Side Loader Operator

Equals One Ltd; Calverley; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Firth Steels is seeking a Side Loader Operator to move materials within the yard and warehouse, load/unload vehicles, and transport long items safely. The role requires 1–2 years of sideloader experience, a strong safety mindset, and the ability to work in varying environments. Overtime and weekend work may be required.

You will perform pre-shift checks, keep accurate movement records, and collaborate with dispatchers and team members to ensure efficient operations.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience operating sideloaders or similar heavy equipment.
• Understanding of load balancing and material handling.
• Ability to safely control long or heavy loads.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends or holidays.
• Physically able to sit or stand for long periods and perform manual handling.

Responsibilities

• Operate a sideloader forklift to move materials within yard/warehouse.
• Load/unload vehicles or racks following loading guidelines.
• Transport long or oversized materials in tight spaces.
• Carry out pre-shift inspections and report issues.
• Maintain accurate movement records and inventory when required.
• Follow safety rules, traffic guidelines and handling procedures.
• Assist with general warehouse/yard duties as needed.
• Communicate with dispatchers, supervisors and team members.
• Keep work areas clean, organized and hazard-free.

Skills

Sideloader operation

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.