The posting
Principle Objective
Reporting to the relevant Manager, Shift Supervisor or Team Leader, the Forklift Operative is responsible for the safe, efficient and accurate movement of timber, materials, finished products and components through the sawmill.
The role involves operating forklift trucks and associated material handling equipment to support production, storage, loading and despatch activities while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, housekeeping and operational efficiency.
Knowledge & Experience
– Hold a valid Forklift Truck licence.
– Previous experience operating forklifts in a manufacturing, timber, construction or industrial environment.
– Experience handling long, bulky or irregular loads would be advantageous.
– Good understanding of warehouse, production and logistics operations.
– Awareness of health, safety and environmental requirements within an operational setting.
– Experience working within a fast-paced production environment.
– Ability to work effectively as part of a team and communicate clearly with colleagues and supervisors.
– Familiarity with stock control systems, scanners or warehouse management systems would be advantageous.
– Understanding of timber products and manufacturing processes is desirable but not essential.
– Flexible approach to work and willingness to support wider operational activities as required.
Key Responsibilities
– Operate forklift trucks safely and efficiently in accordance with company procedures and site rules.
– Transport raw materials, timber packs, and other products throughout the sawmill.
– Load and unload delivery vehicles safely and accurately.
– Supply production areas with materials to ensure production schedules are met.
– Store products and materials in designated locations while maintaining stock integrity.
– Conduct daily pre-use inspections and basic maintenance checks on forklift equipment.
– Report any defects, damage, near misses or safety concerns promptly.
– Assist with stock movements, stock counts and inventory control activities.
– Ensure all loads are secure, stable and moved without damage to products, equipment or facilities.
– Support housekeeping activities and maintain clean, organised work areas.
– Follow all health, safety, environmental and quality procedures.
– Work closely with production, sawmill and logistics teams to achieve operational targets.
– Participate in training, toolbox talks, safety briefings and continuous improvement initiatives.
– Assist in other operational tasks as required.
Essential Competencies
– Hold a valid Forklift Truck licence.
– Strong awareness of health and safety requirements.
– Excellent attention to detail.
– Ability to work accurately and safely under pressure.
– Good communication and teamwork skills.
– Reliable and dependable approach to work.
– Strong organisational and time management skills.
– Ability to prioritise workload and respond to changing production requirements.
– Commitment to quality standards and continuous improvement.
– Professional and safety-conscious attitude at all times.
Key Performance Measures
– Safe operation of forklift trucks and material handling equipment.
– Zero preventable safety incidents or equipment damage.
– Timely movement of materials in support of production requirements.
– Accuracy of stock movements and inventory transactions.
– Quality of loading and unloading activities.
– Compliance with company health, safety and environmental procedures.
– Housekeeping standards within operational areas.
– Support of production efficiency and operational targets.
– Positive contribution to team performance and continuous improvement activities.
Key Relationships
– Supervisors, Team Leads and Operations Manager.
– Production Colleagues.
– Engineering and Maintenance.
– Health, safety and quality teams.
– Transport providers and delivery drivers
Contract
Contract Type Permanent
Hours Full time, 40 hours per week
Working Week Monday to Friday (shift patterns apply)
