Despatch Operative

Who are we?

We’re Reach, home to some of the UK and Ireland’s most iconic media brands – think the Mirror, Daily Express, OK!, as well as regional titles like the Birmingham Post, Liverpool Echo, and Manchester Evening News. With a readership of 47 million people each month, we’re the largest commercial publisher in the UK. But we’re more than just our brands – we’re a company built on collaboration, imagination, and determination. Our values shape the work we do every day, and we’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and able to grow. We prioritise flexibility and work-life balance, making it easier for you to thrive both in and outside of work.

What you’ll be doing:

Are you looking for a hands-on role where you can be part of a fast-moving and essential team? As a No. 3 Operative, you’ll play a key role in keeping our Despatch area running smoothly, ensuring efficiency and safety across the board.

This isn’t just any job it’s a chance to be part of the UK’s largest commercial news publisher, working behind the scenes to support the production of some of the UK and Ireland’s most iconic newspapers and digital platforms.

In this role, you’ll be at the heart of our operations, making sure everything flows smoothly. You’ll be supporting the palletisers, helping to maintain and operate them effectively so that production never misses a beat. Safely operating pallet trucks, you’ll transport materials around the Despatch area, ensuring everything is in the right place at the right time.

You’ll also be working closely with the hoppers, feeding inserts efficiently to keep production moving. Managing Stocklin buggies will be part of your day too, along with preparing leaflets and ensuring they’re ready for distribution accurately and on time.

Working with stackers and strappers, you’ll make sure materials are bundled correctly, supporting smooth workflow across the department. You’ll also be responsible for keeping daily documentation up to date, ensuring all operations are accurately recorded.

Beyond that, you’ll be providing hands-on support across different areas of production, including polybagging, fold and stitch lines, and even stepping in to assist in the Presshall when needed. Keeping the workspace clean and organised is key, so you’ll be actively involved in maintaining a safe, tidy environment.

What you’ll need to succeed:

If you have a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, you’ll do well in this role. Flexibility is important too, as you’ll be working shifts based on production needs.

You’ll also need to be comfortable operating various trucks and machinery within the Despatch area. A proactive and positive approach will help you hit the ground running and keep everything moving efficiently.

What can we offer you?

We offering a salary of £25,800 and a range of fantastic benefits to help support you both personally and professionally. These include:

• Help saving for your retirement - matched 6% pension scheme
• 7 weeks’ holiday per year when you join. After three, five and ten years’ service with Reach, you’ll accrue one additional day of annual leave. We also have a Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Giving back day - an additional day’s leave each year to support a cause close to your heart
• Enhanced family leave - including maternity, paternity and adoption - and you’ll be eligible after just six months’ employment
• Private Healthcare Cash Plan - free health cash plan so you can claim back cash for a range of medical expenses
• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your nearest and dearest, a free subscription to mindfulness app Headspace and access to free mental health coaching through Sanctus
• Awesome career opportunities - you’ll have support from your line manager and a range of learning & development programmes

Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.