Forwarding & Logistics Operative

Arabelle Solutions; Rugby; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Arabelle Solutions is seeking a Forwarding & Logistics Operative to support efficient export packing, crate manufacture, shipment preparation and transport coordination. The role covers goods receiving, stock control and general warehouse duties, with responsibilities across packing, dispatch and compliance.

You will prepare, pack and label shipments, design bespoke crates, liaise with hauliers, monitor progress and ensure timely, safe delivery to customers worldwide.

Qualifications

• Experience within a logistics, forwarding, packing or warehouse environment.
• Experience preparing goods for shipment and transportation.
• Experience using woodworking tools, saws or packing equipment.
• Forklift Truck Licence.
• Good understanding of safe lifting, packing and material handling practices.
• Strong communication skills with hauliers and external service providers.
• Good IT, literacy and numeracy skills.
• Knowledge of health and safety requirements within a warehouse or manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare products for domestic and international shipment and design/ manufacture bespoke wooden crates or transport frames.
• Coordinate shipments with hauliers and freight forwarders and arrange transport bookings.
• Receive, inspect and safely handle incoming/outgoing materials and operate handling equipment.
• Support stock management and inventory verification activities.
• Identify improvements to packing methods and transport arrangements for efficiency and safety.
• Promote and maintain a Safety First culture and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Logistics experience

Forklift Licence

Communication skills

Safety awareness

Woodworking tools

SAP experience

Tools

SAP

Job description

As a Forwarding & Logistics Operative you will support the efficient operation of the Forwarding and Logistics function by preparing, packing, protecting and dispatching products to customers worldwide. The role is primarily responsible for export packing, bespoke crate manufacture, shipment preparation, transport coordination and ensuring products are delivered safely, compliantly and on time. The position also provides support to Goods receiving & warehouse and stock control activities as required.

Key Responsibilities

1. Packing, Crating & Dispatch Operations

• Prepare products, components and equipment for domestic and international shipment.
• Design and manufacture bespoke wooden crates, cases and transport frames to protect products during transit.
• Operate woodworking equipment, including saws, cutting machinery and associated tools, in accordance with safety procedures.
• Apply appropriate packing methods, protective materials and preservation techniques to prevent transport damage.
• Ensure all shipments are correctly labelled, packaged and prepared in accordance with customer and carrier requirements.
• Load, secure and prepare goods for collection and transportation.
• Support specialist packing requirements for high-value, sensitive or oversized equipment.

2. Freight Forwarding & Transport Coordination

• Liaise daily with hauliers, freight forwarders, courier companies and internal stakeholders to coordinate shipments.
• Arrange transport bookings and collection schedules to meet customer and business requirements.
• Monitor shipment progress and communicate updates where required.
• Ensure transport documentation is accurate and available prior to dispatch.
• Assist with export and shipping paperwork to ensure compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.
• Support the resolution of transport, collection or delivery issues.

3. Warehouse & Material Handling

• Receive, inspect and safely handle incoming and outgoing materials.
• Load and unload vehicles using forklifts, cranes and material handling equipment.
• Organise storage locations to maximise efficiency and accessibility.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping and workplace organisation using 5S principles.
• Ensure materials are stored and handled safely to prevent damage and maintain quality.

4. Stock Control Support

• Support stock management activities including goods receipt, goods issue and inventory transactions.
• Assist with stock counts and inventory verification activities.
• Maintain accurate material records and traceability where required.
• Support material availability for production and project requirements.

5. Continuous Improvement

• Identify improvements to packing methods, transport arrangements and logistics processes.
• Support lean activities aimed at reducing waste, improving efficiency and enhancing customer service.
• Contribute ideas that improve safety, quality and operational performance.

6. Health, Safety & Compliance

• Promote and maintain a Safety First culture at all times.
• Operate woodworking and material handling equipment safely and responsibly.
• Follow all health, safety and environmental procedures.
• Adhere to Arabelle Solutions' 10 Life Saving Principles.
• Ensure all lifting, packing, transportation and storage activities are completed safely and compliantly.

Key Skills & Experience

Essential

• Experience within a logistics, forwarding, packing, dispatch or warehouse environment.
• Experience preparing goods for shipment and transportation.
• Experience using woodworking tools, saws or packing equipment.
• Forklift Truck Licence.
• Good understanding of safe lifting, packing and material handling practices.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to liaise with hauliers and external service providers.
• Good IT, literacy and numeracy skills.
• Knowledge of health and safety requirements within a warehouse or manufacturing environment.

Desirable

• Experience manufacturing bespoke wooden crates and export packaging.
• Knowledge of export shipping documentation and international freight processes.
• SAP experience.
• Overhead Crane Licence.
• Experience within engineering, manufacturing or nuclear sectors.
• Understanding of ISPM 15 export packing requirements.
• Experience in the use of woodworking equipment, including saws, cutting machinery and associated tools, in accordance with safety procedures.

Revised KPI's

• On-time shipment and dispatch performance.
• Packing quality and damage-free delivery rate.
• Transport booking accuracy and efficiency.
• Health & Safety compliance.
• Customer delivery performance.
• Continuous improvement participation.
• Warehouse organisation and housekeeping standards.

Join us and work with global teams to support global customers ! At Arabelle Solutions, we have team members of more than 49 nationalities spread across 16 countries.

At Arabelle Solutions, we know diversity makes teams and business stronger.