Machine Operator

Cotteswold Dairy; Tewkesbury; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy company in Tewkesbury is seeking a Machine Operator to join their Production Team. This hands-on role involves operating machinery, ensuring quality and safety standards, and working flexible shifts. Ideal candidates will possess strong attention to detail and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Competitive salary and career progression opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

22 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Refer-a-friend bonus scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted products

Aviva pension scheme

Health & wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail for accuracy and precision.
• Ability to achieve Level 2 Food Safety certification.

Responsibilities

• Set up, clean down, and operate milk and cream filling machinery.
• Pack finished products for distribution.
• Follow company health and safety policies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Good numeracy skills

Positive attitude

Teamwork ability

Flexibility under varying shifts

Strong communication skills

Capability to manage fast-paced production lines

Job description

Machine Operator (Tewkesbury)

Location: Tewkesbury | Department: Production | Contract: Full time

About the Role

As a Machine Operator, you will play a vital role in our Production Team, ensuring that quality and food safety remain at the forefront. This hands‑on role involves working across various production lines and machinery, maintaining efficiency, and upholding excellent hygiene standards. We provide full training and development opportunities, making this position ideal for experienced candidates or those seeking to progress a career in food production.

We believe in training our staff to a professional level, and supporting progression through the business. As part of your training programme for this role, you will cover COSHH, Level 2 Food Safety and Level 2 HACCP. Most employees also take their PPT course as part of this role.

Shift & Hours Summary

• Days Worked: Monday – Saturday
• Weekly Hours: 37.5 hours, five shifts per week
• Start Times: 05:30 or 13:30 (flexibility required)

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Set up, clean down, and operate milk and cream filling machinery.
• quality and food safety standards in all processes.
• Pack finished products, preparing them for distribution.
• Follow company health and safety policies and procedures.
• Report any issues promptly to supervisory staff.
• Work both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative.
• Train, coach, and mentor team members as needed.

Skills & Attributes (Essential)

• Strong attention to detail for accuracy and precision.
• Good numeracy skills.
• Positive attitude with high commitment and motivation levels.
• Ability to work flexibly under varying shift patterns.
• Strong communication skills and teamwork ability.
• Capable of managing fast‑paced production lines.
• Ability to achieve Level 2 Food Safety certification.

Skills & Experience (Desirable)

• Previous experience in a dairy or food production setting.
• Familiarity with food production, hygiene, and safety procedures.

Important Notes

• This role requires manual handling and adherence to strict hygiene standards.
• Due to food hygiene regulations, only one plain wedding band is permitted. No earrings, studs, bracelets, necklaces, makeup, or strong fragrances in production areas.
• Reliable transport to the Tewkesbury site is necessary, as public transport may not align with shift times.

Progression Routes

• Advanced Machine Operator
• Team Leader
• Process Operative (Pasteurisation/Tanker Bay)
• Laboratory Team
• Hygiene Team

Benefits

• Competitive salary with opportunities for growth and advancement.
• 22 days’ holiday plus bank holiday allowance, with an additional day after 3 years’ 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 & wellbeing support through Simply Health.

About Cotteswold Dairy

Established in 1938, Cotteswold Dairy is one of the UK’s leading independent, family‑owned dairies. We support local farmers and communities by delivering the freshest, finest quality products with first‑class customer service. As part of Team Cotteswold, we value our people and strive to be the first preference for both employees and customers.