Warehouse Operative

Cotteswold Dairy; East Kilbride; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-owned dairy company in Tewkesbury is seeking enthusiastic Warehouse Operatives to join their chilled warehouse team. In this physically active role, you will ensure accurate picking and packing of customer orders in a temperature-controlled environment. Ideal candidates should have a positive attitude, strong communication skills, and the ability to work as part of a team. This position offers competitive pay, career progression opportunities, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

22 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Refer-a-friend bonus scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted products

Aviva pension scheme

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Warehouse Operative, picker/packer, or in distribution and logistics.
• Flexibility to work different shifts as required.
• Knowledge of safe working practices and food handling regulations.

Responsibilities

• Accurately pick, pack, and prepare customer orders for delivery.
• Perform stock rotation and replenish chilled warehouse stock.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, health and safety.

Skills

Positive, can-do attitude

Excellent communication skills

Strong organisational skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Good time management

Tools

Forklift truck licence

PPT

LLOP

Job description

Overview

Warehouse Operative – Chilled Warehouse

Location: Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire

Department: Chilled Warehouse

Hours: Minimum of 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Saturday (rota basis)

Cotteswold Dairy, established in 1938, is one of the UK’s leading independent family-owned dairies. We support local farmers and communities by delivering the freshest, finest quality dairy products and first-class customer service nationwide.

The Role – Warehouse Operative

We are seeking enthusiastic and reliable Warehouse Operatives to join our busy Chilled Warehouse team based near M5 Junction 9 in Tewkesbury. As a Warehouse Operative, you will play a vital role in our distribution and logistics network, linking production with haulage to ensure the accurate picking and packing of customer orders. You will work in a temperature-controlled environment (2–6°C) where accuracy, efficiency, and teamwork are essential. This is a physically active role that requires manual handling and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Accurately pick, pack, and prepare customer orders for delivery
• Carry out stock rotation and replenish chilled warehouse stock as required
• Safely load and secure delivery vehicles, ensuring all orders are complete and secure for transport
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, health and safety, and follow warehouse procedures
• Report any accidents, incidents, or hazards promptly
• Work closely with the warehouse and logistics team to meet deadlines
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Warehouse Team Leader

What We’re Looking For

• Positive, “can-do” attitude with excellent communication skills
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a warehouse team
• Good time management and ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced logistics environment
• Flexibility to work different shifts as required

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Previous experience as a Warehouse Operative, picker/packer, or in distribution and logistics
• PPT, LLOP, or forklift truck licence (PPT / LLOP training can be provided for suitable candidates)
• Knowledge of safe working practices and food handling regulations

Shifts & Hours

Five shifts per week, Monday–Saturday, with shift times including 07:00–16:30 and 09:00–18:30. Saturday shifts are 07:00–16:00. Flexibility to work beyond scheduled hours may be required depending on operational needs.

Overtime paid at 1.25x standard rate after 40 hours per week.

Important Information

• Manual handling is a core part of this Warehouse Operative role
• Strict hygiene rules apply – only one solid wedding band permitted; no other jewellery, makeup, or strong fragrances in production areas
• Reliable transport is essential due to shift patterns and site location

Progression Opportunities

We are committed to employee development, offering clear progression routes including Checker, Team Leader, and Forklift Driver positions. Training and development programmes are provided to help you progress within our Chilled Warehouse and wider logistics team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with opportunities for career progression
• 22 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, 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

If you’re a motivated, detail-oriented team player looking for a career as a Warehouse Operative in a respected and growing business, we’d love to hear from you.

About Cotteswold Dairy

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. Built on the founding values of quality, service, and cleanliness, the business has remained committed to those principles spanning three generations, now under the leadership of Managing Director George Workman.

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.