Forklift Operator
Location: Port of Tilbury
Company: HDS Personnel Ltd
Job Type: Temp to Perm
About HDS Personnel Ltd
Established in 1987, HDS Personnel Ltd has built a strong reputation for supplying a highly skilled, multi-disciplined workforce across the Essex area. We support major operators within the Port of Tilbury and external clients across the logistics, warehousing, and rail sectors.
Due to continued growth, we are offering several permanent, full-time opportunities for Forklift Operators looking to develop their career within the Port and Logistics industry.
At HDS, we invest in our people. You will receive structured training delivered by instructors with over 30 years of industry experience, ensuring you operate safely, confidently, and to the highest standards. There may also be opportunities to train on VNA forklifts and additional specialist equipment.
The Role
As a Forklift Operator, you will play a key role in supporting port and warehouse operations, ensuring goods are handled safely, efficiently, and accurately in a fast-paced environment.
You will be working as part of a team to meet operational targets while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
Job Responsibilities:
- Manoeuvring forklifts safely in busy Port environment.
- Moving goods from storage areas to loading areas for transport.
- Assist in loading and unloading trucks as needed.
- Unloading deliveries and safely relocating the goods to their designated storage areas.
- Ensuring that forklift driving areas are free from spills or obstructions.
- Regularly checking forklift equipment for faults or damages.
- Keeping up to date on health and safety requirements and forklift operating procedures.
- Maintain a clean and organised work area, ensuring that safety guidelines are followed at all times.
- Working within a team to ensure that daily targets are met.
Full training provided on:
- Scanning Barcodes on goods.
- Low level Pedestrian Palletised Truck.
- Low level Battery Tugger (Battery Changing Machine).
- Toasting Forks with Top Hat.
- Electric Forklift Truck.
Candidate Requirements
- Counterbalance forklift licence (valid or recently expired)
- Confident spoken and written English to ensure safety standards are maintained
- Warehouse or port/dock experience preferred but not essential
- Reliable, safety-focused, and team-oriented
Hours & Pay
- 6 Month Fixed Term Contract with potential to extend.
- Rolling shift pattern: 4 days on, 4 off, 4 nights on, 4 off
- Must be able to work both nights and days
o Days: 07:00 – 19:00
o Nights: 19:00 – 07:00
- £13.60 – £14.00 per hour
- 20 days annual leave
- Overtime available (subject to operational needs)
- PAYE – Monthly pay
Important Information
HDS operates a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding drug misuse.
- Pre-employment drug test required
- Random drug and alcohol testing during employment
- Company medical required pre-employment and biannually thereafter
- Proof of right to work in England required
- We are unable to offer overseas sponsorship at this time
HDS Personnel Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within 7 working days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £13.60-£14.00 per hour
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Tilbury RM18 7JN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Please confirm you have read the job description and understand this role involves working both days and nights on a 4 on, 4 off shift pattern.
- As part of our hiring process, all selected candidates are required to complete and pass a pre-employment drug screening and company medical examination. Can you please confirm that you are able to meet this requirement
Experience:
- Forklift: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
- or recently expired Counterbalance Forklift Certificate (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
