FLT Driver - Side Loader

Equals One Ltd; Brighouse; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Firth Steels in Brighouse near Huddersfield is hiring a Side Loader Operator to move materials in the yard and warehouse using a sideloading forklift. The role requires 1–2 years of experience with sideloaders, strong safety awareness, and good communication with dispatch and supervisors.

We offer a full-time, 40-hour week with early start times and optional overtime on Saturdays. Salary is based on skills and experience, matching your expertise in load handling and equipment safety.

Qualifications

• Experience operating sideloaders or similar heavy equipment.
• Able to work outdoors and in varying weather.
• Willing to work overtime, weekends, or holidays.

Responsibilities

• Operate a sideloader forklift to move materials within the yard, warehouse, or facility.
• Load and unload vehicles or storage racks following loading guidelines.
• Transport long or oversized materials in tight or narrow spaces.
• Conduct pre-shift inspections of sideloader equipment and report issues.
• Maintain documentation of movements, loads, and inventory as required.
• Follow safety rules, traffic guidelines, and handling procedures.
• Assist with general warehouse or yard duties as assigned.
• Communicate effectively with dispatchers, supervisors, and team members.
• Keep work areas clean, organised and hazard-free.

Skills

Forklift operation

Safety awareness

Communication

Teamwork

Manual handling

Overtime willingness

Job description

Side Loader Operator

Salary based on skills and experience

Brighouse, Huddersfield HD6

Hours:

• 40 hours per week
• Monday to Thursday: 7.15am to 4.00pm
• Friday: 7.15am to 2.30pm
• Optional Saturday overtime, approximately 1 in 4

Firth Steels is an established, family-run manufacturer with around 35 years' experience in the steel industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate a side loader forklift to move materials within the yard, warehouse, or facility.
• Load and unload vehicles or storage racks, following FSL loading guidelines.
• Transport long or oversized materials efficiently in tight or narrow spaces.
• Conduct pre-shift inspections of the sideloader equipment and report any issues.
• Maintain accurate documentation of movements, loads, and inventory when required.
• Follow all safety rules, traffic guidelines, and handling procedures.
• Assist with general warehouse or yard duties as assigned.
• Communicate effectively with dispatchers, supervisors, and team members.
• Ensure work areas remain clean, organised, and hazard-free.

Required Qualifications

• Category C1: Sideloaders with a lift capacity up to and including 5,000kg.
• Category C2: Sideloaders with a lift capacity over 5,000kg and up to 15,000kg.
• Minimum 1–2 years of experience operating a counterbalance, side loader, or similar heavy equipment.
• Good understanding of load balancing, material handling, and equipment safety.
• Ability to control long or heavy loads safely and precisely.
• Physically able to sit for long periods and perform manual handling tasks as needed.
• Strong attention to detail, spatial awareness, and safety mindset.
• Ability to work in outdoor or indoor environments and adapt to weather conditions (if applicable).
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, or holidays as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• B1: Counterbalance trucks with a lift capacity up to and including 5,000kg.
• B2: Counterbalance trucks with a lift capacity over 5,000kg and up to 15,000kg.
• Knowledge of warehouse management systems or basic inventory processes.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.