Role focused on container offloading, manual handling, reach truck operation, stock movement and safe warehouse support.
Role Overview
We are looking for an experienced Warehouse Operative with reach truck certification to join our busy warehouse team. This is a hands-on role requiring a reliable, safety-conscious individual who is comfortable working in a physically demanding environment. The warehouse regularly handles containers for key clients, and due to the way goods are presented for offloading, the role involves continuous heavy lifting, manual handling, loading, unloading and movement of stock throughout the shift.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely operate the reach truck to load, unload, move, stack and store goods within the warehouse and loading areas.
- Offload containers manually and using the reach truck , including goods that may be heavy, awkward, loose loaded or not palletised.
- Carry out frequent manual handling tasks, including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, sorting and positioning stock.
- Support the efficient unloading of client containers while maintaining accuracy, care and safe working standards.
- Check incoming goods against delivery paperwork, report discrepancies, damages or shortages, and ensure stock is correctly labelled or identified.
- Move goods to designated storage, staging or dispatch areas in line with warehouse procedures.
- Pick, pack, wrap and prepare orders for dispatch when required.
- Maintain a clean, tidy and safe working area, including keeping loading bays, walkways and forklift routes clear.
- Complete reach truck pre-use checks and report any defects, damage or safety concerns immediately.
- Follow site health and safety procedures, manual handling guidance, traffic management rules and safe systems of work at all times.
- Work closely with supervisors, drivers and warehouse colleagues to meet operational deadlines and client requirements.
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience working as a Warehouse Operative, having reach truck experience and certification or similar role in a busy warehouse, logistics, freight or distribution environment.
- Valid Reach Truck training/certification for the relevant truck type, forklift experience would be advantageous where applicable.
- Proven ability to load and unload vehicles, trailers or containers safely and efficiently.
- Physically fit and able to carry out continuous heavy lifting and manual handling throughout the working day.
- Good understanding of warehouse health and safety, including safe manual handling and safe forklift operation.
- Ability to work accurately under pressure and maintain a steady pace during busy offloading periods.
- Reliable, punctual and flexible, with a strong work ethic and willingness to support general warehouse duties.
- Good communication skills and the ability to work well as part of a team.
Physical Demands of the Role
This role is physically demanding and requires candidates to be comfortable with repetitive and continuous manual handling. Due to the nature of the client work and container presentation, goods may need to be handballed from containers, sorted, lifted, stacked and moved before being palletised or stored. Candidates must be able to work safely and consistently in this environment while following manual handling procedures and using mechanical aids where available.
Desirable Skills
- Experience unloading loose-loaded containers.
- Experience using warehouse scanners, stock systems or basic warehouse paperwork.
- Experience with pallet wrapping, order picking, stock control or goods-in procedures.
- Ability to identify damaged goods, unstable loads or unsafe working conditions and take appropriate action.
- Additional forklift or material handling equipment experience, such as PPT or other site-specific equipment.
Health and Safety Expectations
- Carry out all tasks in line with company health and safety procedures and warehouse risk assessments.
- Use safe manual handling techniques and request support or equipment where required.
- Operate Reach Truck or forklifts only when trained, authorised and competent to do so.
- Complete checks before using equipment and never operate equipment that appears unsafe.
- Report accidents, near misses, damaged stock, equipment defects and unsafe conditions promptly.
- Maintain awareness of pedestrians, vehicles, racking, containers and other warehouse hazards at all times.
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be an experienced, practical and dependable warehouse professional who takes pride in working safely and efficiently. They will be comfortable with physically demanding work, confident operating a reach truck in a busy warehouse environment, and able to support container offloading, stock movement and general warehouse operations as part of a team.
Salary will be discussed at interview stage, and will be commensurate with the physical demands of the job
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
Experience:
- Warehouse: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Reach Truck Licence – any recognised UK provider (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
