Early Mornings Forklift Driver

IKEA Gruppe; Reading; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15% IKEA discount

Life Assurance (4x pay)

Enhanced pension contributions

End of year gift

Job summary

IKEA Reading is recruiting for full-time Forklift Drivers to join our Fulfilment Operations team in Reading. You will safely operate a forklift to move products into our warehouse, ensuring stock is available and correctly positioned for customers and co-workers.

The role offers a base hourly rate of £14.15, plus forklift and nightshift allowances, across a 30-hour week with 4:00am–10:00am shifts and every 4th weekend off. Training is provided and a start date is 18th September 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience with forklift operations is beneficial but training is provided.
• Ability to prioritise and organise workload with attention to detail.
• Comfort with manual handling and using technical equipment to enhance productivity.

Responsibilities

• Operate a forklift to move products within the warehouse.
• Ensure stock is available in the right place for customers and co-workers.
• Adhere to safety protocols and operate around other heavy machinery.

Skills

Forklift operation

Attention to detail

Job description

IKEA Reading are looking to welcome full-time Forklift Drivers to join our fantastic Fulfilment Operations team.

In this role, you’ll be essential in ensuring we have the right stock available in the right place in our warehouse. With attention to detail, you will safely operate a forklift to move products into our warehouse ready for customers and co-workers.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Planned start date is: 18th September 2026.
• Base hourly rate of £14.15 per hour.
• An additional £1.50 an hour (Forklift Allowance) and an additional £2.25 an hour (Nightshift Allowance) when working between the hours of 10pm and 6am.
• This role is 30 hours a week, working 5 days per week. Your shifts will be from 4.00am - 10.00am and you will receive every 4th weekend off.
• We can discuss flexibility to match your life and our business needs during the interview.

WORKING WITH US HAS ITS REWARDS

• Our co-workers bring unique ideas and skills to work every day and we offer a variety of benefits that suit their and their family's everyday needs.
• 15% IKEA discount and discount portal helping you save hundreds on High Street retailers.
• Life Assurance of 4 times your pay, enhanced statutory pension contributions and interest-free loans.
• End of year gift, Family Friendly policies and benefits.
• ...as well as so much more!

WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE

• Previous experience with forklift operations is a beneficial, though not essential. This position includes complete, certified training for all successful applicants. We value candidates who bring a high level of enthusiasm and a proactive, eager-to-learn mindset to our operations team.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritise and organise workload efficiently, with a keen attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience in using technical equipment to enhance productivity and efficiency.
• Efficient and motivated, capable of managing tasks with professionalism as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Comfort and competence in performing manual handling tasks, including lifting, carrying, and moving materials in accordance with established safety procedures.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING DAY TO DAY

• You ensure products are available to customers by ensuring tasks in your area are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Operate a forklift, and and work around other heavy machinery, such as other forklift trucks, counterbalance, and pump trucks, to safely and efficiently transport heavy goods within the warehouse.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and regulations to ensure a secure environment for both customers and co-workers.
• Using your forklift safely to pick palettes and move them from our loading bay to our warehouse.

WE CARE FOR THE PEOPLE

It takes the diversity of thought, background, and culture to make great ideas a reality. We welcome candidates from all walks of life, including those with disabilities, to join us, and be valued in the workplace. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Come see the wonderful workday where we create a better everyday life for the many.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS INFORMATION

Let us know if you require any adjustments to be made during the interview process as soon as possible.

• Please attach an updated CV with your application so we can get to know you better.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited by email to attend a face-to-face interview.

We understand not everyone will be successful, but we promise to keep you informed either way.

Final offers of employment are contingent upon clear results in mandatory background checks. Backgrounds checks must be completed by all successful candidates.

• Medical questionnaire

For any advice or support, email [e-mail] and I will be happy to