At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure smooth distribution of delicious cakes using tech and teamwork.
- Company: Join Premier Foods, home of iconic British treats like Mr Kipling.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, life assurance, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, training provided, and a welcoming culture for all.
- Why this job: Be part of a beloved brand and make a difference in food production.
- Qualifications: Experience in warehousing and good communication skills are a plus.
Despatch Operative
Date: 18 Sept 2025
Location: Stoke, GB
Premier Foods Stoke based in Trent Vale is the home of the nations favourite cakes, Mr Kipling Cherry Bakewells. We are currently recruiting for a Despatch Operative.
Hours: Hybrid Shift Pattern - 12.30pm – 6.30pm, part year working 3 on 4 off, part year working 4 on 4 off
Fixed Term Contract until the end of December 2025
Main purpose of role:
To Ensure the distribution of the finished product to the correct storage location within the supply chain.
What you’ll be doing:
Duties to include but not limited to:
- The safe and efficient monitoring of a robotic palletisation system.
- The use of a barcode RF gun to establish the correct product and pallet quantity.
- The loading of trailers by forklift and pallet truck.
- The manual application of a pallet handling unit labeller, whilst being diligent in checking its accuracy.
- Monitoring and rectifying issues on a conveyor transfer system.
- Good standard of English and Maths.
- Basic computer skills.
- Good communication skills (written and verbal).
- Team player.
- Self-motivated.
- Strong prioritising skills and ability to manage own workload.
- In a food environment food safety and hygiene is essential.
- Experience working in a similar role.
- Previous experience in a warehouse environment would be advantageous.
- FLT experience – in house training will also be provided.
- Knowledge of using SAP would be advantageous.
- Previous experience working with RF guns.
- Experience working with automated machinery would be beneficial.
- Pallet/Electric truck-training experience.
What we offer you in return:
- Up to 7.5% pension
- Life assurance
- Wide range of online and in-house training
- Access to an employee discount scheme, with access to hundreds of nationwide retailers
Closing Date: 16th October 2025
A great British food company
Premier Foods is one of Britain’s biggest listed food companies, employing over 4,000 colleagues at 13 manufacturing sites and offices up and down the country.
Many of our brands have been part of UK life for more than a century and you’ll find them in 90% of British households.
At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.
Despatch Operative in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Premier Foods
Premier Foods is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture where every colleague is valued and encouraged to be their authentic selves. Located in Stoke, the company provides comprehensive training opportunities, competitive benefits including a pension scheme and life assurance, and access to employee discounts, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful employment in the food industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Despatch Operative in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Get to Know Local Distribution Centres
Start hanging around local distribution centres and warehouses, like the ones that might belong to Premier Foods. 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 Premier Foods. 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 Despatch Operative in Stoke-on-Trent
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 Premier Foods.
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 Premier Foods.
How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Foods
✨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.