At a Glance
- Tasks: Safely operate forklifts to transport and manage goods in a chilled warehouse.
- Company: Join Cotteswold Dairy, a family-owned leader in the dairy industry since 1938.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30 days leave, career progression, and health support.
- Other info: Opportunities for training and career advancement within the company.
- Why this job: Be part of a state-of-the-art warehouse and make a real impact on operations.
- Qualifications: Valid Counterbalance Forklift Licence and experience in a warehouse environment.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 36000 £ per year.
Counterbalance Forklift Driver – Chilled Warehouse (Tewkesbury)
Employer: Cotteswold Dairy • Department: Chilled Warehouse • Hours: Minimum 37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7 on a shift rota • Shift Times: Multiple start times from 05:00 • Overtime: Paid at 1.25x after 40 hours • Location: Tewkesbury Depot, GL20 8JE
Join Our Team in our new State-of-the-Art Warehouse. Cotteswold Dairy, a leading family-owned dairy since 1938, is seeking skilled and reliable Counterbalance Forklift Drivers to join our Chilled Warehouse Team at our brand-new, state-of-the-art Tewkesbury Depot. This is a key role ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods within our new chilled warehouse, glass fridge, and loading bay operations.
You’ll operate our modern electric forklift trucks with pre-use check systems, card-based operator access, heated cabs, 360-degree visibility, and advanced safety features. Working alongside Warehouse Team Leaders, Production and Distribution teams, you’ll help ensure that products are loaded, unloaded, and distributed safely and efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate forklifts to safely check, transport, load and unload goods in the chilled warehouse.
- Assist warehouse operatives with order picking, stock rotation and replenishment.
- Maintain a clean and organised working environment at all times.
- Ensure compliance with food hygiene and health & safety regulations.
- Work collaboratively across departments to support smooth warehouse and production operations.
- Perform other reasonable duties as required by supervisors or team leaders.
About You
- Valid Counterbalance Forklift Licence (renewed within the last 3 years).
- Experience operating forklifts in a warehouse, distribution, or food production environment.
- Strong organisational and communication skills with high attention to detail.
- Positive, reliable, and flexible approach with the ability to meet deadlines.
- Good numeracy skills and understanding of health & safety best practice.
- (Desirable) Experience in the dairy, FMCG, or chilled food sector.
Additional Information
- Manual handling is required, and strict hygiene standards apply.
- Only a single solid wedding band may be worn; no earrings, bracelets, necklaces, makeup, strong perfume or deodorants permitted in production areas.
- Due to shift start times, applicants must have reliable transport to the Tewkesbury site.
- Applicants will be asked to upload their Forklift Licence as part of the application process.
Progression Opportunities
We invest in the development of our people through regular training, refresher forklift and PPT courses, NVQs, and the Cotteswold Academy development programme. Career pathways include Team Leader and Warehouse Supervisor roles.
Team Cotteswold Benefits
- Competitive salary with opportunities for career progression.
- 30 days annual leave 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 and wellbeing support through Simply Health (claim back the cost of medical bills).
Forklift Driver employer: Cotteswold Dairy
Cotteswold Dairy is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Tewkesbury where quality and safety are at the forefront of our operations. With competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, we foster a supportive culture that values attention to detail and proactive engagement. Join us to be part of a dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality dairy products while advancing your career in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forklift Driver
✨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 tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Brush up on your forklift skills and safety knowledge. You might even want to run through some common interview questions related to your experience. Being prepared will boost your confidence and help you shine during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Since you'll be working closely with other departments, highlight any past experiences where you've collaborated effectively. Employers love to see candidates who can work well with others and contribute to a positive work environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and keen to join the Cotteswold Dairy family. Don’t forget to upload your Forklift Licence as part of the process!
We think you need these skills to ace Forklift Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Forklift Skills:Make sure to highlight your valid Counterbalance Forklift Licence and any relevant experience you have in a warehouse or food production environment. We want to see that you know your stuff when it comes to operating forklifts safely and efficiently!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to read through the job description and match your skills and experiences to what we’re looking for. Use keywords from the job listing to show us you’re the perfect fit for our chilled warehouse team.
Keep It Clean and Organised:Just like we maintain a tidy warehouse, your application should be neat and well-structured. Make sure your CV and cover letter are easy to read, free of typos, and clearly laid out. A clean application reflects your attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cotteswold Dairy
✨Know Your Forklift Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the specific forklift models used by Cotteswold Dairy. Brush up on your pre-use checks and safety features, as they might ask you about these during the interview. Showing that you understand the equipment will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in warehouse or food production environments. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've safely operated forklifts, managed stock rotation, or maintained hygiene standards. This will help them see you as a strong candidate who can hit the ground running.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Cotteswold Dairy values collaboration, so be prepared to talk about how you’ve worked with others in past roles. Think of examples where you’ve supported team members or contributed to smooth operations. This will show that you’re not just a skilled driver but also a great team player.
✨Dress for Success
While you want to look professional, remember that this is a chilled warehouse environment. Wear smart, practical clothing that adheres to their hygiene standards. Avoid accessories that aren’t allowed in production areas, as this shows you respect their rules and are serious about the job.
