Forklift jobs in United Kingdom

Counterbalance Forklift Driver - Chilled Warehouse (Tewkesbury)

New state-of-the-art chilled warehouse • Modern electric FLTs • Clear progression pathways

Employer: Cotteswold Dairy
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 0400
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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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)

Click Apply and submit your CV. We review applications as they arrive and may close the vacancy early if we find the right candidates.

Keywords: Counterbalance Forklift Driver, FLT Driver, Forklift Operator, Warehouse Operative, Chilled Warehouse, Goods In, Loading Bay, Distribution, Logistics, Order Picking, Stock Rotation, Replenishment, Food Manufacturing, Dairy, FMCG, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, Electric Forklift, Warehouse Jobs.

Since 1938, Cotteswold Dairy has flourished from a modest milk round—delivering just 30 gallons a day using a bucket and ladle—into one of the UK’s most respected independent, family-run dairies, rooted in Tewkesbury. Built on the founding values of quality, service, and cleanliness, the business has remained committed to those principles spanning three generations, now under the leadership of Managing Director George Workman.

Today, we process, pack, and deliver over 100 million litres of milk and dairy products each year to doorstep customers and businesses across England and Wales, operating from multiple depots and a modern production site in Tewkesbury.

At our heart lies a strong ethical and environmental commitment. We partner with local farms within a 60-mile radius—many Red Tractor-certified—promoting sustainable farming practices, animal welfare, and minimal environmental impact. We’ve championed eco-friendly initiatives for decades, including returnable glass bottles, electric milk floats, telematics for efficient logistics, and zero waste-to-landfill operations.

More than a business, Cotteswold Dairy is a values-driven community dedicated to delivering wholesome, high-quality dairy products while nurturing people, our communities, and our planet—making us a compelling and meaningful place to build your career.