Job details
Warehouse Operative – Food & Beverage Distribution
Location: Harlow
Salary: £33,000 per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00–19:00 (some flexibility required)
Our client is a well-established food and beverage distribution company based in Harlow, delivering a wide range of products including fresh milk, dairy alternatives, fruit, snacks, tea, coffee and chilled drinks to some of London’s most recognisable workplaces. The business is proudly sustainability-led, SALSA accredited, and operates to strict food safety and compliance standards.
The Role
We are seeking a proactive and reliable Warehouse Operative to support a busy, temperature-controlled warehouse environment. This is a hands-on role covering multiple areas of the warehouse operation, including goods-in, quality checking of fresh produce, and order fulfilment. You’ll play a key part in ensuring products are handled correctly, safely, and to a consistently high standard.
Key Duties
- Order Picking & Packing: Picking orders accurately across ambient and chilled zones, packing with care and ensuring correct labelling.
- Fresh Fruit Quality Checks: Carrying out daily visual and taste checks in line with customer specifications, and removing any items that do not meet quality standards.
- Goods In: Supporting deliveries by checking quantities and condition of goods, completing put-away, and ensuring correct stock rotation using FIFO principles.
- Warehouse Cleanliness: Maintaining clean, organised and safe work areas, managing waste and recycling, and assisting with routine hygiene and safety checks.
- Stock Accuracy: Assisting with cycle counts, investigating variances, and helping to maintain accurate inventory records.
Experience & Skills Required
- At least 2 years’ experience in a warehouse or logistics role (experience within food & beverage or chilled environments is advantageous).
- Good knowledge of FIFO (stock rotation) and basic stock control.
- Comfortable handling perishable products and carrying out quality checks on fresh fruit.
- Physically fit and able to lift, move stock and remain on your feet for extended periods.
- High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and a dependable work ethic.
- Basic IT skills, including use of handheld scanners/WMS and Microsoft Office.
- Counterbalance forklift licence is desirable, though training can be provided.
- Full UK driving licence required.
Personal Qualities
- Positive, hands-on approach with a strong willingness to get involved.
- Flexible and adaptable, with a practical problem-solving mindset.
- Punctual, reliable and committed to doing the job to a high standard.
