At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate electric forklifts to transport and load goods in a chilled warehouse.
- Company: Join Cotteswold Dairy, a family-owned business with a rich history since 1938.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, overtime pay, 30 days holiday, and health support.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with opportunities for training and development.
- Why this job: Work in a modern environment with clear career progression and supportive teams.
- Qualifications: Valid Counterbalance Forklift Licence and experience in a warehouse setting.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 16 £ per hour.
New state-of-the-art chilled warehouse.
Modern electric FLTs.
Clear progression pathways.
Employer: Cotteswold Dairy (family-owned since 1938).
Department: Chilled Warehouse.
Location: Tewkesbury Depot, GL20 8JE.
Hours: Minimum 37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7 on a shift rota (Mon–Sat working patterns may apply).
Shift Times: Multiple start times from 05:00.
Overtime: Paid at 1.25x after 40 hours.
If you’re looking for a stable, hands-on role where you’ll be supported, developed, and given real opportunities to progress, this is it. You’ll join our Chilled Warehouse team at our modern Tewkesbury site, working with the latest electric forklift trucks and structured processes designed to help you work safely, smoothly and confidently.
Why you’ll enjoy working here:
- Brand-new facilities: work in a modern chilled warehouse, glass fridge and loading bay environment with updated layouts and safety systems.
- Modern fleet: electric trucks with pre-use check systems, card-based operator access, heated cabs/seats and strong visibility features.
- Training & development: refresher FLT/PPT training, NVQs and our in-house development programme through the Cotteswold Academy.
- Career progression: clear pathways into Team Leader, Warehouse Supervisor and wider distribution roles.
- A team that supports you: you’ll work closely with Team Leaders, Supervisors, Production and Distribution to keep goods moving safely and on time.
This is a key role in our distribution chain, linking production with the transport team and helping ensure customer orders are prepared accurately and loaded safely. You’ll work across areas including the chilled warehouse, glass fridge, factory floor and external loading bays, supporting the flow of products to wholesale customers and outlying depots. This is a physical, temperature-controlled environment and requires a high level of accuracy and pride in doing things right.
Key responsibilities:
- Operate counterbalance FLT to safely check, transport, load and unload goods across chilled warehouse and loading areas.
- Accurately pick and prepare customer orders using order tickets/instructions.
- Complete stock rotation and replenishment to keep product flowing and reduce waste.
- Support safe vehicle loading: check orders are present, correctly placed, constrained and secured for travel.
- Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment (warehouse and yard areas).
- Follow food hygiene and health & safety rules at all times; report incidents promptly and support investigations when required.
- Work collaboratively across departments to meet deadlines and keep distribution running smoothly.
About you:
- Valid Counterbalance Forklift Licence (renewed within the last 3 years).
- Experience operating FLT in a warehouse, distribution, FMCG, chilled food or food production environment.
- Strong attention to detail, good numeracy and a methodical approach.
- Reliable, flexible and positive – able to work to tight deadlines and shift patterns.
- Confident communicator who can work well independently and as part of a wider team.
Desirable: dairy/FMCG experience, knowledge of safe working practices, PPT experience.
Additional information:
- Manual handling is required and strict hygiene standards apply.
- Jewellery/cosmetics restrictions apply in production areas (only a single solid wedding band permitted; no earrings/bracelets/necklaces; no strong perfumes/deodorants; no make-up in production areas).
- Due to early shift start times, you must have reliable transport to the Tewkesbury site.
- You will be asked to upload your forklift licence as part of the application process.
Team Cotteswold benefits:
- Competitive salary with overtime opportunities.
- 30 days holiday allowance that increases with length of service.
- Refer-a-friend bonus scheme (£500 per referral).
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Discounted products and delivery options.
- Aviva pension (4% employee, 4.5% employer contributions).
- Health and wellbeing support through Simply Health (claim back eligible medical costs).
How to apply: Click Apply and submit your CV. We review applications as they arrive and may close the vacancy early if we find the right candidates.
Counterbalance Forklift Driver in Tewkesbury 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 Counterbalance Forklift Driver in Tewkesbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Cotteswold Dairy and their chilled warehouse operations. Understanding their values and culture can help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local job fairs. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider tips or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves operating a counterbalance forklift, brush up on your skills and be ready to demonstrate your expertise. Practising in a similar environment can boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
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 the Cotteswold Dairy family. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Counterbalance Forklift Driver in Tewkesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with counterbalance forklifts and any relevant warehouse roles. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for, so don’t be shy about showcasing your strengths!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:Since this role requires a high level of accuracy, include examples in your application that demonstrate your attention to detail. Whether it’s past experiences or specific achievements, let us know how you’ve nailed it before!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Counterbalance Forklift Driver position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cotteswold Dairy
✨Know Your Forklift Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of counterbalance forklifts. Be ready to discuss your experience operating them, including any specific models you've used. Highlight your understanding of safety protocols and pre-use checks, as this will show you're serious about working in a chilled warehouse environment.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Since accuracy is key in this role, prepare examples that demonstrate your attention to detail. Think about times when you’ve had to follow strict instructions or maintain high standards in a previous job. This will help the interviewers see that you take pride in your work and can handle the responsibilities of picking and preparing customer orders.
✨Be Ready for Teamwork Questions
This position requires collaboration with various departments, so expect questions about teamwork. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your ability to communicate effectively and work well with others. Emphasise how you’ve contributed to a team’s success in past roles, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research Cotteswold Dairy and their values. Knowing about their family-owned background and commitment to employee development can give you an edge. Mentioning how you align with their culture during the interview will show that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to be part of their team.
