Forklift Driver

A.C. Goatham And Son Limited; Rochester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A food production company in the United Kingdom is seeking a Forklift Driver to support the movement of products within their production areas. The successful candidate will operate forklifts, ensuring efficiency and safety while loading, unloading, and storing products. Ideal candidates will have previous forklift experience, a commitment to health and safety standards, and a willingness to work flexible hours on a rotating shift pattern. Competitive hourly wages and various company benefits are offered.

Benefits

28 days holiday including bank holidays

Pension scheme

Fortnightly pay

Learning and development opportunities

Free onsite parking

Company accommodation if required

Free Wi-Fi

Qualifications

• Prior experience in a forklift, warehouse, or stores-based role.
• Ability to perform manual handling tasks repeatedly.
• Understanding of health, safety, and food hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate forklift trucks to transport goods.
• Load and unload deliveries and manage cold store operations.
• Maintain clean and safe working environments.

Skills

Previous forklift experience

Responsibility for own actions

Teamwork and communication skills

Ability to follow health and safety standards

Positive and flexible attitude

Education

Valid forklift licence / certificate (desirable)

Job description

We are currently recruiting a Forklift Driver to join our Production team. This role will involve working across all A. C. Goatham sites, as required.

This opportunity is open to candidates have previous forklift experience.

The purpose of this role is to support the safe and efficient movement of products within our yard and production areas. The successful candidate will operate forklift trucks and contribute to maintaining a safe, clean, and productive working environment.

Responsibilities

• Safely operating forklift trucks to transport goods within production and yard areas
• Feeding packhouses with packaging and produce as required
• Ensuring products are stored correctly, including within cold stores
• Working in a cold store environment (05C)
• Loading and unloading cold stores and deliveries
• Loading tipper trucks
• Keeping forklift driving areas free from spills and obstructions
• Carrying out regular checks on forklift equipment
• Working on apple / pear graders, tray packs, and pre-size operations
• Assisting with additional tasks within production and yard areas
• Repetitive manual handling of products (up to 18kg)
• Maintaining clean-as-you-go standards
• Upholding high levels of hygiene and health & safety
• Reporting any damaged goods, non-conformances, or accidents to management

Ideal Candidate

• Have previous experience in a forklift, warehouse, or stores-based role
• Hold a valid forklift licence / certificate (desirable but not essential)
• Take responsibility for their own actions
• Understand and follow health, safety, and food hygiene standards
• Be comfortable in a physical role with regular manual handling
• Work well as part of a team and communicate effectively
• Show a positive, flexible, and can-do attitude
• Be willing to learn and develop new skills, including handheld scanners
• Take pride in A. C. Goatham, our products, and our processes

Working Hours

Forklift Drivers operate on a rotating shift pattern:

• Early shift: 06:00 – 17:00
• Day shift: 07:00 – 18:00
• Late shift: 13:00 – 24:00

Flexibility is required, working 5 days per week in line with the shift pattern.

Salary

13.15 / h £14.15 / h, depending on experience

What we can offer

• 28 days holiday including bank holidays (with the opportunity to earn more with service)
• Pension scheme
• Fortnightly pay
• Learning and development opportunities
• Free onsite parking
• Company accommodation if required
• Free Wi‑Fi