At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate forklifts and support production in a fast-paced winery environment.
- Company: Join Chapel Down, England's leading wine producer with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonus, 25 days holiday, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hours, great career growth, and fun company events await you!
- Why this job: Be part of an award-winning team and make a real impact in wine production.
- Qualifications: Valid forklift licence and a positive, can-do attitude.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Chapel Down, England's leading and most recognised English wine producer, is recruiting a Warehouse & Production Operative with confident, safety-focused forklift skills and a valid licence to support our production and logistics operations. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys practical work, operating machinery and being part of a fast-paced production environment. The position is based across several areas of the production department and will support warehouse movements, goods inwards and outwards and picking and packing of stock. The role will also assist across key production activities including riddling, transfers, disgorging, and labelling, working closely with colleagues to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
We are looking for a confident communicator who works well with colleagues at all levels. A positive, can-do attitude and a willingness to "get stuck in" are essential along with a practical mindset and an interest in understanding and improving processes. You will be a flexible team player who responds well to changing production demands, while also being self-motivated and capable of working independently and using initiative.
Key Responsibilities- Warehouse & Forklift Operations:
- Safe and efficient forklift truck operation, ensuring all movements are carried out in line with site procedures and health and safety standards;
- Responsibility for loading and unloading deliveries, including dry goods, packaging materials, and finished wine;
- Ensuring safe loading, unloading and movement of stock within the warehouse;
- Support riddling operations including the set-up and completion of stock transfers and assist with maintaining accurate stock movements through the use of internal systems and documentation;
- Regular stock checks will form part of the role, alongside a responsibility to keep the warehouse and cellar areas clean, organised and compliant with health and safety requirements at all times.
- Production Support:
- Assist on disgorging and labelling lines as required, providing hands-on support to ensure production targets are met efficiently and safely with continuous monitoring of product quality. This will include supporting line set-up, product changeovers, and end-of-run activities;
- Carrying out basic cleaning, maintenance and housekeeping tasks to ensure production areas and equipment are kept in good working order and maintained to a high standard.
- A competent forklift operator with a valid forklift licence.
- Willing to work across warehouse and production environments as required by operational needs.
- Previous experience in a warehouse, winery or manufacturing role would be advantageous, particularly within food, drink, or FMCG environments;
- Exposure to bottling, labelling, disgorging, or riddling operations are also beneficial.
This role is based on-site across our production and warehouse locations in Ashford, Kent. The working pattern is day shift, Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:This is a permanent role with the following:
- Competitive salary
- Performance related annual bonus
- 25 days' holiday plus a day off on your birthday
- Wine allowance
- Employee Discount
- Company pension
- Enhanced family leave policies
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Quarterly company social events
Chapel Down is England's leading and largest wine producer with an award-winning range of sparkling and still wines. Chapel Down's status as the most recognised English wine brand is supported by its partnerships with flagship sporting and cultural events including Ascot, The Boat Race and Pub In The Park and Chapel Down is the 'Official Sparkling Wine' of the England and Wales Cricket Board. Our products are widely available in the premium off trade, as well as being served in some of the UK's finest bars and restaurants. The Company also welcomes approximately 60,000 visitors a year for winery tours and tastings at its brand home and retail experience in Tenterden, Kent. Chapel Down is proud to be recognised in Sunday Times 'Best Places to Work' in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Warehouse and Production Operative in Ashford employer: Chapel Down
Chapel Down is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Kent's wine country. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and unique perks such as a wine allowance and quarterly social events. Our commitment to professional growth and a positive, collaborative culture makes us a standout choice for those seeking meaningful employment in the production and logistics sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Warehouse and Production Operative in Ashford
✨Get to Know Local Distribution Centres
Start hanging around local distribution centres and warehouses, like the ones that might belong to Chapel Down. Many times, they have sign-up sheets for job openings or even informal meet-ups that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Talk to Recruiters and Employment Agencies
There are loads of recruitment agencies that specifically focus on warehouse and logistics roles. Get in touch with them and let them know you’re looking for full-time work. They often have inside info on openings before they're advertised!
✨Brush Up on Your Skills
Think about the specific skills that are hot in the warehouse sector right now, like inventory management software or health and safety protocols. We can help you find resources to polish up your abilities, which can make you stand out when you're looking at those full-time gigs.
✨Apply Directly Through Us!
Don't forget to keep an eye on our website for any full-time listings at Chapel Down. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in logistics and warehousing!
We think you need these skills to ace Warehouse and Production Operative in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience with Inventory Management:When you're whipping up your CV, make sure to spotlight any experience you've got in inventory management or warehousing. We love to see proficiency in stock control systems or previous roles where you've managed inventory levels. Show us how you can keep things organised and running smoothly!
Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail:In the warehouse and logistics field, attention to detail is key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you've caught mistakes or streamlined processes in the past. Let us know how your precision can contribute to our team at Chapel Down.
Get Familiar with Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to warehousing or logistics—like health and safety or forklift operation—make sure they shine on your CV! We appreciate all the qualifications that show you're serious about the role and keeping a safe, efficient workspace.
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills:Logistics can be unpredictable, so if you've tackled any significant challenges in previous positions, tell us all about it! Use your cover letter to highlight how you've adapted to situations, such as changes in supply or unexpected delays. We want to see your resourcefulness in action for this full-time role at Chapel Down.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chapel Down
✨Know Your Warehouse Systems
Familiarise yourself with popular warehouse management systems like SAP or Oracle. If you have experience using these or similar tools, be prepared to discuss how you utilised them to improve efficiency or accuracy in inventory management.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills
In the logistics arena, unexpected challenges pop up all the time. Be ready to share some examples of when you faced a logistical hiccup and how you tackled it. This shows you can think on your feet and keep things running smoothly.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Since it’s a full-time position, expect questions about your ability to work in a team in a busy warehousing environment. Share experiences where you collaborated with others, maybe to meet tight deadlines or manage large shipments, ensuring you showcase your ability to communicate effectively.
✨Safety First! Talk About Protocols
Logistics roles require a real understanding of safety protocols. Brush up on basic safety guidelines and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented or adhered to these in past roles. This shows that you’re serious about your role in maintaining a safe working environment.
