Warehouse Lead Operative

The Fresh Produce Centre, Ltd.; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

MediCash Plan - Level 1

Cycle to Work Scheme

Imagination Library

Eye Tests / Glasses

Season Ticket Loans

Enhanced Parental Pay

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Life Assurance (Salary multiple x1)

6.6 weeks holiday

Company Pension

Job summary

The Fresh Produce Centre, Ltd. is seeking a Warehouse Lead Operative to run a designated area, overseeing forklift movements, pallet consolidation and loading/unloading.

You will coach a team, ensure health and safety policies are followed, and look for cost-saving improvements. Experience with reach and counterbalance forklifts and a pick-to-order, high-volume environment is essential; SAP experience is desirable.

Qualifications

• Experienced reach and counterbalance forklift truck operator.
• Experience working in a 'pick to order' high volume environment.
• Good communications skills with solid English literacy and numeracy.
• Self-motivated and able to use own initiative.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Supervisory/leadership experience in a similar setting with the ability to guide and coach a diverse team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day running of a designated warehouse area, including movement of product and packaging and vehicle unloading.
• Coordinate pallet consolidation to maximise loads and efficient space utilisation.
• Train and coach team members to enhance capabilities and tool readiness.
• Ensure effective implementation of Health, Safety and Hygiene policies through clear communication and practice.
• Drive continuous improvement, waste reduction and better ways of working.

Skills

Forklift operation

Supervisory experience

Communication

Organizational skills

English literacy

Self-motivation

Team coaching

Continuous improvement

Tools

SAP

Job description

The Fresh Produce Centre is a leading supplier of Avocados, Stone Fruit & Kiwi's to retailers, wholesalers, foodservice providers across the UK. Based in Paddock Wood, we are committed to delivering high quality produce, exceptional customer service and reliable supply chain solutions. Working closely with growers, suppliers and customers, we source, pack and distribute fresh produce that meets the highest standards of quality, food safety and sustainability. Our success is built on strong relationships, a dedicated team and a passion for providing fresh produce that supports businesses and consumers every day.

Are you an experienced Forklift Operator (Reach and Counterbalance)? Do you have previous supervisory experience, or do you think you have the skills to manage people? If yes, we have the opportunity for you to join our Warehouse team as a Lead Operative.

As Lead Operative, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of a designated area, involving the movement of product and packaging, including vehicle unloading, moving product throughout the warehouse. You will need to reach and counterbalance the forklift truck experience as you are responsible for all high-level storage access and consolidation of pallets to maximise loads.

By taking a learning and development approach, you'll train and coach your team members to enhance your team’s capability, ensuring they have the tools and skills to do their job effectively.

You will ensure that communication flows smoothly both ways to the management and your warehouse team with a relevant information. You will also be responsible for effective implementation of the Company's Health, Safety and Hygiene Policies through effective communication and management of designated work practices and team behaviours.

As a Warehouse Lead Operative , you will be conscious of minimising waste and maximising labour utilisation. You will also share your ideas and improvement plans on cost-saving and better ways of working.

Our perfect Lead Operative would have:

• Experienced reach and counterbalance forklift truck operator.
• Experienced working in a 'pick to order' high volume operating environment.
• Good communications skills with good English literacy and numeracy skills.
• Self-motivated and work on own initiative.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills with ability to work under pressure and to meet tight deadlines.
• Supervisory/leadership experience in a similar environment with ability to give clear instructions to a diverse group and get the best out of your team supporting and coaching others.
• Positive behaviours and professionalism, even in difficult situations or when executing unpopular/tough decisions.
• To be adaptive and flexible to drive the continuous improvement.
• To be enthusiastic, self-confident and self-motivated.
• SAP experience (desirable).

The hours you would work:

• A 4 on 2 off shift pattern of 45 hours per week, 7am-6pm.
• Company Pension (Auto enrolment).

Standard company Benefits:

• MediCash Plan - Level 1.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Imagination Library.
• Complimentary Eye Tests / Glasses (For VDU use).
• Season Ticket Loans.
• Enhanced Occupational Parental Pay.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Life Assurance (Salary multiple x1).
• 6.6 weeks holiday.