Despatch Operative - Dumfries
Despatch Operative and Customs Processor
Job Summary
We are seeking a careful, hardworking and reliable Despatch Operative and Customs Processor to join our small but fast-growing team in Dumfries.
The role primarily involves picking, preparing and packing orders for shipment. Although we typically process between 10 and 30 orders per day, many of the products we handle are specialist, fragile, heavy or high-value items, so a high level of care and attention is essential.
A significant proportion of our orders are shipped internationally. You will therefore also support the preparation of shipping and customs documentation, including packing lists, export licences and EUR1 certificates.
Previous customs experience is not required, as full training will be provided. However, strong IT skills, accuracy and a willingness to learn are essential.
There are opportunities for progression and increased responsibility for the right candidate.
The contracted hours for this position are between 37.5 and 40 hours (Monday to Friday – 8:00 – 16:30) with an unpaid lunch break, plus the opportunity for overtime. Salary is £13.50 - £15.00 per hour, depending on experience. This position will be subjected to a 6-month probationary period.
About Us
At UniGreenScheme, we are not just another company—we are a disruptive, high-growth business redefining how surplus equipment is managed.
Since our launch, we have partnered with leading organisations across the UK and around the world, helping them unlock value from unused assets while supporting a more sustainable future.
We are proud of what we have achieved so far:
- Over 40,000 items successfully rehomed, giving them a new lease on life.
- 1.6 Million kilograms of equipment reused, preventing waste and promoting circular economy principles.
- £8.5m+ in savings delivered for the research and education sector, proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
- Carbon savings equivalent to planting 100,000 urban trees, achieved through our resale services.
These achievements are the result of a passionate and dedicated team that believes in making a difference.
At UniGreenScheme, you will be part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where care, innovation and high performance are important to our continued success.
About the Role
The role will involve a varied combination of despatch, customs and warehouse duties:
- Parcel Packing: Carefully preparing fragile, specialist and unusual products such as microscopes, glassware, precision weighing equipment and antique items for shipment.
- Pallet Preparation: Safely preparing larger and heavier equipment, including centrifuges, laboratory dishwashers, incubators and gym equipment, for transport.
- Shipping and Customs Administration: Booking shipments, producing packing lists, arranging export documentation and communicating with couriers and transport companies.
- Warehouse Support: Picking stock, moving pallets, loading vehicles and supporting general warehouse operations when required.
The role is physically demanding and involves regular manual handling of large and heavy items.
Training and Development
Full training will be provided on:
- Safe packing methods for fragile and specialist equipment.
- Pallet preparation and despatch procedures.
- Internal stock and order management systems.
- Courier and freight booking processes.
- International shipping and customs documentation.
- Export licences and EUR1 certificates.
- Safe manual handling and warehouse procedures.
- Responsibilities may increase as the successful candidate develops confidence and experience within the role.
About You
We are looking for a motivated and dependable individual who:
- Has excellent IT skills and is comfortable using email, web-based systems and internal software throughout the working day.
- Takes pride in completing work carefully and to a high standard.
- Has strong attention to detail and can follow packing and documentation procedures accurately.
- Is motivated to process orders efficiently without compromising quality.
- Is comfortable working both independently and under direct supervision.
- Can organise their own workload and remain productive when working alone.
- Is physically capable of carrying out regular manual handling and warehouse duties.
- Is comfortable handling fragile, heavy and high-value equipment.
- Is willing to learn customs, export and shipping processes.
- Communicates clearly and professionally with colleagues, couriers and transport providers.
- Can work under pressure and meet despatch deadlines.
- Is flexible and willing to support wider warehouse duties when required.
- Previous experience in despatch, warehousing, packing, logistics, customs processing or international shipping would be beneficial but is not essential.
Staff Benefits
Benefits include extra annual leave per year of service, a paid daily break, paid training and development, career progression opportunities, flexible working where appropriate, and staff social events.
Other Considerations
This is a strictly non-smoking position.
The role is based at our Dumfries site and is not a remote or homeworking position.
Overtime may be available depending on business requirements.
Applicants may be asked to complete a short practical, IT or administrative assessment as part of the recruitment process.
Summary
Location: Dumfries
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, with an unpaid lunch break
Salary: £13.50 – £15.00 per hour, depending on skills and experience
Work Location: In person
Probationary Period: Six months
How to Apply
Because we are continuing to grow our team, this is a perpetual vacancy. Applications can be submitted at any time and will normally be reviewed within the following days.
Please apply using the link above and include an up-to-date CV.