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- Tasks: Operate forklifts, manage yard duties, and ensure smooth operations at our farm.
- Company: Join a family-run business passionate about fresh produce and quality service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% staff discount, 31 days holiday, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with a supportive work environment and career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Valid forklift licence and experience in a similar role required.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 14 £ per hour.
Location: Hill Farm, Farningham Hill Road, Farningham, Kent, DA4 0JR
Salary: £13.50 - £14.50 per hour - DOE
Are you a skilled Forklift Driver looking for a hands-on role in a fast-paced environment? We are seeking a reliable and proactive individual to support our farm yard and packhouse operations, ensuring smooth despatch and loading, waste management, and site cleanliness.
What does the job involve?
The Forklift and Yard Operative will be responsible for loading and unloading goods at our farm yard, these will include fresh produce, packaging and materials. You will also be required to complete general yard duties.
Responsibilities include:
- Safely operating a forklift to load and unload goods, including fresh produce and packaging.
- Maintaining yard cleanliness and organisation, ensuring waste materials are baled and compacted.
- Overseeing stock rotation and product handling to meet customer specifications.
- Supporting site operations by vacuum cooling products and managing incoming deliveries.
- Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations.
- Maintaining equipment, completing pre-work checks and necessary records.
- Covering the Yard Supervisor's duties during days off and holidays.
What we’re looking for?
- Valid forklift licence and experience in a similar role is essential.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to keep the yard running smoothly.
- Physical stamina with a good level of self-motivation.
- Experience of operating balers, compactors, and handling stock rotation.
- Team player with good leadership skills and a hands-on approach.
- Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards.
Working Hours
You will work 48 hours per week, working 5 shifts out of 7 on a rota basis (including weekends). Shifts will be scheduled between the hours of 07:00-21:00 and will be confirmed on a rota basis. A degree of flexibility will be required.
About Us
Watts Farms is a third-generation family run business. We grow fresh produce, which is picked and packed on site, with our head office based in Farningham, Kent. Our production sites are based in Kent & Essex and include organic land, polytunnels and modern glasshouses. We are specialist growers, who over the years have developed both growing techniques and varieties to provide our customers with the best quality and flavour. We pride ourselves on quality and service and are passionate about food and ensuring we provide a first-class service to our customers. We meet the requirements of the BRC standard for Food Safety.
What we can offer you…
- 20% staff discount on our online shop
- 31 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays pro rata)
- Payment reward for friend referrals
- Development & Training Opportunities
We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment. Please note: Employment checks will include Drugs & Alcohol test.
Forklift & Yard Operative in Maidstone employer: Watts Farm
Contact Detail:
Watts Farm Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forklift & Yard Operative in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Watts Farms. Understand their values, products, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to forklift operation and yard duties. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have experience with balers, compactors, or stock rotation, make sure to highlight these during your interview. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed these tasks in the past to demonstrate your hands-on approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows good manners and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Forklift & Yard Operative in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your forklift experience and any relevant certifications in your application. We want to see that you’ve got the skills to keep our yard running smoothly!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use bullet points for your responsibilities and achievements to make it easy for us to see what you bring to the table.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to the Forklift & Yard Operative role by mentioning specific duties from the job description that you’ve done before. It shows us you’re genuinely interested.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watts Farm
✨Know Your Forklift Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your forklift knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with different types of forklifts and any specific safety protocols you've followed. This shows you're not just a driver, but someone who understands the importance of safety and efficiency in the yard.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Since the role involves maintaining yard cleanliness and stock rotation, be prepared to share examples of how you've kept things organised in previous jobs. Talk about any systems you've implemented or how you've tackled challenges related to waste management or product handling.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This job requires a hands-on approach and teamwork. Think of instances where you've worked well with others, especially in a fast-paced environment. Highlight your leadership skills too, especially if you've covered for a supervisor before—this will show you can step up when needed.
✨Be Ready for Health & Safety Questions
Given the emphasis on compliance with Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations, expect questions around these topics. Brush up on relevant regulations and be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in the workplace.