Meat/Poultry Packer in the Netherlands
In Dutch food production, packing roles often open when plants scale output for retail and export lanes. As a Meat/Poultry Packer, you keep product moving safely through weighing, labeling and boxing, while maintaining strict hygiene routines and traceability.
Pay snapshot (gross) & what influences the rate
The displayed range is a realistic gross hourly corridor for meat/poultry packing in NL. Your final rate depends on the province/site, pay scale/collective agreement (where applicable), line complexity, experience, and the shift pattern.
- Baseline: statutory minimum wage level (gross), then increasing with experience and role scope.
- Shift pattern: 2-shift and night hours can add premiums (site rules apply).
- Overtime: paid with a premium where applicable (depends on employer/project).
- Holiday pay: may be accrued separately (common practice in NL staffing).
Hiring story
Many Dutch plants run multiple product “lanes” (retail trays, bulk boxes, export cartons). When one lane spikes, packing capacity becomes the bottleneck. This is why packers are often hired project-by-project: you stabilize throughput, keep labels correct, and prevent rework and waste.
What you will do (day-to-day on the line)
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Pack, weigh and seal Place portions into trays/bags, verify weights, and seal/vacuum-pack where applicable.
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Label & verify traceability Apply correct labels (lot/batch codes, dates, barcodes) and check readability and placement.
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Quality checks Visual inspection (pack integrity, leaks, wrong labels), remove nonconforming items, report issues fast.
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Boxing & pallet prep Box finished packs, stack safely, and prepare pallets for internal transport (equipment use if trained).
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Hygiene routines Follow cleaning/sanitation steps, change gloves as required, keep the workstation audit-ready.
Work environment (cold-chain, pace, PPE)
- Temperature: typically chilled areas to protect product quality (exact range depends on zone).
- Pace: conveyor/line rhythm; attention matters because mislabeling is costly.
- PPE: hairnet, protective clothing, gloves; sometimes hearing protection by area.
- Hygiene: strict rules (hand wash, no jewelry, controlled entry).
- Safety: safe lifting, clean walkways, sharp/edge awareness around equipment.
Requirements (must-have)
- Reliability and readiness for shift work (including weekends when required).
- Basic English for safety instructions and team coordination.
- Comfortable with repetitive tasks and standing/walking throughout the shift.
- Respect for hygiene rules and workplace discipline.
- CV in English is required for review and selection.
Nice-to-have
- Food production or packing line experience (poultry/meat, bakery, ready meals).
- Experience with labeling, scanning, traceability codes, or basic quality checks.
- Ability to operate simple packing machines (sealing, weighing stations) after training.
- Forklift/EPT experience (only if site requires; certification rules apply).
Candidate fit (quick self-check)
You are a good fit if you…
- can keep a steady pace without sacrificing label accuracy.
- are comfortable following strict hygiene and PPE rules every day.
- prefer clear routines and measurable output (packs/boxes per hour).
- can stand/walk for long periods and handle repetitive motions.
- communicate simply in English (safety, line stops, issues).
- stay calm when the line speeds up or priorities change.
- care about doing things “right the first time” to avoid rework.
This role is not for you if you…
- dislike cold/chilled environments or strict clothing rules.
- struggle with repetitive tasks or fast-paced line work.
- prefer unstructured work with frequent variety and movement.
- often ignore detailed instructions (labels, dates, hygiene steps).
Documents & process (general guidance)
- Valid passport/ID.
- CV (English preferred) + certificates if applicable.
- Bank details and basic onboarding data (requested after selection).
- Background checks may apply depending on the site (role-specific).
Non-EU candidates: eligibility depends on your right to work in the EU/Netherlands and whether the employer can sponsor the required authorization. This is confirmed during screening (no guarantees can be made on an informational page).
Typical working conditions (site-based)
- Hours: commonly 36–40 hours/week.
- Shifts: often 2-shift patterns; night work may exist on some sites.
- Overtime: possible during peak periods; paid with premiums where applicable.
- Tools/PPE: employer provides required PPE; follow safety and hygiene standards.
- Accommodation/transport: may be offered depending on project; deductions (if any) are explained in writing during onboarding.
- Probation: depends on contract terms and assignment.
Questions? Use the contact page: https://mavial.pl/kontakt.html
FAQ
Is this job only “packing”, or also production tasks?
Most assignments focus on packing and labeling, but some sites include simple production-support steps (repacking, rework, portion handling) after training. Your exact task list depends on the line and zone.
Will I work with a scanner?
Some plants use scanning for internal tracking (boxes/pallets), while others rely on printed labels and line checks. If scanners are used, training is provided.
What is the most common reason candidates fail onboarding?
Not following hygiene rules consistently (PPE, hand wash, no jewelry), or struggling with pace while keeping labels correct. Accuracy and discipline matter as much as speed.
Do I need to speak fluent English?
Fluency is not always required, but basic English for safety instructions and teamwork is expected on most sites.