Forklift Truck Operator (Counterbalance & Reach)

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced, reliable and safety-conscious Forklift Truck Operator to join our warehouse team at Elixir Garden Supplies.

The successful candidate will play an important role in the safe and efficient movement, storage and handling of stock across our main warehouse and satellite storage facilities.

The role requires experience operating both Counterbalance and Reach forklift trucks, alongside a full UK driving licence to undertake occasional stock transfers between company sites using a pickup truck and trailer.

Experience operating an articulated (Flexi/Bendi) forklift truck would be a distinct advantage.

Key Responsibilities

Forklift & Warehouse Operations

- Safely operate Counterbalance and Reach forklift trucks to move, load, unload and store palletised goods.

- Load and unload delivery vehicles, ensuring goods are handled safely and efficiently.

- Put away incoming stock and retrieve pallets from warehouse racking, including high-level storage locations.

- Replenish picking locations and support the efficient movement of stock throughout the warehouse.

- Assist with goods-in, stock movements, despatch and other general warehouse activities as required.

- Carry out daily pre-use forklift inspections and report defects or safety concerns.

- Maintain accurate stock movements using warehouse systems and scanning equipment.

Inter-Site Stock Transfers

- Drive a company pickup truck with a trailer to transport palletised stock between the main warehouse and satellite storage facilities.

- Safely load and unload palletised goods using forklift trucks at both locations.

- Ensure trailers are correctly coupled, loads are appropriately distributed and secured, and all vehicle and trailer weight limits are observed.

- Carry out pre-journey vehicle and trailer safety checks, reporting defects promptly.

- Maintain accurate stock transfer records and ensure goods are correctly accounted for at each location.

- Follow company procedures and all applicable road traffic and transport safety requirements.

Health, Safety & Standards

- Adhere to all warehouse health and safety procedures and safe operating practices.

- Maintain high standards of housekeeping, stock organisation and workplace safety.

- Handle goods carefully to minimise damage and stock losses.

- Work collaboratively with the warehouse team to achieve daily operational targets.

- Identify and report operational or safety issues and opportunities for improvement.

Essential Skills & Experience

- Demonstrable experience operating Counterbalance (B1) and Reach (appropriate D-category) forklift trucks.

- Appropriate forklift operator training certification for both truck types.

- Full, valid UK driving licence (Category B minimum) with the entitlement to drive the company vehicle and trailer combination.

- Willingness and ability to undertake stock transfers between company sites, including towing a trailer.

- Previous experience working in a warehouse, distribution or logistics environment.

- Strong understanding of warehouse health and safety procedures.

- Good attention to detail, reliability and organisational skills.

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable Skills & Experience

- Experience operating Articulated / Pivot Steer forklift trucks (P1) , such as Flexi or Bendi.

- Previous experience towing trailers, particularly when transporting palletised goods.

- Experience safely securing loads for road transport.

- Experience using warehouse management systems (WMS) and handheld barcode scanners.

- Experience in stock control, inventory management and cycle counting.

- Experience working in a high-volume eCommerce or distribution environment.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a dependable, practical and proactive individual who takes pride in working safely and efficiently.

The successful candidate will be comfortable operating forklifts in a busy warehouse environment, confident undertaking inter-site stock movements and willing to support the wider team as required.

All operators will be required to demonstrate appropriate competence and complete any necessary site-specific training or assessments before being authorised to operate equipment or undertake towing duties.