Forklift & Yard Operative

Forklift & Yard Operative

Full-Time 13 - 14 £ / hour (est.) No home office possible
Watts Farms (Sales) Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Operate forklifts, manage yard duties, and ensure smooth loading and unloading of fresh produce.
  • Company: Watts Farms, a family-run business passionate about quality fresh produce.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, 20% staff discount, 31 days holiday, and training opportunities.
  • Other info: Flexible shifts with excellent career development in a supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team and contribute to delivering top-quality produce in a hands-on role.
  • Qualifications: Valid forklift licence and experience, strong organisational skills, and a team player attitude.

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?

  • Loading and unloading goods at our farm yard, including fresh produce, packaging, and materials.
  • Safely operating a forklift to load and unload goods.
  • 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 - shop.wattsfarms.co.uk
  • 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 employer: Watts Farms (Sales) Ltd

At Watts Farms, we pride ourselves on being a family-run business that values quality, service, and the well-being of our employees. Working as a Forklift and Yard Operative in our vibrant Farningham location offers you not only competitive pay and generous holiday allowances but also a supportive work culture that encourages personal development and teamwork. With opportunities for training and a 20% staff discount on our fresh produce, you'll find a rewarding environment where your contributions are truly valued.
Watts Farms (Sales) Ltd

Contact Detail:

Watts Farms (Sales) Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Forklift & Yard Operative

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Watts Farms. Understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to forklift operations and yard duties. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We want you to feel confident when discussing your skills and how they fit with what they're looking for.

✨Tip Number 3

Dress the part! Even though it’s a hands-on role, showing up looking neat and professional can make a great first impression. It shows you take the opportunity seriously and are ready to jump into the work environment.

✨Tip Number 4

Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!

We think you need these skills to ace Forklift & Yard Operative

Forklift Operation
Yard Management
Health & Safety Compliance
Food Safety Regulations
Stock Rotation
Waste Management
Organisational Skills
Physical Stamina
Teamwork
Leadership Skills
Attention to Detail
Equipment Maintenance
Pre-Work Checks
Self-Motivation

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 Specific About Your Experience: When detailing your previous roles, focus on specific tasks you’ve handled, like loading and unloading goods or maintaining yard cleanliness. This helps us understand how you can contribute to our team.

Keep It Neat and Tidy: Just like we maintain a clean yard, your application should be well-organised and free of errors. A tidy application reflects your attention to detail, which is super important for this role.

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’re considered for the Forklift & Yard Operative position!

How to prepare for a job interview at Watts Farms (Sales) Ltd

✨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 requires strong organisational skills, think of examples from your past work where you successfully managed stock rotation or maintained cleanliness in a busy environment. Prepare to share these stories during the interview to demonstrate your ability to keep things running smoothly.

✨Highlight Your Team Player Attitude

Watts Farms values teamwork, so be prepared to talk about how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Share instances where you took the lead or supported your colleagues, especially in high-pressure situations. This will show that you can step up when needed and work well with others.

✨Be Ready for Practical Questions

Expect some practical questions related to the job, like how you would handle a specific situation in the yard or what steps you’d take to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Think through these scenarios beforehand so you can respond confidently and show that you’re proactive about safety and efficiency.

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