MHE Trainer in Northampton

Are you an experienced MHE operator with a passion for safety, coaching, and helping others succeed? Do you hold valid Counterbalance and Reach Truck licences and want to play a vital role in maintaining high standards across a busy warehouse network? This role will give a dedicated and safety‑conscious individual the opportunity to deliver high‑quality training to our warehouse operatives on the safe and effective operation of Mechanical Handling Equipment (MHE). Wickes is a forward‑thinking business where safety and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do. As our Warehouse MHE Trainer, you will be essential to ensuring regulatory compliance, driving operational efficiency, and keeping our teams safe.

We are looking for a flexible, proactive communicator who can adapt their training methods to suit different learning styles. While an MHE Instructor qualification is preferred, full instructor training will be provided to the right candidate who possesses the hands‑on experience and the right coaching mindset.

SHIFT PATTERNS: AM 6am - 1:30pm, PM 2pm - 9:30pm, Nights 10pm - 5:30am. Working any 5 days out of 7.

What you’ll be doing:

• Provide comprehensive practical and theoretical training to warehouse operatives on the safe use of MHE (including Counterbalance and Reach trucks), ensuring alignment with regulatory and Wickes standards.
• Conduct assessments to formally certify operators, while meticulously maintaining accurate training records and compliance documentation.
• Ensure all operators strictly adhere to health and safety regulations.
• Conduct regular checks on equipment use, report unsafe practices, and assist with safety investigations when necessary.
• Support the continuous improvement and development of training materials, ensuring they reflect industry best practices and evolving business needs.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through feedback and performance tracking, implementing targeted improvements where needed.
• Work closely with site management, operations teams, and the Training & Development Operations Manager to ensure training aligns with broader business objectives.
• Provide consistent training standards across all three warehouse shifts.

This role requires a flexible approach to working hours (working any 5 days out of 7) and occasional travel to provide support across multiple sites.

What we’re looking for:

• You must hold valid Counterbalance and Reach Truck licences (ideally held for a minimum of 5 years) paired with at least 5 years of regular, hands‑on experience operating MHE.
• Strong communication abilities with a natural talent for mentoring or coaching employees of varying skill levels.
• Previous experience in a training, supervisory, or mentoring role within logistics is highly desirable.
• Good IT proficiency to maintain accurate training records (experience with Learning Management Systems is a plus) and strong analytical skills to assess operator performance effectively.
• An in‑depth understanding of MHE operations, risk assessments, and workplace transport safety regulations (an IOSH Managing Safely certification is preferred).
• A flexible, adaptable, and proactive problem‑solver with a positive, engaging approach to learning and a passion for workplace safety.

What's in it for you?

We’re a team. And teams work best together when they know and respect one another. Listen and learn from one another. Giving you the support you need to do well at work, and the flexibility to make life work for you.

We’ll also equip you with a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Enhanced contributory Pension and Life Assurance
• Full company‑provided MHE Instructor qualification training (if required)
• Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme