Despatch Operative

Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Allied Bakeries is seeking a Despatch Operative in Stevenage to ensure orders are handled safely, accurately, and on time. You will work in a fast-paced environment, performing despatch tasks and using Warehouse Management Systems.

The role requires warehousing experience, good numeracy and literacy, and a reliable, flexible team player attitude. 42 hours per week with shifts from 9am to 11pm, contributing to customer service and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience in warehousing or distribution.
• PC literate and able to use Warehouse Management Systems.
• Strong numeracy and literacy with high attention to detail.
• Reliable, organized and a good communicator.

Responsibilities

• Prioritising safety and supporting our Zero Harm culture.
• Picking, decanting, loading, unloading, and managing product flow.
• Working flexibly across despatch tasks and learning new skills.
• Meeting performance targets using Warehouse Management Systems.
• Maintaining clean and orderly work areas to support audit standards.
• Collaborating with other teams to keep the operation running smoothly.
• Owning your development with a positive, proactive attitude.

Skills

Team player

Attention to detail

Numeracy

Literacy

Strong communication

Reliability

Flexibility

Tools

Warehouse Management Systems

Job description

Allied Bakeries are owned by Associated British Foods. ABF is a diversified international food, ingredients and retail group with sales of £20.1bn and 138,000 employees in 56 countries. It has significant businesses in Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia and Australia. Our sister companies in ABF UK Grocery produce products under many market-leading household brands, including Jordans, Ryvita, Pataks, Blue Dragon & Silver Spoon.

We are proud of our brands: we make top 10 UK grocery brand Kingsmill as well as Allinson’s and Sunblest. You’ll know us best through our white, wholemeal and seeded market-leading loaves, as well as Kingsmill 50/50, the nation’s favourite Healthier White, and our delicious pancakes, crumpets, hot cross buns and other bakery products.

The success of our business depends on us having the right people on the team. We are incredibly passionate about our business, but it isn’t for the faint-hearted – it’s pacey and demanding so our people need to have a positive attitude and to want to work inclusively. We take massive pride in what we do, not least in how colleagues based in our bakeries and depots have one of the best safety performance records in the industry.

Our Grocery Service Centre, based near Liverpool, is a hub for transactional activity across multiple ABF companies within the ABF Grocery division. Supporting some of our well-known brands such as Kingsmill, Pataks, Blue Dragon, Jordans, Ryvita and Silver Spoon, amongst others. We deliver Shared Service activities across a wide range of disciplines including Customer Services, Consumer Care, Finance, Payroll, HR and IS.

If you’re looking to join a business that is passionate, encourages you to be the best you can be, and values its people, we’d love to hear from you.

Overview Of Role

Location: Stevenage, Hertfordshire

Hours: 42

Shifts: 9am to 11pm

Salary: £30,678.00

About The Role

Join our team as a Despatch Operative, where you'll play a vital role in ensuring customer orders are handled safely, accurately, and on time. If you're someone who enjoys hands‑on work and thrives in a fast‑moving environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

What You’ll Be Doing

• Prioritising safety and supporting our Zero Harm culture.
• Picking, decanting, loading, unloading, and managing product flow.
• Working flexibly across despatch tasks and learning new skills.
• Meeting performance targets using Warehouse Management Systems.
• Maintaining clean and orderly work areas to support audit standards.
• Collaborating with other teams to keep the operation running smoothly.
• Owning your development with a positive, proactive attitude.

Who We’re Looking For

• Experience in warehousing or distribution.
• FLT licences (desirable, not essential).
• PC literate and confident using Warehouse Management Systems.
• Strong numeracy, literacy, and attention to detail.
• A great communicator and real team player.
• Reliable, organised, and flexible in your approach.
• Strong focus on quality and customer service.

Why Join Us?

• Supportive, team‑focused environment
• Opportunities to learn and grow
• A role that directly impacts the customer experience
• Clear expectations, training, and support to help you succeed