Site FLT Operator

This role is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of forklift trucks to support all on‑shift material movements within the site. The Shift Forklift Truck Driver ensures the accurate loading of finished goods for despatch, the timely transfer of ROH and ZPCK materials to production drop zones, and the effective removal and disposal of waste from production areas. The role also includes cleaning, washing, and drying bins to maintain production readiness, while upholding strict safety, quality, and environmental standards. The position contributes directly to production flow, site compliance, and operational efficiency through consistent application of best practices, proactive communication, and adherence to 5S and housekeeping expectations.

Role Purpose

To safely and efficiently operate forklift trucks to support on‑shift logistics: loading finished goods for despatch, supplying production with required materials, and managing waste movements in line with site safety, quality, and efficiency standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate FLTs and other material handling equipment (where trained/authorized), including counterbalance and/or reach trucks.
• Move raw materials, finished goods, WIP and packaging to/from production, warehousing and dispatch areas.
• Accurate movement of ROH and ZPCK materials to production drop zones.
• Complete loading and unloading of vehicles, following safe systems of work and verifying load security.
• Maintain accurate stock movements by scanning, recording and updating systems as required.
• Conduct daily pre-use checks and report defects immediately.
• Follow all site safety rules including speed limits, segregation, PPE, traffic routes and reporting hazards/near misses.
• Support housekeeping and 5S standards across warehouse and production support areas.
• Safe collection, segregation, and tipping of waste streams into compactors to maintain safe and tidy operational areas.
• Cleaning, washing, and drying of bins for production reuse.
• Support stock counts, cycle counting and inventory accuracy activities.
• Communicate effectively with production, warehousing and logistics teams to ensure smooth operational flow.

Key Measures of Success (KPIs)

• Safety: zero harm; safe completion of tasks; timely reporting of hazards/near misses.
• Service: response time to facilities requests; tasks completed within agreed timescales and to expected quality.
• Planned checks: fire door and eyewash checks completed to schedule; issues recorded and escalated promptly.
• Site standards: improvements in housekeeping/5S audit scores; defects identified and resolved.
• Grounds & presentation: external areas maintained to agreed standards; seasonal tasks completed as planned.
• Documentation: accurate work request updates/close-outs; clear escalation of issues requiring specialist support.
• Stakeholder satisfaction: positive feedback from internal teams on responsiveness and professionalism.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Previous experience operating forklift trucks in a manufacturing, warehouse, or logistics environment.
• Experience completing waste‑handling activities including bin movements, segregation, and tipping into compactors.
• Familiarity with working in fast‑paced, safety‑critical environments.
• Practical experience maintaining 5S and housekeeping standards in work areas.
• Strong understanding of forklift operations, safe driving techniques, and load‑handling principles.
• Knowledge of health & safety rules, including manual handling, vehicle‑pedestrian segregation, and PPE compliance.
• Understanding of 5S principles, cleanliness standards, and workplace organisation.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Forklift truck counterbalance licence.
• Reach truck Licence.

Working Conditions

This role operates in a food manufacturing environment with regular time on the factory floor and around external areas. The role may involve noise, dust (grain), temperature variation, working outdoors in different weather, and manual handling. Flexibility is required to respond to urgent site issues and support business needs.

Equal Opportunities

We work together as one team. Everyone is welcome here, and we treat each other with fairness, respect, and equality.

Right to work in the UK

In accordance with Home Office guidance successful candidates will be required to evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. We have assessed this role and do not consider that we would be able to sponsor a successful candidate under the Skilled Worker route as the role does not meet the relevant Home Office criteria; the successful candidate therefore must be able to demonstrate their own right to work during the recruitment process without sponsorship.