Yard Operative

We’re recruiting for an experienced Yard Operative / FLT Driver to join a well-established business within the plant and hire sector at their Reading depot.

This is a busy, hands-on role where you’ll be responsible for the safe movement, loading and unloading of plant and equipment throughout the yard, making sure customer orders are prepared correctly and ready to leave the depot on time.

You’ll work closely with the Transport, Workshop, Washbay and wider Operations teams, so this isn’t a role where you’ll spend all day driving a forklift from one end of the yard to the other. You’ll be an important part of keeping the whole depot operation moving.

What you’ll be doing

• Safely loading and unloading plant and equipment from vehicles
• Moving and marshalling equipment around the yard
• Ensuring vehicles are loaded with the correct equipment and ready within required deadlines
• Managing the flow of equipment going out on hire and returning to the depot
• Checking equipment and making sure quality standards are maintained
• Ensuring returned equipment is placed in the correct areas of the yard
• Completing daily and weekly FLT checks and reporting any defects
• Working closely with Transport, Workshop, Washbay and Operations to make sure orders are completed accurately and on time
• Providing information on stock availability and movements within the yard
• Supporting stock control for equipment and consumable items
• Maintaining a clean, safe and organised working environment
• Supporting the Depot Supervisor and wider depot team with day-to-day operations
• Following all Health & Safety procedures and reporting any concerns

What we’re looking for

For this one, previous plant or hire industry experience is essential. You’ll need to understand how a busy depot and yard operates and be confident safely handling and moving equipment.

You’ll also need:

• A Counterbalance Forklift licence covering Category B3 trucks over 15 tonnes
• Previous experience within the plant or hire industry
• Experience working within a yard or depot environment
• A good understanding of Health & Safety requirements
• Confidence loading and unloading vehicles safely
• Good organisation and the ability to prioritise a changing workload
• A practical, hands-on approach
• The ability to work effectively as part of a wider depot team

A relevant Health & Safety qualification or operator certification such as CPCS Plant Operator would be advantageous, but isn’t essential.

The package

Salary £28,500–£32,500 depending on experience.

Hours are 07:45–16:30, Monday to Friday.

This is a permanent, full-time opportunity and would suit an experienced plant or hire Yard Operative who knows their way around a busy depot, takes safety seriously and can help keep equipment moving efficiently throughout the day.