Warehouse Operative/Reach Truck Driver

1st Choice Staff Recruitment Ltd; Bedford; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

1st Choice Staff Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Warehouse Operative with a valid Reach Truck Licence to support all warehouse activities in Bedford. The role involves loading/unloading, picking/packing, despatch, and stock control within a team, with shifts including early mornings or evenings as needed.

Responsibilities include operating Reach Trucks and MHE, using a handheld scanner, and maintaining high accuracy and safety standards in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Valid Reach Truck Licence is essential.
• Experience in a warehouse or distribution environment.
• Experience using a Warehouse Management System (WMS).
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Organised and proactive with a strong safety focus.
• GCSEs in Maths and English or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Load/unload vehicles manually or with MHE.
• Pick and pack orders using handheld scanners.
• Safely operate Reach Trucks and other warehouse equipment.
• Carry out occasional admin duties.
• Move stock and prepare transfers for loading.
• Collaborate with Production, Bulk and E-commerce teams.
• Maintain accurate stock records and follow procedures.
• Adhere to health, safety and quality standards.

Skills

Reach Truck Licence

Warehouse experience

Communication

Attention to detail

Health and safety

Teamwork

Education

GCSE Maths and English

Tools

WMS

Handheld scanners

PPT licence

Counterbalance forklift licence

VNA truck licence

Job description

Warehouse Operative - Reach Truck Driver

Location: Bedford
Reports to: Warehouse Supervisor
Salary: Up to £31,500 per annum

Overall Purpose of the Job

We are looking for a skilled and reliable Warehouse Operative with a valid, in-date Reach Truck Licence to support all aspects of our warehouse operation.

This is a varied, hands-on role involving the movement, storage, picking, packing and despatch of goods. The successful candidate will be confident operating warehouse machinery, working as part of a team and maintaining high standards of accuracy, safety and efficiency.

The role may involve working shifts to cover operational hours, including early mornings, evenings and potentially overnight shifts, depending on business requirements. Flexibility will be required during peak periods to support operational demands.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Load and unload delivery vehicles manually or using Material Handling Equipment (MHE).
• Pick and pack orders for despatch, ensuring a high level of accuracy using handheld scanners.
• Safely operate Reach Trucks and other warehouse equipment as required.
• Carry out occasional administrative and office-based duties.
• Manage stock movements and prepare transfers for loading onto delivery vehicles.
• Work effectively within a close-knit warehouse team and liaise with other departments.
• Be flexible and support operations across different departments, including Production, Bulk and E-commerce.
• Maintain accurate stock records and follow warehouse procedures.
• Adhere to strict health and safety, quality and operational standards.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the line manager or management team.

Physical Demands

The role involves regular physical activity, including:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Lifting and moving oversized or heavy products, using two-person lifting techniques where required.
• Bending, reaching overhead, kneeling, crouching and stretching as part of daily duties.
• Pushing and pulling oversized or heavy products, using appropriate assistance where necessary.
• Maintaining manual dexterity and coordination when handling goods and operating equipment.

Person SpecificationEssential Requirements

• A valid, in-date Reach Truck Licence - this is essential for the role.
• Experience working within a warehouse or distribution environment.
• Experience using a Warehouse Management System (WMS).
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A well-organised, proactive and positive approach to work.
• A strong commitment to health and safety and following warehouse procedures.
• Good attention to detail and the ability to work accurately in a fast-paced environment.
• GCSEs in Maths and English, or equivalent qualifications.

Desirable Requirements

• Valid PPT (Powered Pallet Truck) licence.
• Valid Counterbalance Forklift licence.
• Valid VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) Truck licence.
• Experience using handheld scanners and other warehouse technology.

Please note: Applicants must hold a valid, in-date Reach Truck Licence to be considered for this position. Additional MHE licences are advantageous but not essential.

Work Location: In person