About Company
Booker Wholesale is the UK’s leading food & drink wholesaler, proudly serving over 400,000 catering, retail, and small business customers across the country. As a vital part of Tesco PLC, we are committed to being the most helpful wholesaler, a mission we achieve by consistently offering an extensive range, competitive value, and unparalleled service. Our Sale branch is a crucial hub within our national network, playing a pivotal role in ensuring that our local businesses receive their essential supplies promptly and efficiently. We foster a fast-paced, dynamic environment where teamwork and operational excellence are key drivers of our success. Joining Booker means becoming part of a supportive and inclusive team with ample opportunities for career growth and development within a large, stable, and reputable organization. We value every colleague’s contribution and are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to perform at their best.
Job Description
Are you an experienced and fully licensed Forklift Driver seeking a dynamic and essential role within a bustling wholesale environment? Booker Wholesale in Sale, Manchester, is actively looking for a dedicated and safety-conscious Forklift Driver to become a vital part of our thriving team. This is an exceptional opportunity to play a crucial role in our daily operations, ensuring the efficient and secure movement and storage of goods that serve thousands of local businesses and contribute directly to community commerce.
As a Forklift Driver at our Sale branch, your responsibilities will encompass a diverse range of tasks, including the precise loading and unloading of incoming deliveries, the accurate and safe movement of stock within our extensive warehouse facilities, and the meticulous preparation of outgoing orders for dispatch. You will primarily operate various types of forklift trucks, including both counterbalance and reach trucks, adhering strictly to all health and safety regulations, company policies, and best practices at all times. Your ability to execute tasks with meticulous attention to detail, work efficiently under pressure, and collaborate seamlessly as part of a cohesive team will be paramount to your success in this role. We are looking for an individual who takes immense pride in their work, possesses excellent observational skills, and is deeply committed to maintaining a safe, organised, and highly productive working environment.
Our warehouse operates as a fast-paced hub where variety is the norm, and no two days are precisely the same. You will be instrumental in upholding stock integrity, actively supporting periodic inventory counts, and ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted flow of products from our loading bays to their designated storage locations. This role demands a proactive approach, an unwavering strong work ethic, and a steadfast commitment to achieving and exceeding operational targets. You will be an integral part of a team dedicated to providing exceptional service to our diverse customer base, ranging from local restaurants and cafes to independent retailers and small businesses. If you are ready to apply your valuable skills to a leading wholesaler and grow your career within a company that truly values its colleagues, we strongly encourage you to apply. We offer a supportive and encouraging environment where your contributions are not only recognised but also genuinely appreciated, and where you can further develop your professional career within the broader Tesco Group.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely and efficiently operate counterbalance and/or reach forklift trucks to move, stack, and retrieve products and materials within the warehouse.
- Load and unload delivery vehicles accurately and efficiently, ensuring proper handling and securing of goods.
- Perform daily pre-operation checks on all forklift equipment, reporting any mechanical defects or safety concerns immediately.
- Utilise warehouse management systems (WMS) or handheld scanners to accurately scan and document inventory movements.
- Stack and store goods in designated areas, optimising warehouse space and maintaining a tidy and accessible layout.
- Assist with general manual handling tasks, including picking, packing, and sorting orders as required.
- Adhere strictly to all company health and safety procedures, regulations, and operational guidelines.
- Support regular inventory counts and assist with effective stock rotation to minimise waste and ensure freshness.
- Maintain a clean, organised, and safe work area, including general housekeeping duties.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with team members, supervisors, and external delivery drivers.
Required Skills
- Valid and in-date Forklift Operator Licence (RTITB, ITSSAR, or equivalent) for counterbalance and/or reach truck operation.
- Proven experience operating forklifts in a fast-paced warehouse, logistics, or distribution environment.
- Strong understanding and unwavering commitment to health and safety procedures and best practices.
- Ability to work accurately and efficiently, demonstrating excellent attention to detail.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Physical capability to perform manual handling tasks when necessary and stand for extended periods.
- Reliable, punctual, and possessing a strong work ethic with a positive attitude.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience with warehouse management systems (WMS) and inventory control.
- Prior experience working in a wholesale or retail distribution environment.
- First Aid certification or willingness to undergo training.
- Ability to operate other Material Handling Equipment (MHE) if required.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive hourly wage with opportunities for overtime.
- Booker Colleague Discount Card, including access to Tesco discounts.
- Comprehensive pension scheme.
- Generous holiday allowance.
- Life assurance policy.
- Access to a colleague assistance programme for support and well-being.
- Opportunities for career development and progression within Booker and the wider Tesco Group.
- A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
- Free on-site parking at our Sale branch.
How to Apply
To apply for this exciting and essential opportunity, please click on the application link below. Ensure your CV clearly highlights your valid forklift licences and relevant experience in a warehouse or logistics setting. We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you to the Booker Wholesale team in Sale.