Production Operative – Tewkesbury Production Site

Employer: Cotteswold Dairy • Department: Production • Hours: 37.5 per week (5 shifts over 7) • Location: Tewkesbury Production Site

Join Our Production Team

Are you looking for a hands-on role in a fast-paced food production environment? Cotteswold Dairy, one of the UK’s leading independent family-owned dairies, is recruiting Production Operatives to join our busy Tewkesbury Production Site. This is an entry-level position offering full training, career progression, and the opportunity to play an important role in producing and packing our high-quality dairy products.

About Cotteswold Dairy

Established in 1938, Cotteswold Dairy supports local farmers and communities by delivering the freshest, finest quality products and first-class customer service. As part of Team Cotteswold, you’ll be joining a values-driven business at the heart of a responsible and sustainable dairy community.

What you’ll be doing as a Production Operative

• Operate and monitor machinery across production lines.
• Pack finished products and prepare them for distribution.
• Maintain excellent hygiene and quality standards throughout the production process.
• Report any issues promptly to the supervisory team.
• Adhere to all company procedures, food hygiene rules, and Health & Safety regulations.
• Support team members and contribute to a positive, efficient working environment.
• Carry out other tasks as directed by supervisors or managers.

About you

• Attention to detail with good numeracy skills.
• Flexible, proactive, and able to work varying shifts in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong team player with good communication skills and a positive “can-do” attitude.
• Physically fit – this is an active role involving manual handling.
• Willingness to achieve Level 2 Food Safety certification (training provided).
• (Desirable) Previous experience in food production, dairy, or FMCG manufacturing.

Progression routes

Cotteswold Dairy offers clear career progression within Production. Routes include Trainee Machine Operator, Process Operator, Laboratory Team, and Hygiene Team.

Team Cotteswold Benefits

• Competitive salary with opportunities for career progression
• 22 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, increasing after 3 years of 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 dental, prescriptions, optician fees and more)

Important Notes

Due to food hygiene regulations, only a single solid wedding band is permitted. No earrings, bracelets, necklaces, makeup, or strong-scented products may be worn in production areas. Applicants must have their own transport or live locally, as public transport does not align with shift start times (typically 06:00 or 14:00).

How to apply

Click Apply Now and submit your CV via our application portal. Applications are reviewed on receipt and we may close the advert early once the right candidates are found.

Keywords: Production Operative Tewkesbury, Factory Operative, Food Production Operative, Dairy Operative, Production Line Operative, Packing Operative, Machine Operator, FMCG Production, Food Manufacturing, Hygiene Standards, Manual Handling, Full Training Provided, Shift Work, Career Progression, Gloucestershire.