Vacancies
Maintenance Operative

Maintenance Operative

Posted:

23 Sep 2026

Stoke, United Kingdom

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Fixed Term Contract

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Overview

Dunelm's Distribution Centres in Stoke-on-Trent are looking to recruit a skilled and motivated Maintenance Operative to support our growing operation. There has never been a better time to join us.

As the UK's leading home furnishings retailer, our distribution centres play a vital role in ensuring products reach our stores and customers efficiently. Working as part of our maintenance team, you'll help keep our operation running smoothly by carrying out planned and reactive maintenance activities, supporting a safe working environment, and ensuring equipment and facilities are maintained to a high standard.

Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do, and you'll play a key role in supporting the operational success of one of the UK's most successful retailers.

D&I statement

Dunelm is committed to becoming an inclusive business that is representative of our customers and locations. We recognise the value in diversity and welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, race, religion, disability, gender or sexual identity, socio-economic background or education. We are committed to making Dunelm a place where everyone can enjoy a successful career and have systems in place to support all our colleagues. We are seeking applications from candidates who share our values and celebrate diversity in all its forms.

Our commitment to you

Accessibility allows everyone to have an equitable chance when applying and showing off their potential, which helps us create a more inclusive and diverse team that brings fresh ideas and perspectives.

Should you need it, we have an accessibility tool available in the top menu to support you when you’re completing your application. If you require any other reasonable adjustments during the application and assessment process, reach out to your recruitment partner.

No standard delivery

With a new 180,000 sq ft Distribution Centre in Daventry adding to our three existing sites across Stoke-On-Trent, we now have over 1 million sq ft of distribution space. Factor in our five regional Home Delivery depots, and you'll begin to understand the scale of the operation. More important than the size, however, is the pride that everyone takes in their work and the sense of camaraderie they feel. It's not just another warehouse job. It's somewhere you can find your place and build a great career.

Wellbeing is more than just a buzzword here

From our Wellbeing Buddies and Mental Health First Aid training to our progressive parental leave, menopause policies and Colleague Support Fund, we're committed to supporting our colleagues in every area – and at every stage – of their lives. Through our partnership with the Retail Trust, everyone at Dunelm has free access to a 24/7 Virtual GP, as well as therapy and counselling, plus information, guidance and advice in all areas of financial, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Look in our toy box

Of course, you should never judge a business by its tech stack. But take a peek at the range of technologies our engineers and developers are currently playing with.

Where you’ll
be working

Here is where you'll be based, whether that's an office, or store or one of our sites.

Dunelm Ltd, Whiterock Road, Prologis Park, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 4FA

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Keep on growing

We want you to get as much out of working with us as possible. That's why we'll do everything we can to engage you in the process of learning, and encourage you to explore new opportunities around your particular skills and interests. For you, this includes:

Technical training and qualifications for equipment such as forklift and powered pallet trucks, order pickers and Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) systems

Personal Effectiveness workshops and self-led learning, also delivered through Thrive

Apprenticeships opportunities relevant to your role – from level 2 (equivalent to GCSE) through to Level 7 (equivalent to Masters)

Colleague Development Fund to support colleagues in accessing external training relevant to your role

Coaching and mentoring to support you in your current role and help you prepare for the next

Functional academies that offer training to support you in the technical aspects of your role

Self-awareness tools to help you understand what really matters to you, and where your own talents and ambitions lie

Our Enterprise Leadership Programme designed specifically for our strong growth potential Heads of Department to help them reach the next level in their career

Our INSPIRE Programme designed for our strong growth potential senior managers across the business to enhance their leadership capability

Meet your team

Meet your team

I’m in my happy place when…

"It's important to me that my team feel happy and valued. I enjoy coaching them and keeping them engaged."

Aaron, Zone Manager

Meet your team

I’m in my happy place when…

"Working and making memories with people I love. It makes me want to come in and do my best everyday."

Becky, Shift Manager

Meet your team

I’m in my happy place when…

"I've only been with the business for a little over a year, but already I have a clear progression plan in place."

Josh, Shift Manager

Meet your team

I’m in my happy place when…

"I started out as a Picker before becoming a Zone Manager. The thing I love most about my role is the team interaction."

James, Zone Manager

Meet your team

I’m in my happy place when…

"I really love working here. It was the benefits that attracted me at first, but it's the atmosphere I enjoy the most."

Sabrina, Picker

Meet your team

I’m in my happy place when…

"I like being able to grow and nurture my team and help them be their best."

Callum, Zone Manager

Rewards you deserve

Along with competitive rates of pay, we offer a range of other great benefits to help you make your money go further.

25 days annual holiday plus your birthday off to celebrate, and another day when you move home, so you can get settled in

Generous discounts on all our own products, in-store and online to help you make your house a home

Instant discounts with a range of other companies to help you stretch your budget

Salary Advance so you can access up to 50% of the money you've earned during the month, rather than having to wait until pay day

Outstanding development opportunities and all the support you need to grow your career the way you want

Cycle to work scheme to help you keep your fitness up and your travel costs down

Free on-site parking

Pension contributions to help you save for your retirement

ShareSave scheme that enables you to save monthly and buy Dunelm shares at a discounted rate, building up your investments for a rainy day

Continuous training and coaching to ensure you feel confident in your current role and ready for any new challenges

Access to wellbeing support as and when you need it, including an online GP for you and your immediate family

Colleague networks that give everyone a voice and create an environment where we all feel at home

Charity day off (paid, of course) so you can volunteer for a charity that matters to you

How did we get here?

Today, Dunelm is a leader in the £11bn UK homewares market. With over 200 stores across the country and a successful online operation – dunelm.com – we offer over 60,000 products across a broad range of categories. But where did it all begin?

1979

Founder, Bill Adderley and his wife Jean take on a stall in Leicester Market selling curtains. Within a month, they make 600% profit.

1984

First bricks-and-mortar store founded in Churchgate, Leicester.

1988

With momentum growing, first flagship store opens in Leicester, East Street, offering warehouse facilities for expansion across the region.

1991

First superstore opens in Rotherham, offering premium brands such as Dorma, which the company goes on to acquire.

1996

Bill's son Will is appointed CEO of the company, following in his father's footsteps.

1999

Now a household name in the Midlands, Dunelm Mill opens a head office with warehouse facilities in Syston, Leicestershire.

2001

The acquisition of a small custom-made curtains business marks the start of Dunelm's made-to-measure service.

2002

A landmark year as Dunelm Mill opens its 50th store and a new central warehouse in Burton. The company goes on to open new stores at a rate of 10 each year.

2005

A fully shoppable website goes live, with a dedicated warehouse below our Radcliffe store

2006

Dunelm floated on the London Stock Exchange, marking the beginning of a new era for the company.

2010

In Liverpool, the company opens its 100th store, having celebrated its 30th birthday in 2009.

2011

To accommodate continued growth, Dunelm builds a new head office in Syston.

2013

Company rebrands from 'Dunelm Mill' to 'Dunelm' – reflecting what our customers have called us for years.

2016

Our family grew to include Worldstores.

2018

Nick Wilkinson joins the business as our new CEO.

2021

To accommodate our continued growth, Dunelm opens a fourth warehouse in Daventry.

2022

Launch of our ‘Conscious Choice’ collection – homeware that lasts longer and is made from more sustainable materials.

2024

First Central London store in Westfield.

2024

Expanded into the Republic of Ireland, acquiring Home Focus at Hickey’s.

2025

Opened our 200th store in Merthyr Tydfil.

2025

Clo Moriarty joins as CEO, taking the reins from Nick Wilkinson.

How to apply

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