Forklift Driver Jobs in Leeds LS9 – Immediate Start & Competitive Pay
Recruitment Agency London is actively recruiting experienced and reliable Forklift Drivers for an immediate temporary-to-permanent placement within a leading logistics hub in Leeds LS9. Secure your next role with a trusted local agency.
Leeds LS9
East Leeds & Surrounding Areas
ASAP / Immediate
Interviews happening now
£13.50 - £15.50 p/h
+ Potential Overtime
Temp-to-Perm
Long-term opportunity
Forklift Driver Job Description: Leeds LS9
Recruitment Agency London is partnering with a major distribution and fulfilment centre in the heart of Leeds LS9 to recruit a skilled Forklift Driver for an immediate start. This is a pivotal role within a fast-paced operation, handling essential goods for retail and e-commerce clients across Yorkshire and the UK.
The successful candidate will be a key part of a dynamic warehouse team, ensuring the safe, efficient, and accurate movement of stock. We specialise in connecting dedicated professionals with reputable local employers, offering a streamlined path to work. Whether you're seeking a long-term career move or a flexible temporary position, registering with our agency opens doors to numerous roles, much like the warehouse opportunities we list across the UK.
Our client is an established leader in logistics, known for investing in its workforce and maintaining excellent site safety standards. This Forklift Operator role is perfect for someone who takes pride in their work, values a consistent routine, and wants to be part of a supportive team in East Leeds.
Key Responsibilities & Daily Duties
As the Forklift Driver in Leeds LS9, your core duties will ensure the smooth running of the warehouse's inbound and outbound logistics. You will report directly to the Warehouse Manager or Shift Supervisor.
- Operating Counterbalance and/or Reach Trucks: Safely and proficiently manoeuvring forklifts to load, unload, relocate, and stack palletised goods in designated warehouse locations, both high and low level.
- Inventory and Stock Control: Accurately picking orders using handheld RF scanners, conducting stock counts, and ensuring all movements are recorded correctly on the Warehouse Management System (WMS) to maintain 99.9% inventory accuracy.
- Loading & Unloading HGVs: Efficiently working with delivery drivers to load outbound vehicles and unload incoming shipments, ensuring vehicles are turned around promptly to meet tight delivery windows.
- Health, Safety & Compliance: Conducting daily pre-use checks (PUWER) on your assigned forklift, adhering to all site safety protocols, and maintaining a clean, tidy, and hazard-free work environment. Promptly reporting any mechanical faults or safety concerns.
- Team Support & General Duties: Assisting the wider warehouse team with manual handling tasks when required, wrapping pallets, and supporting during peak periods to ensure all daily KPIs and targets are met as a collective unit.
Essential Requirements & Skills
Mandatory Requirements
- A valid, in-date Forklift Licence (Counterbalance) – Reach truck certification is a significant advantage.
- Minimum of 6 months' recent experience operating a forklift in a warehouse or logistics environment.
- Excellent understanding of health and safety principles related to MHE (Materials Handling Equipment) operation.
- Ability to provide a checkable 5-year work/address history for security clearance.
Desired Skills & Attitude
- A proactive,"can-do" attitude and reliability – turning up on time for every shift is paramount.
- Basic numeracy and literacy skills for order reading and system use.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a target-driven setting.
- Physical fitness for occasional manual handling and ability to work in a non-climate-controlled environment.
Salary, Benefits & Shift Pattern
What You'll Receive
Per Hour + Holiday Pay
Per Week (Full-Time)
Pay Every Friday
This Forklift Driver role in Leeds LS9 operates on a rotating shift pattern, typically covering days (6am - 2pm) and afternoons (2pm - 10pm), Monday to Friday. Occasional weekend overtime may be available at an enhanced rate.
- Immediate start following a successful interview
- Temp-to-perm conversion for high performers
- On-site parking and canteen facilities
- Dedicated agency consultant support
How to Apply for This Forklift Driver Role
The application process with Recruitment Agency London is designed to be fast and straightforward, getting you to work as quickly as possible.
Submit Your CV
Click the"Apply Now" button on this page or send your CV directly to [email protected]. Ensure your CV clearly details your Forklift Driver experience, licence types, and availability.
Screening & Interview
A consultant from our Leeds team will call you to discuss your experience, the role specifics, and confirm your right to work. This may be followed by a brief, informal video or in-person interview at our local office.
Registration & Start
Once successful, you'll complete our fast-track registration (providing documents). We'll then coordinate your start date with the client in Leeds LS9, often within 24-48 hours. You'll receive a full site induction on your first day.
Ready to Drive Your Career Forward in Leeds?
This role is interviewing now and will not be available for long. Take the first step today.
Apply Now for Immediate Consideration →If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions: Forklift Driver Jobs in Leeds
This position primarily requires a valid Counterbalance Forklift Licence. Experience and certification on Reach Trucks is a significant advantage and may lead to a higher pay rate. We can accept either a traditional card licence or a certificate from an accredited training provider. Your licence must be in-date and verifiable.
The role is offered on a temporary-to-permanent (temp-to-perm) basis. You will start working through Recruitment Agency London for a probationary period, typically 12 weeks. Based on performance, attendance, and fit, the client intends to offer a direct permanent contract to the right candidate. This is a common pathway we facilitate for many roles, from warehouse operatives to skilled trades.
The core business operates on a rotating two-shift pattern: Early (6am - 2pm) and Late (2pm - 10pm), Monday to Friday. You will typically be assigned to one shift pattern. During peak trading periods (e.g., Black Friday, Christmas), significant overtime is often available, including weekend shifts, usually paid at time-and-a-half. Your dedicated consultant will discuss your shift preferences during screening.
Yes, we can often assist. While this specific role requires a current licence, we work with accredited training partners across Leeds and Yorkshire. If your licence has recently expired or you need to convert experience into a formal qualification, speak to your consultant. We can provide guidance on fast-track courses, and in some cases, for highly promising candidates, discuss training solutions to make you job-ready. We believe in investing in talent, much like we do for other specialised fields such as facilities management or IT Helpdesk professionals.
You will be paid weekly, every Friday, for all hours worked the previous week. Your pay rate (£13.50 - £15.50 p/h) is inclusive of holiday pay under the"rolled-up" holiday pay arrangement, in compliance with UK law. This means you receive your holiday entitlement with each pay packet, providing clear and consistent weekly income. You will receive a detailed payslip each week, and our accounts team is always available to answer any queries.
Why Choose Recruitment Agency London?
As a leading recruitment partner for Yorkshire's logistics sector, we don't just fill jobs; we build careers. Our local knowledge of Leeds LS9 and its industrial hubs is unmatched.
- Local Leeds Experts: We know the employers, sites, and transport links in LS9 intimately.
- Fast-Track to Work: Our streamlined process gets you from application to site in days, not weeks.
- Ongoing Support: A dedicated consultant acts as your single point of contact for any issues or queries.
- Wide Job Network: One registration gives you access to all our roles, from London warehouse jobs to niche positions nationwide.
Other Immediate Roles in Leeds
Reach Truck Driver
UrgentLeeds LS10 • £14.25 p/h
Cold store environment. Immediate start for certified drivers.
Warehouse Operative (Pickers)
FlexibleLeeds LS11 • £11.75 - £12.50 p/h
Day shifts only. No licence required. Great for entry-level.
Order Picker / Packer
WeekendLeeds LS9 • £12.85 p/h
Weekend shifts available. Fast-paced e-commerce fulfilment.
7.5T Delivery Driver
PermLeeds • £13.75 p/h + Van
Cat C1 licence required. Multi-drop role across Yorkshire.
Boost Your Forklift Career
Watch our guide to the top certifications that can increase your hourly pay and job prospects in 2026.
Video: Top Forklift & Logistics Certifications to Boost Your Pay
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If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected]
Recruitment Agency London – Leeds Office
Serving the Leeds LS9 postcode and surrounding industrial estates in East Leeds, Cross Green, Stourton, and Killingbeck. We are your local partner for logistics, warehouse, and industrial recruitment.
Specialists in: Forklift Drivers, Warehouse Operatives, HGV Drivers, Production Staff, and Temporary-to-Permanent Staffing Solutions.
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Recruitment Agency London is an equal opportunities employer and employment business. Registered in England. All job listings are genuine, and we never charge candidates a fee. © 2024 Recruitment Agency London.
Career Progression & The Leeds Logistics Landscape
Securing this Forklift Driver position in Leeds LS9 is more than just a job; it’s a strategic entry point into one of Yorkshire’s most robust economic sectors. East Leeds is a powerhouse for distribution, home to major national retailers, third-party logistics (3PL) giants, and specialised cold storage facilities. Working here exposes you to industry-best practices and cutting-edge Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), making you a more attractive candidate for future supervisory or specialist equipment roles.
Typical Career Pathway for a Forklift Driver in Leeds
Entry-Level (0-12 months)
Mastering core competencies: Safe MHE operation, RF scanning, loading/unloading protocols, and basic stock control. Building a reputation for reliability and accuracy.
Skill Focus: Single truck type (e.g., Counterbalance), health & safety compliance, teamwork.
Skilled Operator (1-3 years)
Diversifying licence certifications (adding Reach, PPT, or VNA), taking on trainer roles for new starters, understanding advanced WMS functions, and potentially specialising in areas like dangerous goods or cold chain logistics.
Skill Focus: Multi-machine competency, problem-solving, minor troubleshooting, training others.
Senior / Lead Driver (3+ years)
Acting as a shift lead, coordinating loading bays, liaising directly with transport planners, conducting complex inventory investigations, and deputising for the Warehouse Manager. This stage often involves the transition from agency to permanent employment with enhanced benefits.
Skill Focus: Leadership, communication, planning, KPIs and reporting.
A Detailed Day in the Life: Forklift Driver, Leeds LS9
To give you a genuine feel for the role, here’s a breakdown of a typical early shift (6am - 2pm) at the LS9 distribution centre, following our driver"Alex":
Arrival & Pre-Start
Alex signs in, collects his personal protective equipment (PPE) and handheld scanner. He proceeds to his assigned Counterbalance forklift to conduct a thorough PUWER check: tyre pressure, brakes, lights, forks, and fluid levels. Any defect is logged immediately with the shift supervisor.
Unloading Inbound Goods
The first wave of supplier deliveries arrives. Alex works with the goods-in team to unload 10-12 HGVs. He scans each pallet as it comes off the truck, confirming the product and quantity against the purchase order on his scanner. He then transports pallets to their designated"put-away" locations in the high-bay racking, ensuring optimal space utilisation.
Order Picking & Consolidation
The WMS generates a batch of orders for afternoon dispatches. Alex’s scanner directs him to specific locations to retrieve items. He builds mixed pallets for retail stores, ensuring stability and correct labelling. He then moves completed orders to the marshalling area, ready for the loading team.
Team Briefing & Break
A quick team huddle with the Warehouse Manager to review priorities for the day, highlight any special handling instructions (e.g., fragile stock), and reinforce safety messages. This is followed by a paid break in the on-site canteen.
Replenishment & Housekeeping
Alex shifts to a Reach Truck to replenish forward-picking locations from bulk storage. He also dedicates time to housekeeping—removing empty pallets, clearing blocked aisles, and ensuring fire exits are accessible. This proactive approach is valued by management and enhances safety.
Handover & Vehicle Check
The shift ends with a final check of the forklift, reporting any issues for the afternoon shift. Alex hands his scanner to the incoming lead driver, providing a quick update on ongoing tasks. He logs his hours and departs, having completed a productive and safe shift.
What Leeds Logistics Employers Really Value
Through our extensive work placing candidates in LS9 and across Yorkshire, we’ve identified the non-negotiable traits that top employers seek beyond the licence itself. Understanding these can make your application stand out.
Top 5 Soft Skills for Career Advancement
Situational Awareness
Constant 360° awareness of pedestrians, other MHE, and overhead hazards. This prevents accidents and downtime.
Initiative
Noticing a spill and cleaning it, or suggesting a more efficient pallet configuration, shows invaluable engagement.
Adaptability
Switching tasks from loading to picking to inventory checks as priorities change throughout the shift.
Data Integrity
Understanding that a single mis-scan can cause major stock discrepancies and financial loss for the client.
Professional Communication
Clear radio etiquette, professional interaction with delivery drivers, and concise handovers to the next shift.
Employers in Leeds’ competitive market use the temp-to-perm period to assess these very traits. A driver who demonstrates them consistently is almost always offered a permanent contract, often with a pay rise and access to company benefits like pension schemes and enhanced training budgets. This pathway mirrors opportunities we see in other sectors, such as candidates progressing from a IT Helpdesk role into network support or systems administration.