Forklift Operators

Job Description

Description

Cyrus Recruitment Ltd is an ambitious, Leeds-based recruitment agency experiencing exceptional growth across the North of England logistics sector. To meet the demands of our expanding client portfolio – which includes major 3PLs, cold-storage facilities, and high-bay distribution centres – we are seeking certified and safety-conscious Forklift Operators to join our specialist driving team.

This is a critical, highly valued role that goes beyond simply moving pallets. You will be the master of efficient space utilisation, ensuring goods are stored safely at height and retrieved without delay to keep production lines and dispatch schedules running smoothly. We invest in our operators – offering refresher training, cross-training on multiple truck types, and progression into team-leading or trainer positions. If you take pride in precision driving and want to be part of a growing agency that treats you as a professional, apply today.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate counterbalance, reach, or pivot-steer (Bendi/VNA) forklifts to move, stack, and retrieve palletised goods within the warehouse.
• Perform high-level racking and put-away tasks, maximising vertical storage space while ensuring load stability and safety.
• Replenish pick-face locations from bulk storage areas to ensure order pickers never run out of stock.
• Load and unload articulated HGVs and rigid delivery vehicles at the loading bay, checking loads for damage and securing them correctly.
• Conduct daily pre-use forklift inspections (battery/fluid levels, tyres, horns, lights, forks) and complete detailed check-sheets.
• Report any mechanical faults or maintenance issues to the supervisor and quarantine any unsafe equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of all movements – including put-away locations, transfer logs, and dispatched quantities – via handheld terminals or WMS.
• Assist warehouse operatives with manual handling, wrapping, or staging during quieter periods to support the wider team.
• Strictly adhere to all site health and safety regulations, including speed limits, pedestrian awareness, and traffic management systems.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Valid and in-date UK forklift licence/certificate (e.g., ITSSAR, AITT, RTITB) for at least one of the following: Counterbalance, Reach Truck, or Bendi/VNA.
• Minimum 12 months of practical, verifiable experience operating forklifts in a busy warehouse or distribution environment.
• Strong spatial awareness and the ability to work safely in narrow aisles and high-traffic dock areas.
• Good communication skills – able to work alongside pickers, loaders, and supervisors without friction.
• A proactive approach to safety – you never cut corners and always wear correct PPE.
• Physically fit – capable of occasional manual handling and staying alert for full shifts.
• Right to work in the UK.

Desirable:

• Multiple licences across different truck types (e.g., Counterbalance AND Reach).
• Experience in cold-store or temperature-controlled environments (chiller/freezer).
• Knowledge of WMS scanning systems and electronic inventory tracking.
• First Aid or Fire Marshal certification.
• A valid UK driving licence and own transport (advantageous for early-morning starts across the North).

How to Apply: To apply, please click the “Apply Now” button at the top of this page to complete the application form, or contact our Leeds office directly for further information.

Cyrus Recruitment Ltd is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds across the North of England. Join us as we continue to grow—your next career in logistics starts here.