installation of WAN, LAN, hardware and PC applications. The Application
Team: responsible for the implementation of ERP/MRP systems and business
applications including purchase and ordering systems.