At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to operate machinery and pack high-quality dairy products.
- Company: Cotteswold Dairy, a leading family-owned dairy in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 22 days holiday, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Clear career paths and health support available for all team members.
- Why this job: Get hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment with full training provided.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, good communication skills, and a positive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
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:
- Applicants must be 18+ to work on site.
- 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 employer: Cotteswold Dairy Ltd
Cotteswold Dairy is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and values-driven work environment at our Tewkesbury Production Site. With full training provided, clear career progression opportunities, and a range of benefits including competitive salaries, health support, and a refer-a-friend bonus scheme, we are committed to the growth and well-being of our team members. Join us in producing high-quality dairy products while being part of a responsible and sustainable community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Cotteswold Dairy. Understand their values and what makes them tick. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of Team Cotteswold.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about common interview questions for production roles and rehearse your answers. Focus on your teamwork skills and how you can contribute to a positive working environment. We want to see that can-do attitude shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even though it’s a production role, showing up looking neat and tidy can make a great first impression. It shows you respect the workplace and are ready to adhere to hygiene standards right from the get-go.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team. So, hit that 'Apply Now' button and let’s get started!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Production Operative role. Highlight any relevant experience in food production or teamwork, as we love seeing how you can fit into Team Cotteswold!
Show Your Enthusiasm:In your cover letter, let us know why you're excited about joining Cotteswold Dairy. A positive can-do attitude goes a long way, so share your passion for working in a fast-paced environment and contributing to our dairy community.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep your answers straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see how you meet the requirements for the role without any fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to hit that 'Apply Now' button on our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so we can start reviewing it right away.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cotteswold Dairy Ltd
✨Know the Company
Before your interview, take some time to research Cotteswold Dairy. Understand their values, history, and what makes them a leading independent dairy. This will not only show your interest but also help you align your answers with their company culture.
✨Highlight Your Team Spirit
As a Production Operative, being a strong team player is crucial. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team before. Whether it’s helping a colleague or contributing to a group project, showcasing your collaborative skills will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
In food production, attention to detail is key. Prepare to discuss how you ensure quality and hygiene standards in your work. You might want to mention any previous experiences where your attention to detail made a difference, even if it’s from a different job.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process for Level 2 Food Safety or the career progression routes available. This shows that you’re serious about your future with the company and eager to learn more.
