At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate machinery, pack products, and maintain hygiene standards in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Cotteswold Dairy, a leading family-owned dairy committed to quality and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 22 days holiday, career progression, and health support.
- Other info: Active role with clear progression routes and supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with full training and opportunities for growth in food production.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, team player, and willingness to learn food safety.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 23100 £ per year.
About The Role
Join Our Production Team
Are you looking for a hands-on role in a fast-paced food production environment? Cotteswold Dairy, one of the UK’s leading independent family-owned dairies, is recruiting Production Operatives to join our busy Tewkesbury Production Site. This is an entry-level position offering full training, career progression, and the opportunity to play an important role in producing and packing our high-quality dairy products.
About Cotteswold Dairy
Established in 1938, Cotteswold Dairy supports local farmers and communities by delivering the freshest, finest quality products and first-class customer service. As part of Team Cotteswold, you’ll be joining a values-driven business at the heart of a responsible and sustainable dairy community.
What you’ll be doing as a Production Operative:
- Operate and monitor machinery across production lines.
- Pack finished products and prepare them for distribution.
- Maintain excellent hygiene and quality standards throughout the production process.
- Report any issues promptly to the supervisory team.
- Adhere to all company procedures, food hygiene rules, and Health & Safety regulations.
- Support team members and contribute to a positive, efficient working environment.
- Carry out other tasks as directed by supervisors or managers.
About you:
- Attention to detail with good numeracy skills.
- Flexible, proactive, and able to work varying shifts in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong team player with good communication skills and a positive can-do attitude.
- Physically fit - this is an active role involving manual handling.
- Willingness to achieve Level 2 Food Safety certification (training provided).
- (Desirable) Previous experience in food production, dairy, or FMCG manufacturing.
Progression Routes & Training
Cotteswold Dairy offers clear career progression within Production. Routes include Trainee Machine Operator, Process Operator, Laboratory Team, and Hygiene Team. As a Production Operative, you will be trained in COSHH and Level 2 Food Safety during your first year. Most operatives also take their PPT test as part of training.
Team Cotteswold Benefits:
- Competitive salary with opportunities for career progression.
- 22 days holiday plus bank holiday allowance, 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 (claim back dental, prescriptions, optician fees and more).
Important Notes:
Due to food hygiene regulations, only a single solid wedding band is permitted. No earrings, bracelets, necklaces, makeup, or strong-scented products may be worn in production areas. Applicants must have their own transport or live locally, as public transport does not align with shift start times (typically 06:00 or 14:00).
How to apply:
Click Apply Now and submit your CV via our application portal. Applications are reviewed on receipt and we may close the advert early once the right candidates are found.
Production Operative in Gloucester employer: Cotteswold Dairy Ltd
Cotteswold Dairy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture in our state-of-the-art Tewkesbury warehouse. With competitive pay, including overtime rates, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, we prioritise the well-being of our team members while fostering a family-oriented environment that values hard work and dedication.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Operative in Gloucester
✨Join Food Science Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Production Operative in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Cotteswold Dairy Ltd, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Cotteswold Dairy Ltd. Make it personal and compelling!
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How to prepare for a job interview at Cotteswold Dairy Ltd
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
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Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
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Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
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Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Cotteswold Dairy Ltd’s mission.
