Yard Operator

Caterpillar; Willesden; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Annual bonus up to 6%

Pension scheme – Caterpillar match up 

Share scheme – Caterpillar match 50%

Flexible benefits including health and

Job summary

Caterpillar Marine Power UK Ltd is recruiting a Yard Operator to support external yard and logistics activities at Wimborne, Dorset. You will move, store and prepare materials, conduct safe forklift operations, and assist with dispatch and traceability.

The role requires practical experience in a yard or warehouse setting, a Counterbalance forklift licence, and a commitment to health and safety in outdoor conditions. Team collaboration and reliable paperwork handling are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in yard/logistics or similar operational environments.
• Proven ability with material handling, loading/unloading, and yard organisation.
• Forklift Licence – Counterbalance required; Flexi/Bendi desirable.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Strong health and safety awareness in yard environments.
• Basic IT skills for material movements and traceability (SAP advantageous).

Responsibilities

• Operate primarily within the yard, managing day-to-day material movement, storage, and organisation.
• Handle incoming and outgoing collections and deliveries, including checking, unloading/loading, and documentation.
• Prepare bases and storage areas for materials and organise stillages and pallets.
• Maintain clear yard layout for easy access and safe storage.
• Move materials using forklift trucks and other handling equipment following site procedures.
• Support dispatch preparation and staging for collection and transport.
• Maintain high standards of yard housekeeping and safety.
• Collaborate with stores and logistics to ensure smooth flow of materials.
• Carry out basic system transactions as required for traceability.
• Follow health, safety, and environmental procedures with pedestrian awareness.
• Undertake other yard and logistics duties as requested by Team Leader.

Skills

Forklift operation

Outdoor work

Health and safety awareness

Basic IT skills

Tools

SAP

Job description

Career Area: Operations

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Job Title: Yard Operator

Salary: £14.25 ph
Location: Wimborne, Dorset

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave
• Annual bonus of up to 6%
• Contributory pension scheme – Caterpillar will match employee contributions up to 10%
• Contributory share scheme – Caterpillar will match 50% of employee contributions
• Optional flexible benefits, including access to health and dental care plans, EV car lease and holiday purchase

About Us

Caterpillar Marine Power UK Ltd is located on the outskirts of Wimborne within the Ferndown and Uddens Business Improvement District, ideally positioned along the south coast with excellent national and international transport links.

With approximately 130 employees, the site has over 50 years of heritage manufacturing marine propulsion and auxiliary engines under the renowned Cat® and Perkins Marine® brands. The Wimborne facility produces genset packages ranging from 1.5 litre to 7.1 litre, as well as 7.1 litre propulsion engines.

Our highly skilled designers, engineers, and technicians deliver solutions for commercial, leisure, and military customers. From design and testing through to build, every engine is fully proven before leaving the site, ensuring exceptional performance and reliability for our customer.

Job Purpose: To support yard and logistics operations by ensuring the safe, efficient movement, storage, and preparation of materials in the external yard environment. This role plays a key part in maintaining a safe, organised, and responsive yard operation to meet operational and customer requirements.

Key responsibilities:

• Operate primarily within the yard, managing day-to-day material movement, storage, and organisation.
• Handle incoming and outgoing collections and deliveries, ensuring accurate checking, safe unloading/loading, and correct documentation.
• Prepare and organise stillages, pallets, and materials to support production and dispatch requirements.
• Maintain clear and structured yard layout, ensuring materials are stored safely and are easily accessible.
• Prepare bases and storage areas for incoming materials, ensuring efficient space utilisation.
• Move materials using forklift trucks and other handling equipment, ensuring all movements are carried out safely and in line with site procedures.
• Support dispatch preparation, including staging materials for collection and ensuring readiness for transport.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping within the yard, ensuring a safe and tidy working environment at all times.
• Work closely with stores and logistics teams to ensure smooth flow of materials between yard and internal operations.
• Carry out basic system transactions or paperwork where required to support material traceability.
• Follow all health, safety, and environmental procedures, with a strong focus on yard safety and pedestrian awareness.
• Undertake other general yard and logistics duties as requested by the Team Leader.

Essential Criteria:

• Experience working in a yard, logistics, warehouse, or similar operational environment
• Proven experience with material handling, loading/unloading, and yard organisation
• Forklift Licence – Counterbalance (essential; Flexi/Bendi desirable)
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Strong awareness of health and safety in a yard environment
• Basic IT skills for recording or tracking material movements (SAP experience advantageous but not essential)

NB. The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.

Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.

Posting Dates: October 21, 2026 - November 1, 2026

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply