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Forklift Driver Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated 5 November 2025
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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7 min read

A Forklift Driver, or Forklift Operator is responsible for operating forklifts and moving goods around warehouses and other industrial sites. Their duties include using forklifts to unload deliveries, stacking boxes for storage and moving wooden pallets around the warehouse.

Forklift Driver duties and responsibilities

A Forklift Driver is responsible for moving goods, loaded pallets and equipment safely and securely. In addition to driving forklifts, a Forklift Driver also has a range of other warehouse duties such as packaging shipments or checking inventories. A Forklift Driver’s primary duties and responsibilities include:

  • Manoeuvring forklifts safely in busy industrial environments
  • Safely stacking and unstacking large quantities of goods onto shelves or pallets
  • Moving goods from storage areas to loading areas for transport
  • Unloading deliveries and safely relocating the goods to their designated storage areas
  • Ensuring that forklift driving areas are free from spills or obstructions
  • Regularly checking forklift equipment for faults or damages
  • Using industrial plastic wraps and wooden pallets to safely stack and package goods for transport
  • Keeping up to date on health and safety requirements and forklift operating procedures
  • Consolidating partial pallets for incoming goods

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Forklift Driver Job Description Examples:

Example 1

The Just Recruitment Group are recruiting for a temp to perm Counter Balance Forklift driver for our busy client based on the outskirts of Halstead, Essex.

You will need to have your own transport due to the location of the business.

Our client is looking for a Forklift driver that is prepared to support in the yard and warehouse with general tidying duties as well as the usual day to day Forklift role, applicants must have a minimum of 1 years Forklift experience.

Working hours are 7:00am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday you must be flexible due to business needs.

Overtime can also be available.

CV’s are needed upon registration in order to be considered for the role.

Pay rate is £12.24ph plus holiday pay.

If you are interested in this role please call us on 01787 881962 alternatively apply now!

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary contract

Salary: £12.24 per hour

Benefits:
  • On-site parking
Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Location: One location

Example 2

WB Employment is happy to announce that we are recruiting on behalf of our well-established client based in St Phillips, Bristol, BS2. We are looking to interview experienced warehouse operatives who have a Bendi forklift licence. This role will be loading and unloading Lorries full of stock and placing it in the racking/warehouse ready for use and picking items from a small cold store room. You will need to hold a current RTITB or Itssar Bendi Forklift licence and be able to provide the certificates.

Key Tasks for The Role Are:

  • Picking stock and loading items onto Lorries and customers vehicles.
  • Make sure that the strict checking procedures are followed
  • Always driving the fork lift trucks in a safe manner
  • Collecting stock from a chilled storage area
  • You must also be hard working, reliable and diligent in all aspects of your role

We will require you to have at least 12 months experience operating a Bendi Forklift.

The shift pattern is Monday – Friday 8am to 5pm.

Starting pay rate of £12.00ph

If you are interested please apply and submit your CV, a member of WB Employment get in touch to arrange an interview.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £12.00 per hour

Benefits:
  • On-site parking
  • Referral programme
Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Bristol: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Licence/Certification:
  • Bendi Forklift licence (preferred)

Work Location: One ID: BS2BENDI

Example 3

Twinwheel Logisticsare recruiting for Counterbalance Forklift Drivers for our site based in Grays (RM20 3ED) with immediate start as a business we are expanding our warehousing team and have a vacancy available on our night shift team.

Night Shift:

20:00 – 06:00 Sunday to Thursday

Requirements:

Reliable/Punctual time keeping

Counterbalance Forklift Licence

Experience in Counterbalance Forklifts

Experience in Unloading & Loading Domestic and European Vehicles.

A Strong Team player

H&S understanding

Key Responsibilities:

Loading & Unloading Vehicles

Continuous Housekeep of site

Vehicle Inspections

Daily Stockcheck

Adhering to H&S procedures

At Twinwheel we value the continuity and stability as family run business, we are looking for people with good working attitude who put our customers needs first, with a professional attitude at all times.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £25,000.00-£32,000.00 per year

Benefits:
  • On-site parking
Schedule:
  • 10 hour shift
  • Night shift
Supplemental pay types:
  • Bonus scheme
  • Performance bonus



Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Grays: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:
  • Forklift: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:
  • CPCS (preferred)
  • Forklift Licence (required)

Work authorisation:
  • United Kingdom (required)


Work Location: In ID: Twforklift

Example 4

MAIN Purpose OF THE ROLE

The main purpose of the role is to co-ordinate movement of stock through the business unit in order to ensure delivery of production plan and all the tasks and this operation entails; including the following key accountabilities.

KEY Responsibilities

Safe operation of FLT’s & jacks to deliver and co-ordinate material around site in a timely manner

Daily vehicle checks & reporting of any damage in line with process

Accurate recording and stacking of finished product, including despatch records for all products.

Accurate recording of despatch activities to and from production and paperwork completion

Load trailers safely and in a timely manner to achieve despatch deadlines.

Support production as directed by the Supervisor and Warehouse Manager

Complete paperwork as required for the tasks undertaken.

Monitor and maintain hygiene of internal and external despatch area.

Assist with control of cold stores and product temperature during intake and despatch, ensuring all information is recorded and it meets company standards.

Monitor and report any damage or potential improvements needed for the area.

Maintain a safe working environment in all areas

Assist with the continuous improvement of cold storage and efficiencies.

Liaise with all departments to ensure plan is achieved

Ensure quality of pallets ready for despatch is to customer standards.

Attend training courses as required to carry out operational tasks efficiently, effectively, and safely

Requirements:


1+ years previous experience in a similar role

Valid FLT License

Valid category B driver license



Desirable:

Flexi License

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Location: In person

Example 5

Permanent – Monday to Friday – Up to £23,000 per annum

Warehouse Operative required at our Chippenham site.

Permanentposition working Monday to Friday.

· Up to £23,000 per annum (depending on experience)

· Average 40 hours per week

· Bank holidays and extended Christmas closure

The Role:

· Picking and loading multi part orders

· Loading and unloading of third party and Meyer vehicles

· Manual handling of large sheet materials

· Use of FLT counterbalance

· Occasional stock take

Experience and Qualifications:

· Relevant warehouse experience

· MUST hold a valid counterbalance FLT certificate of competence

· Physically active due to manual handling

· Working in similar industry advantageous

Why Us

· Generous holiday allowance including bank holidays and extended Christmas closure.

· Contributory pension scheme from day 1.

· Life assurance scheme.

· Free onsite parking.

· Online payslips.

· Uniform provided after successful completion of probation.

· Access to Perkbox Benefits Platform: hundreds of perks to save money on everyday purchases, including food, drink, cinema tickets, clothing, homeware and much more.

· Employee Assistance Programme: free 24 Hours confidential helpline.

Meyer Timber is the supplier of the widest choice of wood based panel products in the UK, we are consistently reliable and provide exceptional levels of customer service. Our unique next day delivery service has lead to us being the supplier of choice to our vast customer base.

To apply please forward your CV and notice period ing job reference CH/FLT/105

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Up to £23,000.00 per year

Benefits:
  • On-site parking
Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • No weekends

Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Chippenham, SN14 6NQ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Licence/Certification:
  • Counterbalance FLT Certificate ID: CH/FLT/105

Example 6

We currently have several job opportunities for those who are seeking a long term employment within a warehouse environment.

As a warehouse operative you will be required to fulfil general warehouse duties as well as forklift driving. Previous experience within warehouse will be beneficial. You will also require a previous forklift experience and licence.

Hours available:

Sunday to Thursday 22:00-06:00 - £15.05

Pay: £15.05

Responsibilities:

- Receive and process incoming stock, including unpacking, labelling, and organizing items in appropriate storage locations.
- Operate warehouse equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks to move and stack items as needed.
- Maintain a clean and organized work area, ensuring that safety guidelines are followed at all times.
- Assist in loading and unloading trucks as needed.

- Some vacancies will require you working at heights (18 meters)

Qualifications:

- previous experience using forklift
- Previous experience working in a warehouse or similar environment is required.
- Ability to lift heavy objects
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in order fulfillment processes.
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work well within a team.

If you are a reliable and hardworking individual who thrives in a fast-paced warehouse environment, we want to hear from you! Apply now to join our team as a Warehouse Worker.

Immediate starts are available!

Rapid Personnel is an established recruitment and employment agency based in Reading. We are members of the REC and have signed the Reading Ethical Recruitment Charter meaning you’ll be treated with respect, transparency, and fairness. Rapid Personnel was shortlisted as Thames Valley Employer of the Year for 2020 and 2022

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £15.05 per hour

Benefits:
  • Free or subsidised travel
  • Free parking
  • On-site parking
Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Night shift



Licence/Certification:
  • Driving Licence (required)
  • forklift licence/certificate ? Location: In person

Example 7

Our client is one of the UK’s leading Food brands. The Food Industry is very fast paced, demanding, and constantly developing, therefore the people the company looks to join them have a great personality and the drive to exceed the customers’ expectations.

A new vacancy has arisen to join the company’s busy team, the role available is a Storeman – Forklift Driver and is situated in Central Scotland – a more specific location is available on the application. The Storeman – Forklift Driver is responsible for the efficient running of the store.

The Role:

  • Accurately logging the movements of all the raw material, packaging, ingredients and products within the store using the stock control system.
  • Carrying out regular stock checks, providing accurate reports and highlighting any stock errors.
  • Checking the forklift on a daily basis to ensure that it is in good working condition. Any defects or safety defects must be reported immediately to the Stores and Logistics Manager, Stores Supervisor, Stores Chargehand or another manager on site.
  • Participating in keeping all work areas clean, safe and tidy.
  • Reporting to the Stores and Logistics Manager, Stores Supervisor or Stores Chargehand any issues which are likely to affect the smooth running of the store.
  • Identifying any training requirements which may be beneficial to the role or the department.
  • Maintaining a good working relationship within the office and factory.

The Candidate:

  • Thrive on working in a fast paced, high pressured environment.
  • Strong planning and organisational skills with a sense of priority for deadlines and attention to detail.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • A passion for delivering results and the drive to exceed expectations.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Professional approach and attitude.

Knowledge and Experience:

  • Experience of using a computerised purchasing and stock control systems is preferred but not essential.
  • Proficient in English and have a good standard of literacy and numeracy.
  • Forklift licence and/or experience of driving forklifts is preferred but not essential.

What’s on offer?

  • The opportunity to take on a role that is highly visible in a market leading company.
  • From £23,000 - £24,000.

If you would like to be considered for this excellent opportunity, then please get in touch with Craig Russell ASAP. Upload your CV to apply or call me on 0131 226 5060 for more information.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £23,000.00-£24,000.00 per year

Schedule:
  • 12 hour Location: One location
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
Create a culture of innovation
Download our free step-by-step guide on encouraging healthy risk-taking
Get the guide

What does a Forklift Driver do?

Forklift Drivers are employed to work within warehouses, on construction sites, at airports, in ports and in many other industrial and commercial settings. Forklift Drivers use forklifts to unload goods from lorries or storage containers before moving them to their new storage location. Forklift Drivers are required to operate their machinery in line with health and safety regulations and to ensure that all goods that are moved are loaded and unloaded without damage.

Forklift Driver skills and qualifications

Forklift Drivers need industrial driving skills and the correct licences to safely and legally operate forklifts in a warehouse. Forklift Drivers also need excellent spatial awareness, attention to detail and the physical ability to perform manual labour. A successful Forklift Driver candidate will also have certain prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:

  • Ability to work long shifts in cramped, loud and potentially hazardous industrial environments
  • Ability to work well in a team with other staff, such as Lorry Drivers or Warehouse Packers, to coordinate the movement of goods
  • Knowledge of warehouse health and safety requirements
  • Knowledge of industrial storage procedures, such as the correct way to stack pallets on top of one another
  • Ability to itemise and record stock for inventories
  • Constructions Skills Certifications Scheme (CSCS) card for work on construction sites
  • Accredited forklift operating licence from an industry-recognised body such as RTITB
  • Ability to safely lift 20 kilogrammes unassisted

Forklift Driver experience requirements

Forklift Drivers require a minimum of two years of experience working in a warehouse or on a construction site operating forklifts, heavy goods vehicles or other industrial machinery. Employers can also consider applicants with two years of experience working in similar industrial settings, such as handling baggage at airports or unloading deliveries at supermarkets, if they also have the correct forklift licence or are working towards one.

Forklift Driver education and training requirements

Forklift Drivers require a minimum of GCSEs in English and maths. However, employers are more concerned with applicants having the correct training to safely operate forklifts in a warehouse. Look for applicants with a Level 2 Certificate in Forklift Truck Operations gained through a college course or forklift training completed through an apprenticeship scheme.

Forklift Driver salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Forklift Driver in the UK is £10.52 per hour. Individual salaries can vary based on experience, location and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If Forklift Driver isn’t the exact job you are searching for, try these similar job description samples instead:

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Forklift Driver job description FAQs

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