According to Sky News, Kraft Heinz is investing £140m into a Wigan production plant creating 50 new manufacturing jobs.
This welcome investment will see the expansion of Europes biggest food manufacturing site – the Kitt Green plant. The new recruits will be involved in the production of the firm’s ketchup, mayonnaise, and salad cream brands.
Applications for the 50 positions are predicted to be high due to the press coverage of the expansion. Therefore, job applicants will need to prepare themselves for the job interview.
The Heinz Interview Process
It is likely that job applicants will have to complete several steps of a recruitment process to be offered the advertised roles, which could include:
Video Interview
The video interview round is a shifting process to reduce the number of applicants required to attend a structured job interview.
It normally consists of 3 pre-recorded interview questions, that each require a 1-2 minute response or answer, from the applicant. Each answer is recorded live. If you haven’t taken part in a pre-recorded video interview a little practice to get an answer down to 1-2 minutes is required, ideally with an interview coach.
Assessment Center
The assessment center is another ‘shifting’ interview stage, often comprised of a team task to check the applicant’s communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
In addition, there are likely to be several tests, including a literacy and numeracy test as well as a psychometric test. The psychometric test is only required for certain positions.
Question and Answer Interview
The final stage of the Heinz recruitment process is the structured job interview.
The structured job interview will comprise of around 8-10 job interview questions. Each question is based, in the main, on the job duties of the production team.
Applicants answers are cross referenced against the job interview scorecard with each answer being allocated points depending on the detail/relevance of the candidates answer.
10 Heinz Interview Questions and Answers
Below are 10 commonly asked production job interview questions and an explanation of how to approach and answer each question.
Answers need to be tweaked depending on the applicant’s own experience and knowledge.
Why do you want to work for Heinz and how relevant is your experience?
- This question may be broken down into two separate questions. But no matter what, the employer is really asking what can you bring to the team.
- Start the answer by summarising your experience: ‘I am a highly experienced (job position – warehouse manager, FLT driver, production worker). For the past (number of years) I have worked at X where I was responsible for (add detail) Previous to this, I worked at X where my duties included Y….’
- Following the opening statement with any relevant qualifications: ‘I am qualified with an X. This course/qualification taught me (add relevant knowledge)….’
- End the interview answer with why you want to work at Heinz: ‘…I have applied for a job with Heinz as I want to work for a household brand and I know that with my experience we will collaborate well together.’
What is your knowledge of Health and Safety in the Workplace?
- All manufacturing and production interviews always have at least one health and safety interview question.
- First, you need to quote the health and safety at work act. Explain how you are aware of the 1974 H&S at work act and how you always adhere to H&S regulations.
- Back this up with an example: ‘…An example of following the H&S at work act was when I was working at X. We were installing a new machine, and one of my colleagues wanted to speed up the process and didn’t want to waste time putting out safety signs. I insisted we did do and it was lucky that we did. 30 minutes later a customer came into the factory and would have walked into a hazardous area if the signs hadn’t prevented them from doing so.’
What experience do you have operating food machinery?
- Relevance is key here. It is important to only talk about machinery and equipment that will be used once employed. The question, really, is asking – can you use our machinery with little training?
- The first task is to get familiar with the machinery Heinz utilise. For some roles this is easy, a manufacturing warehouse and forklift truck operator is likely to be using an FLT and pallet truck.
- When answering the ‘machinery’ question, start with a confident confirmation: ‘Yes I have been using X machine for around X number of years…’
- To show expertise, explain: ‘…the strengths of using this machine are Y but they also (add a negative or risk that is commonly known)…
- End with any relevant training or qualifications: ‘…I also possess a (add qual – as an example ‘a FLT license that is valid for 3 years)’.
Give me an example of what you would do if a blockage was jamming one of the machines?
- Blockages cost money! With this in mind, the employer is looking to see how you would quickly get production back on track. On the other hand, the employer is keen to check that you follow H&S processes rather than taking shortcuts.
- You can start the answer by explaining how a blockage does have an effect on productivity and how you would want to resolve the issue as quickly as possible while following all H&S processes.
- Next explain the steps you would take: ‘…to unblock the machine I would complete a 5 step check. 1) turn off the production belt to stop product damage. 2) Isolate the blockage. 3) Check the machine is off while ensuring that no one can turn the machine on whilst the blockage is being manually resolved. 4) Test and turn on the machine to resume production. 5) Add the incident to the risk log. ***give a little more detail per step.
How do you ensure that orders go out on time?
- In reality, the company processes should ensure that orders go out on time. So this answer is really asking about your work ethic and teamwork.
- Initially, show how you are motivated by completing tasks: ‘For me, ensuring that all orders are fulfilled within the designated timeframe is a key part of my motivation….’
- Next, show strong work ethic: ‘…If another team’s order was falling behind, maybe this was due to an incident, I would offer my assistance and support. I see all the workforce as one big team who should collaborate to achieve the production targets.’
How do you ensure the correct goods are sent to the correct warehouse or customer?
- Accuracy is a key element of the Heinz manufacturing process, as hundreds and thousands of orders are sent from the production plant across the globe.
- This interview question is best answered with an example. First, though, highlight how you are aware of the importance of checking orders, delivery addresses, and quantities.
- Next, give an example: ‘…while working at X we would ship out over 2000 pallets, all to different addresses, each day. To ensure that the correct goods went to the right customer I would use a double-checking process. Goods would be checked in the production area before being moved to the out-goods warehouse. Once arrived in the warehouse a second double-check would be completed…’
- End by giving the outcome to whichever checking system you have described: ‘this simple and quick double-checking process reduces the error rate of wrongly delivered goods by 18%…’
What is your understanding of food hygiene regulations?
- For all food manufacturing plants a food hygiene question is going to asked.
- As well as stating food hygiene regulations and processes; cleaning processes, quality checks on food products, visual inspections for rodents, secure storage, etc. Applicants need to show that they care about the hygiene of the workplace and products.
- Give an example here of what steps you take to ensure cleanliness throughout your working area.
- If you have one, mention any food hygiene courses you have attended, or certificates you have gained.
If a pallet of edible goods fell on the floor what would you do?
- This question requires a two-part answer. The first part is about H&S, and the second, food hygiene.
- Initially answer the H&S part of the question: ‘Whenever there is a spillage I would follow the health and safety protocol; securing the area, putting out spillage sign, and tidying up the spillage. I would also report any spillages to my shift manager….’
- End, by answering the food hygiene question: ‘…with this example being edible goods, you also have to consider food hygiene. Some spillage, say bags of flour, can still be used if the bags haven’t split. I would visually check the goods and restack them on the pallet. But if the food spilt in an unclean area or there were any chances of contamination I would inform my manager before disposing of the goods.’
Which of Kraft Heinz’s values resonate with you?
- Heinz’s values great people. With this in mind, they are looking for staff members that will fit in with the company culture – the values and vision of Heinz.
- To answer the question review Heinz’s values and pick one or two that you also believe in. Simply state: ‘I resonate with all 6 core values, but the two that really stand out are (a) and (b) because (give reason)..’
- Like the ‘values’ question there may be one or two more company cultured related questions, asking: ‘why Heinz?’ or ‘where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?’
Do you have any questions for me?
- ‘What shift patterns do you operate?’
- What internal training opportunities are available for new staff members?
- Are there any current plans for further business expansions?
