Forklift jobs in United Kingdom

Employer: Cotteswold Dairy • Department: Chilled Warehouse • Hours: Minimum 37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7 on a rotating shift pattern (various start times from 06:00) • Location: Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 8JE

Train to be part of the team in our New State-of-the-Art Warehouse

Cotteswold Dairy, the UK’s leading independent family‑owned dairy, is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Warehouse Team Leader (Trainee) to join our brand‑new, state‑of‑the‑art Chilled Warehouse in Tewkesbury. This is an exciting entry‑level leadership opportunity for someone ready to take the next step in their warehousing or logistics career, working under the guidance of experienced Warehouse Supervisors and the Warehouse Manager.

You’ll receive full training and mentoring to build your skills in leading people, coordinating daily warehouse activities, and ensuring high standards of performance, health & safety, and product quality are maintained.

• Support the Warehouse Supervisors in overseeing the daily receipt, picking, and despatch of chilled dairy products.
• Lead and motivate a small team of Warehouse Operatives, promoting teamwork and communication.
• Control all stock movements, checking product codes against picking tickets and maintaining accuracy.
• Ensure all loading and unloading of vehicles is carried out safely and efficiently.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised chilled warehouse environment in line with food hygiene standards.
• Communicate effectively with management and other departments to ensure smooth operations across Production, Haulage and Distribution.
• Assist with monitoring staff performance and development, helping to build capability within the team.
• Provide cover for Warehouse Supervisors during absences or holidays.

• A strong communicator who can build positive working relationships across departments.
• Motivated, proactive and committed to learning new skills in a leadership role.
• Excellent attention to detail with strong organisational and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to work flexibly across shifts and adapt to changing priorities in a fast‑moving warehouse environment.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety and safe working practices.
• (Desirable) Previous experience in FMCG, dairy, or chilled warehouse logistics.
• (Desirable) Current Forklift or PPT Licence – training can be provided.

You’ll complete structured training including Level 2 Food Safety, Level 2 HACCP, and Level 2 COSHH. We’ll also provide leadership coaching through the Cotteswold Academy development programme to help you progress into future Supervisor or Warehouse Management roles.

• Competitive salary with overtime enhancements after 40 hours
• 30 days’ holiday, increasing with 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 & wellbeing support through Simply Health
• Opportunities for career progression and leadership development

Click Apply Now and submit your CV via our online application portal. Applications are reviewed on receipt and we may close the advert early once suitable candidates are found.

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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.