Production Operative; Freezer Controller

Job Advert

Are you experienced in managing stock within a frozen or temperature-controlled environment? Do you thrive on accuracy, structure, and making sure everything is exactly where it should be?

We’re looking for a Frozen Inventory Controller to take ownership of stock accuracy, rotation, and reporting within our busy freezer operation in Middlesbrough. This is a critical role supporting production continuity, customer fulfilment, food safety, and operational excellence.

Job Title:

Frozen Inventory Controller – Chilled Food Manufacturing

Shift Pattern: 4on 4off 06:00 – 18:00

Location:

Unit 2A, Nelson Street, Middlesbrough, TS6 6BJ

Salary: £13.21 per hour

At The Compleat Food Group, we’re proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion. Formed in 2021, we’re on a mission to create Food to Feel Good - great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat.

We’re home to some of the UK’s most exciting and loved food brands, including Wall’s Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co., unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, and Harvey & Brockless. Alongside our branded portfolio, we’re a leading supplier of delicious own-label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added-value egg products, continental meats, dips and sauces and plant‑based food to the UK’s major retailers, as well as across food service.

With over 6,000 talented colleagues across 17 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, we’re united by a shared ambition to shape the future of food for the better.

As Frozen Inventory Controller, you will be responsible for ensuring complete accuracy and control of all frozen inventory on site. You’ll manage cycle counts, investigate variances, maintain system integrity, and ensure full FIFO/FEFO compliance.

You’ll work closely with Planning, Procurement, Warehouse, Technical, and Operations teams to ensure stock availability aligns with production plans and customer requirements — while maintaining audit‑ready standards at all times.

• Ensure full compliance with all site H&S policies, PPE, SSOW, and freezer safety standards.
• Lead by example in identifying and addressing unsafe behaviours or conditions.
• Participate in accident and near‐miss investigations.
• Support environmental targets by reducing waste, giveaway, energy, and water usage.
• Monitor freezer conditions, escalating any risks immediately.
• Maintain full compliance with BRC, HACCP, and site food safety standards.
• Support internal and external audits with accurate, traceable inventory records.
• Own frozen stock accuracy through daily cycle counts and reconciliations.
• Investigate and resolve stock variances between physical and system records within 48 hours.
• Ensure strict FIFO/FEFO rotation to minimise waste and prevent obsolescence.
• Work closely with Planning, Procurement, and Operations to ensure stock availability exceeds 99%.
• Proactively identify risks relating to ageing stock, shortages, or freezer capacity.
• Support inbound and outbound freezer movements during peak periods.
• Communicate risks and performance updates clearly to the management team.

• Proven experience managing inventory within freezer or chiller environments.
• Strong knowledge of stock control, cycle counting, and reconciliation.
• Understanding of food safety and compliance in temperature‑controlled operations.
• Experience using ERP or Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Strong attention to detail with a methodical approach to investigation.
• Confident communicator able to work across departments.
• Physically able and willing to work within frozen conditions.

• Experience with in frozen food or cold storage operations.
• Knowledge of BRC, HACCP, and food manufacturing standards.
• Experience supporting audits.
• Strong Excel and reporting skills.

• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension.
• 20 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra.
• Holiday Discounts via our online retail platform.
• Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in‑store.
• Free…