Job Title: Warehouse Operative / Reach Truck Driver – Cold Store
Location: Manchester
Employment Type: Full-Time
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week. Day shifts only — no night shifts, weekends, or bank holidays. (Overtime as required)
Job Overview
The Reach Truck Driver in the cold store is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a reach truck to move, store, and retrieve palletized goods in temperature-controlled environments. This role ensures accurate order picking, stock rotation, and warehouse organization while adhering to strict safety and hygiene standards required for handling chilled or frozen products.
Key Responsibilities
- 1. Reach Truck Operation
- Operate reach trucks safely to load, unload, move, and stack pallets within high-bay racking systems.
- Transport goods between receiving, storage, order-picking, and dispatch areas.
- Perform high-level pallet put-away and retrieval in narrow aisles.
- Conduct daily reach truck pre-use inspections and report defects immediately.
2. Order Picking & Stock Handling
- Pick orders accurately according to pick lists, RF scanners, or WMS instructions.
- Ensure correct product, quantity, batch, and date codes are selected.
- Perform stock replenishment and rotation (FIFO/FEFO).
- Assist with cycle counts and full stock inventories as required.
3. Cold Store Duties
- Work effectively in temperatures ranging from ambient to –25°C.
- Ensure proper use of cold-store PPE (freezer suits, gloves, face protection).
- Follow procedures to minimize time spent outside set temperature ranges for sensitive products.
4. Loading & Unloading
- Load and unload trailers and containers using reach truck or pallet truck.
- Secure loads to ensure safe transportation.
- Check inbound and outbound goods for damage, quantity, and accuracy.
5. Health & Safety Compliance
- Follow all warehouse safety rules, including traffic management and equipment procedures.
- Adhere to food safety, hygiene, and HACCP standards.
- Maintain clean, hazard-free aisles and racking areas.
- Report any unsafe conditions or incidents immediately.
6. Documentation & Systems
- Use handheld scanners or WMS terminals to record all movements accurately.
- Complete paperwork such as delivery notes, damage reports, and shift logs.
- Ensure real-time data entry for stock traceability.
7. Teamwork & Communication
- Work closely with supervisors, pickers, loaders, and quality teams.
- Communicate any delays, stock discrepancies, or equipment issues.
- Assist team members during peak hours or when required.Requirements
Skills & Qualifications
Essential
- Valid Reach Truck License (e.g., RTITB, OSHA, or equivalent).
- Proven experience operating a reach truck in a warehouse or cold store.
- Ability to work in cold or freezing environments for extended periods.
- Basic understanding of warehouse management systems and RF scanners.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
Preferred
- Experience in food storage, distribution, or FMCG.
- Knowledge of HACCP or food safety standards.
- Counterbalance or PPT license is an advantage.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to operate machinery for long periods.
- Comfortable working in temperatures as low as –25°C.
- Able to lift up to 25 kg and perform manual handling tasks.
- Ability to stand, bend, and reach throughout the shift.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £29,740.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
