Recycling Operative, Night Shift Bedford Depot Logistics, Distribution & Warehouse

A.F. Blakemore Group; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunity

EarlyPay

Staff discount

Life insurance

Pension scheme

Cycle to work

Long service awards

Uniform provided

On-site parking

Job summary

Blakemore Trade Partners is seeking a Recycling Operative for the night shift (22:00–06:00) at our Bedford warehouse. You will oversee sorting, collection and disposal of waste, separating recyclables like cardboard, plastic and food, and operate recycling machinery such as balers and compactors.

The role is 40 hours per week, five days out of seven including weekends, with a permanent contract. Training for machinery use is provided; you will work in a fast-paced environment focused on

Qualifications

• Numerate and literate with basic math and reading skills.
• Experience in warehousing and distribution environments.
• Ability to work effectively in a cold environment.

Responsibilities

• Unloading cages and equipment from store deliveries.
• Sortation of recyclables using balers and compactors (training provided).
• Transport cages to warehouse locations for use by others.
• Coordinate with stock control on disposal of non-recoverable items.
• Carry out duties within other warehouse functions as needed.
• Support key operational tasks as required (e.g., picking).
• Maintain high presentation standards and attention to detail.

Skills

Numerate and literate

Warehousing and distribution

Ability to work in cold environment

Job description

Recycling Operative, Night Shift (22:00 - 06:00)

40 hours per week - 5 out of 7 days rota, including weekends

The purpose of a recycling operative is to oversee the proper sorting, collection, and disposal of waste materials generated within the warehouse. This involves separating recyclable materials such as cardboard, plastic and food whilst using recycling machinery and equipment such as balers and compactors. We are seeking motivated, friendly, hard-working individuals who thrive in a dynamic work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Unloading of cages and other equipment returning from store deliveries
• Sortation of recyclable materials using machinery such as balers and compactors (all training provided!)
• Transportation of cages to warehouse locations for usage by other operatives
• Coordination with the stock control team on disposal of any non-recoverable goods
• Performing accurate and efficient duties within other warehouse functions
• Flexibility to contribute to key operational tasks as required (e.g. picking)
• Attention to detail and high presentation standards

Some Key Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications Required

• Numerate and literate
• Warehousing and distribution experience
• Ability to work efficiently in a cold environment

We can offer you:

• Excellent Rates of Pay plus Bonus Opportunity
• Early access to your pay through ‘EarlyPay’
• 24/7 access to your payslips and Rotas via HR/Payroll portal
• 10% Staff Discount in our SPAR stores
• Company Life Insurance worth 1 x Annual Salary and 6 x Annual Salary with Company Pension Scheme
• Company Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work - Bicycle purchase scheme
• Long Service Awards (e.g. 25 years service is £500 in vouchers and extra 4 weeks paid leave)
• Free Uniform
• Free On-site Car Parking

About us:

At A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, we’re proud of our heritage, but even more excited about our future. What started in Wolverhampton in 1917 as a small, family-run grocery store has grown into one of the UK’s largest privately owned businesses, employing over 6,000 people and generating a turnover of £1.2 billion. We combine the strength of a global brand, while maintaining the values of a family business. We’re constantly evolving, always looking for new and better ways to serve our customers and support our colleagues, making this an exciting place to build your career.

Today, we operate at the heart of communities across the UK, with circa 300 SPAR convenience stores and a thriving business spanning retail, food service, and wholesale distribution. Food and drink remain at the core of everything we do, driving our passion for quality, innovation, and exceptional customer experiences.

SPAR is the world’s largest international food retail chain, encompassing more than 13,800 stores in 48 countries. With more than 2,600 stores and a turnover in excess of £3 billion, SPAR is also the UK’s leading convenience store group. Being a ‘symbol’ group means that individual SPAR members retain their independence but enjoy the many benefits of being a part of a global brand.

Inclusive environment

as a Disability Confident Committed employer we are dedicated to creating a fair, inclusive workplace for all. We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

Department

Logistics, Distribution & Warehouse

Contract type

Permanent

Hours

40 hrs per week any 5 out of 7 days

Company Pension Scheme, Life Cover, Staff Discount, Long Service Awards, Cycle to Work Scheme, Employee Volunteering Opportunities, Savings Scheme