Forklift Maintenance Technician in Portland

Location: Sunderland

Pay Rate: £18.98 per hour

Contract: Ongoing

Working Hours: 39 hours per week

Shift Pattern: Monday to Friday, rotating shifts

Overtime: Enhanced rates apply for weekend work

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Forklift Truck Mechanic / FLT Technician to join a globally recognised automotive manufacturing client based in Sunderland. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled mechanical technician to thrive in a fast-paced, structured environment, supporting the availability, reliability, and safe operation of a substantial on-site fleet of forklift trucks and material-handling equipment.

As a valued member of an experienced engineering and maintenance team, you will undertake planned preventative maintenance, respond swiftly to equipment breakdowns, and complete priority repairs to ensure seamless and safe site operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform planned preventative maintenance (PPM) on a diverse fleet of forklift trucks and associated material-handling equipment.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and operational faults, identifying effective repair solutions.
• Respond promptly to FLT breakdowns and priority repair requests, minimising equipment downtime.
• Carry out servicing, inspections, repairs, and maintenance in line with manufacturer guidelines and site procedures.
• Work confidently with gas/LPG and electric-powered forklift trucks.
• Interpret and adhere to technical drawings, manuals, diagrams, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Conduct safety checks, ensuring all equipment meets required operational and safety standards.
• Accurately document maintenance, servicing, and repair activities.
• Escalate recurring faults or significant equipment issues to the relevant engineering or management teams.
• Collaborate effectively with production, warehouse, and engineering teams to prioritise maintenance tasks.
• Ensure all work complies with health & safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised working environment.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing equipment reliability and reducing downtime.

Skills & Experience

• A City & Guilds (C&G) or BTEC Level 3 qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A recognised mechanical or engineering apprenticeship.
• Proven experience as an FLT Technician, Forklift Truck Mechanic, Mobile Plant Technician, HGV/LGV Technician, Vehicle Technician, or a similar mechanical maintenance role.
• Hands-on experience in servicing, fault finding, diagnostics, and repairs.
• Experience working with LPG/gas and electric FLTs is highly advantageous.
• Previous fleet maintenance experience, ideally within manufacturing, automotive, logistics, or industrial settings.
• Strong diagnostic skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Good understanding of mechanical systems, components, and maintenance procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret technical diagrams, manuals, and SOPs.
• A strong commitment to health, safety, and quality standards.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Working Environment

You will operate within a large-scale automotive manufacturing facility where equipment availability is vital to maintaining production and material flow. The role demands a proactive approach to maintenance, with the ability to respond efficiently to breakdowns while upholding a high standard of workmanship and safety. You will be part of an established engineering and maintenance team, with opportunities to further develop your technical expertise in a world-class manufacturing setting.

Apply Now

If you are a skilled Forklift Truck Mechanic or FLT Technician seeking your next career opportunity, we would be delighted to hear from you. Apply today to join a high-performing automotive manufacturing environment in Sunderland.