Warehouse Despatch Operative

Barfoots of Botley; Chichester; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Investors in People Silver accredited

Company pension

24/7 Online GP access

Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted Barfoots veg box scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Free onsite parking

Sustainability through own energy from

Job summary

Barfoots of Botley is seeking a hands-on Despatch Operative to join our busy warehouse team. You will pick, pack and load orders with precision using handheld scanners in a temperature-controlled environment.

This shift-based role operates 4 days on, 4 days off at our Head Office in PO21 3PX as we serve premier retailers. You will work in a fast-paced team, ensuring accuracy, safety and timely delivery while supporting colleagues to hit daily targets.

Qualifications

• Experience in FMCG or fresh food warehouse.
• Good written and verbal communication in English.
• Ability to meet productivity and accuracy targets.
• Basic IT skills including data entry and email.
• Forklift licence or experience (training may be provided).
• Manual Handling Level 2 and Food Safety Level 2 desirable.
• Willingness to work across Barfoots sites as required.
• Detail-oriented with commitment to safe working practices.

Responsibilities

• Accurately picking and packing orders using handheld scanning.
• Prepare and securely stack orders for dispatch.
• Load and unload vehicles safely and efficiently.
• Operate pallet trucks and other handling equipment to move stock.
• Follow SOPs and safe working practices at all times.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, quality and health & safety.
• Carry out quality and accuracy checks to ensure correct orders first time.
• Keep work areas clean, organised and safe by following our Clean As You Go principles.
• Report hazards, incidents or equipment issues promptly.
• Support colleagues to achieve daily operational targets.

Skills

Warehouse experience

English communication

Productivity targets

Basic IT skills

Forklift licence/experience

Manual Handling Level 2

Food Safety Level 2

Flexible across sites

Attention to safety & detail

Education

Manual Handling Level 2

Food Safety Level 2

Tools

Counterbalance forklift

Handheld scanning devices

Job description

The Role

Looking for a hands-on role where every shift makes a difference?

We're looking for a Despatch Operative to join our busy warehouse team, playing a vital part in ensuring our fresh produce reaches some of the UK's leading retailers safely, accurately and on time.

Working in a fast-paced, supportive environment, you'll be responsible for picking, packing and loading customer orders with precision, using warehouse equipment and handheld scanning technology to keep our operation running smoothly. Every day is different, and you'll be part of a team that takes pride in delivering an outstanding service to both our internal and external customers.

This is a shift-based position, 4 days on 4 days off. Based at our Head Office in PO21 3PX. As we handle fresh produce, you'll be working in a temperature-controlled warehouse, and the role will involve regular manual handling and lifting.

Reporting to the Despatch Team Leader, you'll be responsible for:

• Accurately picking and packing customer orders using handheld scanning technology.
• Preparing and securely stacking orders ready for dispatch.
• Loading and unloading vehicles safely and efficiently.
• Operating pallet trucks and other material handling equipment to move stock throughout the warehouse.
• Following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safe working practices at all times.
• Maintaining high standards of food safety, quality and health & safety.
• Carrying out quality and accuracy checks to ensure customers receive the correct orders first time.
• Keeping work areas clean, organised and safe by following our "Clean As You Go" principles.
• Reporting any hazards, incidents or equipment issues promptly.
• Supporting colleagues across the warehouse to ensure daily operational targets are achieved.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who enjoys working as part of a team, takes pride in doing a job well and can remain focused in a busy warehouse environment.

Skills & Experience:

• Previous warehouse, despatch or logistics experience, ideally within FMCG or fresh food.
• Good written and verbal communication skills (English Level 2 desirable).
• Experience working to productivity and accuracy targets.
• Basic IT skills, including data entry and email.
• A Counterbalance Forklift Licence or previous forklift experience (advantageous but not essential as training may be available).
• CIEH Manual Handling Level 2 and Food Safety Level 2 qualifications (desirable).
• A flexible approach and willingness to work across Barfoots sites when required.
• A positive attitude, strong attention to detail and commitment to safe working practices.

Why Join Barfoots?

When you join Barfoots, you're joining a business that's continually investing in its people, its facilities and its future. As one of the UK's leading fresh produce businesses, we offer a supportive working environment, genuine development opportunities and a great range of employee benefits.

As part of the team, you'll benefit from:

• Investors in People Silver accredited employer
• Company pension scheme
• 24/7 Online GP access
• Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Benefits Platform with discounts from leading retailers
• Training and career development opportunities
• Approved Highfield Qualifications Training Centre
• Discounted leisure centre membership
• Discounted Barfoots vegetable box scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free onsite parking
• The opportunity to work for a rapidly growing business committed to sustainability - our site is powered by energy generated from our own vegetable waste.