MHE Trainer

Wickes; Northampton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 Days holiday plus bank holidays

Enhanced contributory Pension and Life

MHE Instructor qualification training

Save-as-you-earn scheme

Colleague discount

Discount platform

Job summary

Wickes is seeking an experienced Warehouse MHE Trainer to deliver high-quality training on safe operation of Counterbalance and Reach trucks across a busy warehouse network. You will certify operators, maintain records, and drive safety and efficiency.

The role offers instructor training if needed and requires a hands-on coaching mindset. You will work shifts across AM/PM/Nights, with travel to multiple sites and working five days out of seven.

Qualifications

• Must hold Counterbalance and Reach Truck licences with hands-on experience.
• Experience delivering practical and theory-based training in warehouses is essential.
• Strong verbal and written communication with mentoring ability.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive practical and theoretical training on safe MHE operation (Counterbalance and Reach trucks).
• Conduct operator assessments and certify competency; maintain training records and compliance docs.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations; perform regular equipment checks and report unsafe practices.
• Develop and update training materials reflecting best practices and business needs.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through feedback and performance data; implement improvements.
• Coordinate with site management and Training & Development Operations Manager to align training with business objectives.
• Maintain consistent training standards across three warehouse shifts; travel to multiple sites as needed.

Skills

Counterbalance licence

Reach truck licence

Coaching

Learning Management System

Tools

LMS

Job description

Are you an experienced MHE operator with a passion for safety, coaching, and helping others succeed? Do you hold valid Counterbalance and Reach Truck licences and want to play a vital role in maintaining high standards across a busy warehouse network?

This role will give a dedicated and safety-conscious individual the opportunity to deliver high-quality training to our warehouse operatives on the safe and effective operation of Mechanical Handling Equipment (MHE). Wickes is a forward-thinking business where safety and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do. As our Warehouse MHE Trainer, you will be essential to ensuring regulatory compliance, driving operational efficiency, and keeping our teams safe.

We are looking for a flexible, proactive communicator who can adapt their training methods to suit different learning styles. While an MHE Instructor qualification is preferred, full instructor training will be provided to the right candidate who possesses the hands-on experience and the right coaching mindset.

SHIFT PATTERNS:

AM 6am - 2:00pm
PM 2pm - 10:00pm
Nights 10pm - 6:00am

Working any 5 days out of 7. (Initially Monday- Friday)

What you’ll be doing:

• Provide comprehensive practical and theoretical training to warehouse operatives on the safe use of MHE (including Counterbalance and Reach trucks), ensuring alignment with regulatory and Wickes standards.
• Conduct assessments to formally certify operators, while meticulously maintaining accurate training records and compliance documentation.
• Ensure all operators strictly adhere to health and safety regulations. Conduct regular checks on equipment use, report unsafe practices, and assist with safety investigations when necessary.
• Support the continuous improvement and development of training materials, ensuring they reflect industry best practices and evolving business needs.
• Evaluate training effectiveness through feedback and performance tracking, implementing targeted improvements where needed.
• Work closely with site management, operations teams, and the Training & Development Operations Manager to ensure training aligns with broader business objectives.
• Provide consistent training standards across all three warehouse shifts. This role requires a flexible approach to working hours (working any 5 days out of 7) and occasional travel to provide support across multiple sites.

What we’re looking for:

• You must hold valid Counterbalance and Reach Truck licences (ideally held for a minimum of 5 years) paired with at least 5 years of regular, hands‑on experience operating MHE.
• Strong communication abilities with a natural talent for mentoring or coaching employees of varying skill levels. Previous experience in a training, supervisory, or mentoring role within logistics is highly desirable.
• Good IT proficiency to maintain accurate training records (experience with Learning Management Systems is a plus) and strong analytical skills to assess operator performance effectively.
• An in‑depth understanding of MHE operations, risk assessments, and workplace transport safety regulations (an IOSH Managing Safely certification is preferred).
• A flexible, adaptable, and proactive problem‑solver with a positive, engaging approach to learning and a passion for workplace safety.

What's in it for you?

We’re a team. And teams work best together when they know and respect one another. Listen and learn from one another. Giving you the support you need to do well at work, and the flexibility to make life work for you.

• 23 Days holiday plus bank holidays
• Enhanced contributory Pension and Life Assurance
• Full company‑provided MHE Instructor qualification training (if required)
• Save‑as‑you‑earn scheme
• Colleague discount
• Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme

Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause, and fertility support.

About Us:

We are a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With 40 years in industry, we now generate revenue in excess of £1.6Bn across 229 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues.

We care for our people - and we look out for one another. Everyone has a voice. We’re ambitious, but we’re inclusive, supportive and down‑to‑earth with it. Anyone can build on their talent and expect our support to get on.

"We aim to create an inclusive workplace with colleagues’ wellbeing at the heart of everything we do."

We’re a Disability Confident Employer and committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from disabled people and are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process and workplace for everyone. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments, please let us know here.