Early Mornings Forklift Driver

Ingka External; Reading; On-site; GBP 647,000 - 744,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15% IKEA discount

Life Assurance 4x pay

Enhanced pension

Interest-free loans

End of year gift

Family friendly policies

Job summary

IKEA Reading is hiring a full-time Forklift Driver to support Fulfilment Operations in Reading. The role involves safely operating a forklift to move stock and ensure products are ready for customers and coworkers, with a 30-hour week and early shifts from 4:00 to 10:00.

Base pay is £14.15 per hour, with forklift and nightshift allowances adding up to £17.90 per hour for night hours. Interviews will consider flexibility to fit life and business needs.

Qualifications

• Forklift experience is beneficial; certified training provided.
• Be proactive with a ready-to-learn mindset and high attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise workload and maintain organisation.
• Experience with technical equipment to enhance productivity.

Responsibilities

• Ensure stock is available and tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Operate a forklift and move pallets within the warehouse safely.
• Follow all safety protocols to keep coworkers and customers safe.
• Use forklift to pick pallets and transfer them from loading bay to the warehouse.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Job description

Job ID: 360391

Date posted: 12/08/2026

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 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 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.

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited by email to attend a face-to-face interview.
• Final offers of employment are contingent upon clear results in mandatory background checks.
• Background checks must be completed by all successful candidates.
• Medical questionnaire

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