15226 - Warehouse Operative in Branston

This is a manual role and can be physically demanding. It will involve repetitive light, medium or occasionally heavy lifting, including regular bending. The job holder will need to be flexible and respond to the needs of the business, working in other departments when requested, including additional hours (if required) and supporting other departments when and where necessary.

The contracted hours will be Monday to Thursday 0800hrs - 1600hrs and Friday 0800hrs - 1530hrs. On occasions, you might be required to work weekends and some days overtime depending on the demands of the NDC. The job holder will require basic knowledge/skills to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the post and will be required to undertake specific training in these work areas. Full training/guidance will be given on all duties as necessary.

The duties, activities and responsibilities listed below are not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations, and additional tasks of a similar level that may, from time to time, be required. Where necessary, appropriate training and instruction will be provided.

We are looking for dependable and hardworking Warehouse Operatives to join our team. This role is ideal for individuals who take pride in their work, are physically fit, and thrive in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment.

The National Distribution Centre (NDC) is based in Branston, Staffordshire. It was purpose built in 2003 and the operation is responsible for the collection, storage and delivery of internally manufactured goods, raw materials, prisoner property, mattresses, footwear and a small amount of document storage. The warehouse is a modern, 135,000 sq. ft. ‘high bay’ facility which can accommodate 16,500 pallets / stillages in both wide and narrow aisle configurations.

In addition, there is in the region of 6000 sq. ft. of office space. The in‑house NDC fleet comprises 22 rigid / drawbar vehicles providing a scheduled agreed service of 500 visits per month. The fleet is designed to operate on a specialised demount system and this is largely governed by the problems that arise from physical access restrictions in prisons, necessitating a mix of vehicle types. The fleet delivers to the Prison Service estate on a national 5 day week basis, operating a single shift system, supported by ‘nights out’ as and when required.

The Transport Unit is responsible for providing a transport management service to the Ministry of Justice. The unit is also responsible for a specialised vehicle workshop based in Branston, with an engineering and administrative staff of eight. Three field based Regional Engineers, controlled by the transport unit provide a peripatetic service covering England and Wales. The primary functions include the development of transport policy, provision of technical advice and to administer the Crown Indemnity Insurance Policy and commercial insurance requirements.

Fleet Engineering Services (FES) operates out of Building 50 of the Branston site and is situated near the NDC. The facility has been occupied by FES since the late 1980’s. It provides services to HM Prisons and undertakes a wide range of engineering activities which include the provision of first line servicing for the National Distribution Centre (NDC) fleet of heavy and light commercial vehicles, as well as second line repairs, bodywork and vehicle modifications.

FES also undertake work at the start and end of a vehicle's fleet life for the purchased fleet. This can involve an inspection or necessitate the removal of sensitive equipment before the disposal of a tactical vehicle. FES also inspect all vehicles returned to Branston to establish if they can be re‑issued to a unit where the requirement does not warrant a new vehicle. For these units, FES inspects, costs the parts required, and on agreement with the establishment, undertake the repairs needed to bring the vehicle to a roadworthy legal condition.