Forklift Driver

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; East Kilbride; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy provider is seeking skilled Counterbalance Forklift Drivers to join their team at the Tewkesbury Depot. Candidates must have a valid forklift licence, experience in a similar environment, and strong organisational skills. The role includes operating forklifts, maintaining safety standards, and assisting with warehouse activities. Competitive salary, career progression, and various employee benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

22 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Refer-a-friend bonus scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted products and delivery options

Aviva pension scheme

Health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Experience in dairy or food production is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts to check, transport, and unload goods safely and efficiently.
• Assist operatives with picking orders and stock rotation.
• Maintain cleanliness in the yard and warehouse.
• Comply with food hygiene and health & safety regulations.
• Assist with loading and unloading lorries.

Skills

Valid Counterbalance Forklift Licence (renewed within the last 3 years)

Experience operating forklifts in a warehouse

Strong organisational skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Positive attitude

Numeracy skills

Job description

Forklift Driver – Chilled Warehouse

Location: Tewkesbury Depot
Hours: Minimum 37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7 on a shift rota
Shift Times: Multiple start times from 05:00
Overtime: Paid at 1.25x standard rate after 40 hours

Cotteswold Dairy, a leading family-owned dairy since 1938, is seeking skilled and reliable Counterbalance Forklift Drivers to join our busy Chilled Warehouse team at our main Tewkesbury Depot. You will work across multiple areas, including the factory floor, glass fridge, chilled warehouse, and external loading bays, ensuring goods are transported safely, accurately, and on time.

In this hands-on role, you will work closely with the Chilled Warehouse Team Leaders and Supervisors, liaising with multiple departments to maintain the smooth flow of our distribution operations. We operate the latest electric forklift trucks with pre-use check systems, card-based operator access, 360-degree cabs, heated seats, and integrated safety systems. In addition we have a new, modern, Chilled Warehouse and loading bay, opened in 2025.

Key Responsibilities

- Operate forklifts to check, transport, and unload goods safely and efficiently
- Assist operatives with picking orders, stock rotation, and replenishment
- Maintain cleanliness in the yard and warehouse to ensure a safe working environment
- Comply with food hygiene and health & safety regulations
- Assist with loading and unloading lorries when required

About You

- Valid Counterbalance Forklift Licence (renewed within the last 3 years)
- Experience operating forklifts in a warehouse or similar environment
- Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication
- Positive attitude, reliable, and able to work flexibly to meet deadlines
- Numeracy skills and an understanding of health & safety best practices
- Experience in dairy or food production is desirable but not essential

Applicants will be asked to upload their Forklift Licence as part of the application process.

Additional Information

- Manual handling is required, and strict hygiene rules apply
- Only one solid wedding band is permitted; no earrings, studs, bracelets, necklaces, makeup, strong perfumes, or deodorants in production areas
- Due to shift times, reliable transport to Tewkesbury is required

Progression Opportunities

We invest in the growth of our people through on-site training, refresher forklift courses, PPT training, NVQs, and the Cotteswold Academy development programme. Career pathways include roles such as Team Leader and Supervisor.

Benefits

- Competitive salary with opportunities for career progression
- 22 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, increasing after 3 years of service
- Refer-a-friend bonus scheme (up to £500)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted products and delivery options
- Aviva pension scheme (4% employee, 4.5% employer contributions)
- Health and wellbeing support through Simply Health

If you are a detail-oriented, safety-conscious Forklift Driver looking to join a supportive team in a growing business, apply today and start your career with Cotteswold Dairy – a trusted name in dairy distribution.

About Cotteswold Dairy

Since 1938, Cotteswold Dairy has flourished from a modest milk round—delivering just 30 gallons a day using a bucket and ladle—into one of the UK’s most respected independent, family-run dairies, rooted in Tewkesbury. Built on the founding values of quality, service, and cleanliness, the business has remained committed to those principles spanning three generations, now under the leadership of Managing Director George Workman.

Today, we process, pack, and deliver over 100 million litres of milk and dairy products each year to doorstep customers and businesses across England and Wales, operating from multiple depots and a modern production site in Tewkesbury.

At our heart lies a strong ethical and environmental commitment. We partner with local farms within a 60-mile radius—many Red Tractor-certified—promoting sustainable farming practices, animal welfare, and minimal environmental impact. We’ve championed eco-friendly initiatives for decades, including returnable glass bottles, electric milk floats, telematics for efficient logistics, and zero waste-to-landfill operations.

More than a business, Cotteswold Dairy is a values-driven community dedicated to delivering wholesome, high-quality dairy products while nurturing people, our communities, and our planet—making us a compelling and meaningful place to build your career.