Food Production Worker (General) in the Netherlands
This is a hands-on role for people who prefer clear routines: clock in, suit up, follow the line rhythm, keep quality and hygiene tight, and finish the shift knowing the output is right. Openings are project-based and vary by site (packing hall, chilled area, bakery line, or mixed production). Non-EU candidates may apply; work authorization depends on the employer, assignment, and candidate profile.
A quick hiring story (why we hire)
Food production runs on predictability: the same order must look and weigh the same at 07:00 and at 17:00. When volumes rise (seasonal demand, promotions, export batches), plants add extra hands to keep pace without compromising hygiene or traceability. This role exists for that exact reason: stable, careful support on the floor—packing, checking, labeling, and helping the line keep moving.
What you’ll actually do on shift
Day-to-day tasks depend on the line, but the core is consistent: careful handling, consistent pace, and clean work.
Line & packing tasks
- Pack products into trays/boxes, add inserts, and seal packaging to standard.
- Label and date-code items; verify the correct label for the batch.
- Weigh-check units (spot checks) and report deviations to the line lead.
- Build cartons onto pallets and keep the station organized (5S-style).
Quality, hygiene, and traceability
- Follow hygiene rules (hairnet/beard cover where required, hand-wash routines, no jewelry).
- Work to site SOPs and basic HACCP-style controls (allergen awareness where applicable).
- Record or confirm batch/lot information when the station requires it.
- Escalate foreign objects, damaged packaging, or temperature/hygiene concerns immediately.
Workday snapshot
A realistic flow (example). Exact steps vary by plant.
- Start: safety brief + hygiene/PPE check.
- Ramp up: station setup, label verification, first quality check.
- Steady run: packing rhythm, spot weights, tidy station.
- Changeover: new batch/label, quick clean, re-check.
- End: handover, cleanup to standard, return equipment.
Pay (gross) and what can move it
Indicative gross hourly range for this role: €14.75–€18.25 brutto. Final pay depends on location, experience, shift pattern, and the applicable site rules/collective arrangements.
- Baseline: in the Netherlands, the statutory minimum wage for adults is set as an hourly gross amount (adjusted twice a year). (Shown here for context, not as a promise.)
- Shift allowances: evening/night or irregular hours may carry uplifts depending on site policy.
- Overtime: paid hours beyond schedule can be compensated at higher rates depending on the roster and plant rules.
- Experience fit: prior production/packing or quality routines can place you toward the upper end.
Work environment & schedule notes
- Shifts: day/evening/night depending on plant (often 2–3 shifts).
- Safety: clear rules, line-speed awareness, and hygiene discipline are non-negotiable.
- Tools/equipment: basic station tools (scales, labelers, scanners) may be used after instruction.
- Physical: standing work, repetitive motion, and steady pace; lifting is usually moderate but can occur.
- Travel/accommodation: may exist on some projects; terms (costs/deductions) depend on assignment and are confirmed before start.
- Probation/intro period: common on many sites; performance and reliability matter early.
We avoid “too-good-to-be-true” promises: exact rosters and conditions are always assignment-specific and confirmed after screening.
Candidate portrait
You are a good fit if you…
- can keep a steady pace without sacrificing accuracy.
- follow hygiene rules consistently (even when it’s repetitive).
- notice small issues (wrong label, damaged pack, weight deviation) and report them early.
- are reliable with shifts and understand that production depends on attendance.
- communicate basic needs clearly (simple English is usually enough for safety).
- are comfortable with routine tasks and clear procedures.
- can work in a team where handovers and coordination matter.
This role is not for you if you…
- prefer unstructured work with frequent task switching.
- struggle to follow hygiene/PPE rules exactly as required.
- cannot tolerate repetitive motion or standing work.
- expect guaranteed hours, fixed shifts, or “no overtime ever” in all cases.
Requirements (what we screen for)
- CV in English is required for review and selection.
- Readiness for shift work (day/evening/night depending on the plant).
- Basic communication for safety instructions (simple English is often sufficient).
- Attention to detail (labels, dates, weights, packaging condition).
- Experience in food production/packing is helpful but not always mandatory.
Nice-to-have: prior work under hygiene regimes (food, pharma, clean packing), basic scanner/labeler familiarity.
Documents & legal work in the Netherlands (incl. non-EU)
- Identity: valid passport/ID; right-to-work checks are standard.
- Onboarding: you may be asked for address details, bank details, and basic HR forms.
- Non-EU candidates: eligibility depends on the assignment and the legal work authorization route (employer-specific permission vs. broader access). This is confirmed after screening.
- Background checks: some sites may require basic checks depending on client policy.
- Work via a Polish employer: arrangements and compliance steps can differ by project (e.g., documentation for legal deployment and payroll). Details are clarified case-by-case.
Questions about your case are best handled after we review your CV, because the correct route depends on nationality, role, and site requirements.
For questions, use the contact page: https://mavial.pl/kontakt.html.
FAQ
Is the pay shown gross (brutto) or net?
Gross (brutto). Net pay depends on taxation, deductions (if any), and personal circumstances. Exact terms are confirmed per assignment.
Do I need Dutch language skills?
Usually not. Basic English is commonly sufficient for safety and coordination. Some sites are multilingual; the practical requirement is safe communication.
What shifts are typical in food production?
Many plants run 2–3 shifts (day/evening/night). Rotations and weekend work depend on demand and the specific site.
Is accommodation or transport included?
It depends on the project. Some assignments offer accommodation/transport options; costs and deductions (if applicable) are disclosed before you commit.
I am non-EU. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can apply. Whether you can start depends on the legal work authorization route for your profile and the assignment (employer-specific vs broader access). We confirm feasibility after CV screening.
How fast can the process move?
If your CV matches and the site needs are clear, screening can move quickly. Start dates still depend on onboarding steps, shift planning, and documentation checks.