Warehouse Operative

idibu; Crawley; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water company in Crawley is seeking a Warehouse Operative to join their Inventory Operations team. The role involves using mechanical handling equipment, managing stock records through SAP, and ensuring the delivery and collection of critical stock. Candidates should have previous warehouse experience and a valid UK driving licence. The position offers a competitive salary of up to £32,000, alongside 24 days holiday, a contributory pension, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

24 days holiday per year

Contributory pension scheme

Performance-related pay plan

Personal Medical Assessments

Wider benefits scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Previous warehouse experience is required.
• Hold a valid, full UK driving licence.
• Excellent numeracy, verbal, and written skills are essential.
• FLT licence is beneficial but training is provided.
• Basic computer skills required, especially in Excel.
• Comfortable with manual handling, lifting up to 25 kg.

Responsibilities

• Operate mechanical handling equipment safely.
• Use SAP to ensure inventory levels are accurate.
• Update stock records accordingly.
• Safely load and unload vehicles.
• Manage daily receipts from Distribution Centres.
• Action returns against work orders.

Skills

Warehouse experience

Valid UK driving licence

Numeracy skills

Verbal communication skills

Written communication skills

Basic computer skills (Excel)

Comfortable with manual handling

Tools

SAP

FLT (Forklift Truck)

Job description

We are looking for an Inventory Operator to join Thames Water permanently. As a Warehouse Operative, you will be part of the Inventory Operations and Supply Management team and will be required to provide safe custody and real‑time visibility of our stock holdings. You will ensure a first‑class professional delivery and collection service across all Thames Water & Alliance locations of critical stock and equipment to support the operational teams when facing customer and operational incidents.

Internally, we refer to this role as an Inventory Operative.

What you’ll be doing as a Warehouse Operative

• Operating mechanical handling equipment in a safe manner.
• FLT driving training will be provided.
• Using SAP to ensure that inventory levels reflect real‑time holdings.
• Updating stock records accordingly.
• Safely and securely load and unload vehicles.
• Managing daily receipts from Distribution Centres.
• Actioning returns against work orders.
• Maintaining good housekeeping throughout the site and stores.
• Ensuring equipment and critical stock are delivered and collected on time.
• Ensuring the safe custody of Thames Water stock and equipment.

Location - Crawley

We’re looking for you to

To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need are:

• Have previous warehouse experience.
• Hold a valid, full UK driving licence and have your transport.
• Excellent numeracy, verbal, and written skills.
• FLT licence is beneficial but not essential; training will be provided.
• Possess basic computer skills, specifically Excel.
• Be comfortable with manual handling, lifting to 25 kg.

What’s in it for you?

• Offering up to £32,000 per annum, depending on experience and skills.
• 24 days holiday per year, increasing to 28 days per year, with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays)
• Contributory pension – Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12% -2x employee contribution.
• Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
• Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Wider benefits scheme including our benefits hub, which is packed full of offers and information to save you money and support your well‑being.
• 45 hours per week, Monday‑Friday.
• Standby & Occasional Saturdays may be required; overtime rate applies.

Find out more about our benefits and perks.

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job, and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else, just let us know. We’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.