Side Loader FLT Driver

Equals One Ltd; Brighouse; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Firth Steels in Brighouse (HD6) is hiring a Side Loader Operator to handle sideloaders in the yard and warehouse. The role is 40 hours per week with early starts, and includes occasional Saturday overtime.

You will load and unload vehicles, move long or oversized materials, perform pre-shift safety inspections, and maintain accurate records. The job requires good load balancing, safety awareness, and teamwork in a weather-exposed environment.

Qualifications

• Experience operating sideloaders or counterbalance forklifts.
• Ability to work outdoors and in varying weather.
• Overtime and weekend work as required.
• Attention to detail and safety procedures.
• Good communication with dispatch and team.

Responsibilities

• Operate sideloader forklift within yard/warehouse.
• Load/unload vehicles and storage racks per guidelines.
• Transport long/oversized materials safely in tight spaces.
• Perform pre-shift inspections and report issues.
• Maintain accurate movement and inventory records.
• Follow safety rules and housekeeping standards.
• Assist with general warehouse tasks as needed.
• Communicate with dispatchers and team.
• Keep work areas clean and hazard-free.

Skills

Sideloader op

Forklift op

Load balancing

Safety awareness

Manual handling

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.