At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Forklift Operative, handling fresh food products in a dynamic warehouse.
- Company: Henderson Group is Northern Ireland's top foodservice provider with over 5,500 employees.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, staff discounts, healthcare, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team, gain valuable experience, and contribute to a leading operation.
- Qualifications: Previous warehouse experience and a valid Reach or VNA operator licence are essential.
- Other info: Full training provided; various shift patterns available for flexibility.
Henderson Group are proud to be Northern Ireland's leading foodservice provider. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We employ over 5,500 staff and have been placed 5th in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2024.
Working as a Forklift Operator in the Henderson Wholesale Fresh Foods Warehouse means being part of a fast-paced, team-focused environment where accuracy and efficiency are key. You'll be responsible for handling chilled and fresh food products, ensuring they are stored safely for delivery to our network of SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO, and VIVO XTRA stores. Your role will involve a mix of tasks, including receiving goods in, replenishing pick locations, and organising stock within the warehouse using a forklift in a temperature-controlled environment. You'll play a vital part in maintaining the cold chain and supporting the smooth flow of goods across our operation.
Every day brings variety and the chance to work alongside a supportive team, with opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to one of Northern Ireland's top-performing wholesale operations.
Working as a Replenisher you will:
- Carry out daily safety checks on the forklift truck, complete the relevant documentation, and report any faults to a member of the Management Team.
- Operate forklifts safely and efficiently in a chilled warehouse environment, following all site safety protocols.
- Carry out putaway moves using an RF scan gun and input terminal, in line with the FLT Process Handbook and warehouse management system (WMS) procedures.
- Perform replenishment moves as required, ensuring accuracy and efficiency using the WMS and following established processes.
- Support the goods-in process, including unloading stock and verifying delivery accuracy.
- Remove damaged products from pick locations, record the details (product and quantity), and report to the Stock Control team.
- Place any damaged stock encountered during forklift operations into the designated damage area and notify the cleaner for removal.
- Maintain a clean and safe working area by following a clean-as-you-go policy, disposing of shrink wrap, cardboard, and waste appropriately.
- Assist in the preparation and support of internal and external audits.
- Work closely with warehouse, stock control, and logistics teams to ensure smooth and accurate stock handling.
- Undertake additional tasks and support other members of the Logistics department as required to meet operational needs.
Why Join Us?
- Market-leading pay and bonus incentives
- Staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company-owned stores.
- THE STORE discount scheme throughout UK/Ireland
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Social Club
- Healthcare Scheme
- Pension Scheme
- Full training provided
- Career progression opportunities - After 6 months service you would be eligible for our Warehouse to Wheels campaign.
- A safe, clean, and friendly working environment
Earning Potential: You will be guaranteed a rate of £14.62, not including any applicable nightshift premiums. Where you exceed 38 hours per week you will earn x1.5 your hourly rate. Working bank/public holidays attracts a double time rate plus the day back in lieu.
Skills for Success: Joining us as a Replenisher the minimum criteria you'll need is:
- Previous experience of working in a fast-paced warehouse environment
- Valid Reach or VNA operator licence
- Relative RF scanner/WMS experience
- Experience of working in a variety of temperature-controlled environments
The Attributes you'll need include:
- Experience of meeting performance targets
- Attention to Detail - Ensures accurate stock movements, correct use of RF scanners, and proper handling of products and documentation.
- Safety Awareness - Prioritises health and safety procedures, completes daily equipment checks, and operates machinery responsibly at all times.
- Good Communication Skills - Communicates clearly with team members, stock control, and management especially when reporting damages or issues.
- Team Player - Willing to support colleagues across the logistics department and contribute to a collaborative working environment.
- Organisational Skills - Manages time effectively, follows structured processes, and maintains a clean and orderly work area.
- Basic IT/Systems Confidence - Comfortable using warehouse management systems, RF scan guns, and input terminals as part of day-to-day tasks.
- Problem-Solving Ability - Can identify and report stock discrepancies or process issues, helping to maintain accurate inventory.
- Reliability and Punctuality - Dependable and consistent in attendance and performance, especially in time-sensitive operations.
It is desirable if you have:
- Experience in receipt of goods
- Health and Safety awareness
- Manual handling trained
- Experience of warehouse management systems - (Voice Picking)
- Pick Truck trained - (LLOP valid licence)
As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with the values that we live and work by:
- Ambition - We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to do things better.
- Customer First - We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities.
- Teamwork - We succeed together. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills.
- Integrity - We are fair, honest and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and champion diversity.
This is a full-time position working 38 hours per week, working 4 days out of 7 between 2pm-midnight (Job to Finish). There are various rotational shift patterns available. Shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity to discuss shift patterns at interview.
Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Monday 28th April 2025. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Forklift Operative employer: Henderson Group
Contact Detail:
Henderson Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forklift Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific types of forklifts used in the industry, especially Reach and VNA trucks. Understanding their operation and safety protocols will give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in temperature-controlled environments. Be ready to discuss how you maintained safety and efficiency while working with chilled products, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your problem-solving skills by preparing examples of how you've handled stock discrepancies or operational issues in past roles. This shows your ability to maintain accurate inventory and support smooth operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasise your teamwork and communication skills. Be prepared to share instances where you collaborated with colleagues or communicated effectively with management, as these attributes are highly valued in a fast-paced warehouse environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Forklift Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in warehouse operations, particularly with forklifts. Include any specific licences you hold, such as Reach or VNA, and mention your familiarity with RF scanners and WMS.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at Henderson Group. Mention how your skills align with their values, such as teamwork and safety awareness, and provide examples of how you've demonstrated these in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your experience in fast-paced warehouse environments. Emphasise your ability to meet performance targets and your attention to detail, especially regarding stock handling and safety protocols.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Group
✨Know Your Forklift Basics
Make sure you brush up on your forklift knowledge, especially the specific types you'll be operating. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Reach or VNA forklifts and any safety protocols you've followed in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Safety is paramount in a warehouse environment. Be ready to talk about how you conduct daily safety checks and what steps you take to ensure a safe working area. Mention any relevant training you've had in health and safety.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Henderson Group values teamwork highly. Prepare examples of how you've worked collaboratively in past roles, supported colleagues, and contributed to a positive team environment. This will show that you're a good fit for their culture.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
Accuracy is key in this role, so be ready to discuss how you ensure precise stock movements and proper handling of products. Share any experiences where your attention to detail made a difference in your work.