Production Operative

Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd; Tewkesbury; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 days holiday plus bank holidays

Refer-a-friend bonus (£500)

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted products and delivery

Aviva pension scheme (4% employee, 4.5

Health and wellbeing support (Simply H

Job summary

Cotteswold Dairy is recruiting a Production Operative to join our busy Tewkesbury Production Site. This entry‑level role offers full training, career progression, and the opportunity to help produce and pack our high‑quality dairy products.

You’ll join a values‑driven business, with 37.5 hours per week across two shifts. Training includes Level 2 Food Safety in the first year, and a strong emphasis on hygiene and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Attention to detail with good numeracy and accuracy.
• Flexible, proactive, able to work rotating shifts.
• Strong team player with good communication skills.
• Physically fit for active production work.
• Willingness to achieve Level 2 Food Safety certification (training provided).

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor machinery across production lines.
• Pack finished products and prepare them for distribution.
• Maintain hygiene and quality standards throughout production.
• Report issues promptly to the supervisory team.
• Adhere to company procedures, food hygiene rules, and safety regulations.
• Support team members and contribute to a positive working environment.
• Carry out other tasks as directed by supervisors or managers.

Skills

Attention to detail

Numeracy

Team player

Clear communication

Physically fit

Flexible shifts

Education

Level 2 Food Safety

Job description

• Tewkesbury Production Site Employer: Cotteswold Dairy
• Department: Production
• Hours:
  37.5 per week (5 shifts over 7)
• Location: Tewkesbury Production Site Join Our Production Team Are you looking for a hands‑on role in a fast‑paced food production environment?

Cotteswold Dairy, one of the UK's leading independent family‑owned dairies, is recruiting Production Operatives to join our busy Tewkesbury Production Site.

This is an entry‑level position offering full training, career progression, and the opportunity to play an important role in producing and packing our high‑quality dairy products.

About Cotteswold Dairy Established in 1938, Cotteswold Dairy supports local farmers and communities by delivering the freshest, finest quality products and first‑class customer service.

As part of Team Cotteswold, you’ll be joining a values‑driven business at the heart of a responsible and sustainable dairy community.

What you’ll be doing as a Production Operative

Operate and monitor machinery across production lines.

Pack finished products and prepare them for distribution.

Maintain excellent hygiene and quality standards throughout the production process.

Report any issues promptly to the supervisory team.

Adhere to all company procedures, food hygiene rules, and Health & Safety regulations.

Support team members and contribute to a positive, efficient working environment.

Carry out other tasks as directed by supervisors or managers.

About you

Attention to detail with good numeracy skills.

Flexible, proactive, and able to work varying shifts in a fast‑paced environment.

Strong team player with good communication skills and a positive "can-do" attitude.

Physically fit

this is an active role involving manual handling.

Willingness to achieve Level 2 Food Safety certification (training provided).

(Desirable) Previous experience in food production, dairy, or FMCG manufacturing.

Progression Routes & Training

Cotteswold Dairy offers clear career progression within Production.

Routes include Trainee Machine Operator, Process Operator, Laboratory Team, and Hygiene Team.

As a Production Operative you will be trained in COSHH and Level 2 Food Safety during your first year.

Most operatives also take their PPT test as part of training.

• Competitive salary with opportunities for career progression - 22 days' holiday plus bank holiday allowance, 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 (claim back dental, prescriptions, optician fees and more) Important Notes Due to food hygiene regulations, only a single solid wedding band is permitted.

No earrings, bracelets, necklaces, makeup, or strong‑scented products may be worn in production areas.

Applicants must have their own transport or live locally, as public transport does not align with shift start times (typically 06:00 or 14:00).

Applications are reviewed on receipt and we may close the advert early once the right candidates are found.

Keywords: Production Operative Tewkesbury, Factory Operative, Food Production Operative, Dairy Operative, Production Line Operative, Packing Operative, Machine Operator, FMCG Production, Food Manufacturing, Hygiene Standards, Manual Handling, Full Training Provided, Shift Work, Career Progression, Gloucestershire.

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