Production Operative

Cotteswold Dairy; Tewkesbury; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy producer in Tewkesbury is seeking Production Operatives for their busy production site. This entry-level role offers full training, career progression, and a chance to contribute to high-quality dairy production. Responsibilities include operating machinery, packing products, and maintaining hygiene standards. Ideal candidates should be detail-oriented, proactive, and fit for manual tasks. Opportunities for growth within the company are available.

Benefits

Competitive salary

22 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Refer-a-friend bonus scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted products

Aviva pension scheme

Health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Attention to detail and good numeracy skills are essential.
• Must be physically fit for manual handling tasks.
• Willingness to achieve Level 2 Food Safety certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor machinery across production lines.
• Pack finished products and prepare them for distribution.
• Maintain hygiene and quality standards throughout the process.

Skills

Attention to detail

Good numeracy skills

Strong team player

Good communication skills

Flexibility

Positive attitude

Education

Level 2 Food Safety certification

Job description

About The Role

Production Operative – 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.

Team Cotteswold Benefits

• 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).

How to apply

Click Apply Now and submit your CV via our application portal. 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.

About Us

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.

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.