Works Operative Reed

Notjustlabcoats; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer in Chelmsford is seeking a motivated works operative to join the despatch team. The role involves picking, packing, and safely handling shipments, with a focus on maintaining a clean and organized workplace. Ideal candidates will have a Counterbalance Forklift licence and experience in warehouse or despatch environments. This full-time position offers benefits such as a bonus scheme, generous leave, and private healthcare.

Benefits

Bonus scheme

23 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Defined contribution pension scheme

Life assurance

Private healthcare

Free on-site parking

On-site canteen

Company events

Cycle to work scheme

Free flu vaccinations

Health & wellbeing programme

Sick pay

Qualifications

• Counterbalance Forklift licence (in-date) and confident, safe operation.
• Experience in FMCG, chemicals, or food-grade environments.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate data entry.

Responsibilities

• Pick, pack, palletise, and label orders per requirements.
• Book transport and create despatch documentation.
• Load/unload vehicles safely using forklift trucks.

Skills

Counterbalance Forklift licence

Warehouse/Despatch experience

Attention to detail

Good numeracy and literacy

Basic understanding of export/logistics

Tools

ERP/WMS systems

Job description

A great opportunity has arisen for an experienced, motivated works operative to join the despatch team, supporting the safe handling, packing, and shipment products for a world renowned manufacturer.

Key Responsibilities

• Pick, pack, palletise, and label orders in line with customer and carrier requirements.
• Book transport and create despatch documentation (courier bookings, labels, manifests).
• Prepare export documentation as required (commercial invoices, packing lists, SDS references).
• Load/unload vehicles safely using forklift trucks (where licensed).
• Support internal audits and corrective actions
• Operate ERP/warehouse systems for booking, issuing, and inventory movements.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organise workplace using 5S standards.
• Follow SOPs and risk assessments (COSHH, manual handling, PPE).
• Report hazards, incidents, and near misses; contribute to continuous improvement.
• Safely operate material handling equipment and adhere to site traffic management rules.
• Work closely with Production, Quality, Customer Service, and Logistics.
• Support training of colleagues and participate in cross-functional problem-solving.

Beneficial Skills / Experience

• Counterbalance Forklift licence (in-date) and confident, safe operation.
• Warehouse/Despatch experience, ideally in FMCG, chemicals, or food-grade environments.
• Experience with ERP/WMS systems (e.g., booking stock, picking lists, despatch modules).
• Strong attention to detail; accurate data entry and documentation.
• Good numeracy and literacy; able to interpret work orders, labels, and specifications.
• Physically fit and comfortable with manual handling (with appropriate aids provided).
• Basic understanding of export/logistics

Additional Details

• Full-time position: 35 hours per week
• Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Bonus scheme
• 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays and additional time off at Christmas
• Defined contribution pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Private healthcare
• Free on-site parking
• On-site canteen
• Company events
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free flu vaccinations
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Sick pay