Experienced Forklift Drivers ASAP Start in Leeds LS9
Recruitment Agency London is recruiting reliable Counterbalance & Reach Truck Operators for vital logistics and warehouse roles in LS9. Immediate temporary placements with competitive pay and potential for permanent positions.
The Role: Forklift Driver, Leeds LS9
We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Forklift Driver for a pivotal role within a leading logistics and distribution centre based in the Leeds LS9 area. This position is central to the efficient operation of the warehouse, ensuring that goods are moved, stored, and dispatched accurately and on time. The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic team, working in a fast-paced, modern environment where precision and reliability are key.
As a specialist recruitment agency, Recruitment Agency London partners with premier employers across Yorkshire. By applying through us, you gain direct access to these exclusive opportunities without the hassle of multiple applications. We handle the vetting and introduction, so you can focus on showcasing your skills. This role is not just a job; it's a chance to secure ongoing work with a company that values its logistics staff, with a clear path from a temporary assignment to a permanent contract for the right individual. Whether you're looking for a long-term career move or a substantial temporary placement, we connect you with the best warehouse roles in the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely and efficiently operate counterbalance and/or reach forklift trucks to load, unload, relocate, and stack palletised goods within the warehouse and yard areas.
- Conduct daily pre-use checks (PUWER) and basic maintenance on assigned machinery, reporting any defects or safety concerns immediately to the Warehouse Manager or supervisor.
- Work closely with the warehouse team to fulfil pick lists and dispatch orders accurately, ensuring all documentation (e.g., delivery notes, system scans) is completed correctly.
- Maintain excellent housekeeping standards, ensuring aisles, racking, and workstations are clean, tidy, and free from hazards to promote a safe working environment.
- Adhere strictly to all health & safety regulations, including site-specific rules, safe manual handling techniques, and pedestrian segregation protocols.
Essential Requirements
Must-Have Skills & Certs
- Valid, in-date Counterbalance Forklift Licence (RTITB, NPORS, or ITSSAR).
- Proven experience as a Forklift Driver in a warehouse, logistics, or manufacturing setting.
- A strong, demonstrable commitment to health and safety best practices.
- Ability to understand verbal and written instructions in English.
Personal Attributes
- Reliable, punctual, and able to work effectively as part of a team.
- Physically fit for a role involving manual handling and long periods seated.
- A positive, can-do attitude and a willingness to be flexible with shift patterns when required.
- Own transport or reliable access to the LS9 industrial area for early starts/late finishes.
Why Register With Us?
As a leading agency for logistics talent in Leeds, we offer more than just a job posting. We offer a partnership for your career.
- Weekly Pay: Get paid reliably every week, on time, directly into your bank account.
- Dedicated Consultant: Your own point of contact who knows the local market and fights for the best roles for you.
- Career Progression: Access to upskilling opportunities and routes into permanent, supervisor, or Warehouse Manager roles.
- Exclusive Roles: We work with top employers who often recruit solely through agencies like ours.
Salary & Benefits
We ensure our drivers are rewarded fairly for their skills and commitment.
*Rates are dependent on experience, shift pattern, and specific client requirements.
Apply for This Forklift Driver Role Today
Ready to secure your next role in Leeds LS9? Submit your details and a member of our team will be in touch within 24 hours.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected]
Other Immediate Logistics & Warehouse Roles in Leeds
Not quite the right fit? Explore our other urgent vacancies in the Leeds area. We specialise in warehouse jobs and logistics recruitment across Yorkshire.
| Job Title | Location | Pay Rate | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach Truck Operative | Leeds LS10 | £14.25 - £15.75/hr | Apply |
| Warehouse Operative (Picker/Packer) | Leeds LS9 | £12.80/hr | Apply |
| FLT Driver (Night Shift) | Pudsey, LS28 | £15.50 - £17.00/hr | Apply |
| Yard Operative with FLT | Leeds LS12 | £13.00 - £14.50/hr | Apply |
| Despatch Supervisor | Leeds LS9 | £28k - £32k | Apply |
| Multi-Skilled FLT Driver | Morley, LS27 | £14.00 - £15.50/hr | Apply |
| Stock Controller | Leeds LS11 | £12.50 - £14.00/hr | Apply |
| Warehouse Cleaner | Leeds LS9 | £10.90 - £11.50/hr | Apply |
| HGV Class 2 Driver (Multidrop) | Leeds Depot, LS9 | £14.75 - £16.25/hr | Apply |
| Production Operative | Stourton, LS10 | £13.25/hr | Apply |
All roles are subject to availability and a successful registration process. Rates are per hour and may include holiday pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I start this Forklift Driver role in Leeds LS9?
For candidates with a valid licence and ready-to-submit documents, starts can be incredibly fast—often within 24-48 hours. The process involves a quick phone screening with our consultant, submission of your CV and licence copy, and then an immediate referral to the client for an interview, which can sometimes be conducted on the same day. We specialise in immediate start temp jobs, so speed is a priority.
What type of Forklift Licence do I need?
This specific role requires a valid, in-date Counterbalance Forklift Licence. A Reach Truck licence is a significant advantage for many of our roles. We accept certifications from all major accrediting bodies in the UK, including RTITB, NPORS, ITSSAR, and others. If your licence has expired, we can often point you towards local training providers in Leeds to get you requalified quickly.
Is there a chance this temporary role could become permanent?
Yes, absolutely. The client has expressed a strong preference for this to be a 'temp-to-perm' arrangement. They use the initial temporary period to assess fit, reliability, and skill. For drivers who demonstrate safety, efficiency, and a good team attitude, the offer of a permanent contract is the standard outcome. We have a strong track record of placing temporary staff into permanent positions across all sectors, from warehouse jobs to office-based roles.
What shift patterns are typically available for Forklift Drivers in LS9?
Shift patterns vary by client. Common patterns in the Leeds LS9 area include: Day Shifts (e.g., 6am-2pm, 8am-4pm, 10am-6pm), Afternoon/Late Shifts (2pm-10pm), and Night Shifts (10pm-6am). Some operations run 24/7 and may offer continental shift patterns. We discuss your availability and preferences during registration to match you with suitable roles. We also have a wide range of weekend jobs and part-time roles across the UK.
How does payment work when I'm placed through Recruitment Agency London?
You are employed by Recruitment Agency London for the duration of your assignment. We handle all payroll, tax, and National Insurance deductions. You will submit timesheets (usually digitally) each week, which we verify with the client. Once approved, you are paid weekly directly into your bank account. All statutory benefits, including holiday pay accrual and pension auto-enrolment (if eligible), are provided. It's a seamless, professional service used by thousands of temporary workers across sectors, from support workers to skilled Forklift Drivers.
Your Local Partner for Leeds Jobs
Recruitment Agency London isn't just a name; we have dedicated consultants who specialise in the Yorkshire market, with deep knowledge of key industrial areas like Leeds LS9, Stourton, and Seacroft. We understand the local transport links, the major employers, and the specific skills they demand.
Whether you're a seasoned Forklift Driver or looking to start your career in logistics, we provide practical, honest advice and direct access to the best opportunities. Our service extends far beyond warehouse roles; we are a full-spectrum agency, also placing talent in facilities management, hospitality, and recruitment itself.
Explore More on Our Site
Find your perfect role or discover how we can support your business.
Recruitment Agency London is an equal opportunities employer and employment agency. We serve job seekers and businesses across Leeds, Yorkshire, and the wider UK.
© Recruitment Agency London. All rights reserved. Registered in England & Wales.
This job advert is for a genuine vacancy. Recruitment Agency London acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for temporary recruitment.
The LS9 Logistics Hub: Your Workplace Environment
The Leeds LS9 postcode, encompassing Crossgates, Seacroft, and Halton, is one of Yorkshire's most significant logistics and industrial corridors. Home to massive distribution centres for leading retail, manufacturing, and third-party logistics (3PL) companies, the area offers unparalleled job stability and variety for skilled Forklift Drivers. The sites you'll be working in are typically modern, high-volume environments designed for efficiency and safety.
Think expansive, clean warehouses with clear signage, well-maintained racking systems (often over 10 meters high), and dedicated pedestrian zones. Many facilities are temperature-controlled and operate 24/7, meaning shift patterns can be tailored to your lifestyle. The culture in these centres is fast-paced and team-oriented, where your role as a driver is directly linked to the success of the supply chain.
- Typical Site Features: Automated loading bays, voice-picking technology, on-site canteens, ample parking, and excellent public transport links to central Leeds.
- Team Structure: You'll work alongside a team of fellow FLT drivers, warehouse operatives, shift supervisors, and inventory clerks, reporting to a Warehouse Manager or Team Leader.
- Career Pathway: Starting as a temp driver can lead to roles like Trainer, FLT Instructor, Shift Controller, or even moving into planning and supervisory positions within 12-18 months.
A Day in the Life of an LS9 Forklift Driver
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of a typical early shift for a Counterbalance Driver in one of our partnered LS9 warehouses:
This is an example; actual duties vary by client and shift pattern.
Case Study: From Temp Driver to Permanent Team Lead
Mark's Journey with Recruitment Agency London
Mark, a qualified Counterbalance and Reach Truck driver from Seacroft, registered with us in early 2023. He was placed in a temporary role at a large 3PL facility in LS9, initially on a 12-week contract. His primary duty was loading outbound trailers.
Within a month, Mark's reliability, proactive communication (he flagged a recurring racking fault), and willingness to train on their specific Warehouse Management System (WMS) were noted by the site management. Our consultant maintained weekly check-ins with Mark and the client.
After 10 weeks, the client requested to move Mark to a permanent contract through our agency. Six months later, following internal upskilling we helped facilitate, Mark was promoted to a Team Lead position, overseeing a small group of temporary and permanent drivers. He now plays a key role in onboarding new drivers we supply.
"Registering with Recruitment Agency London was the best decision. They didn't just find me a job; they found me a career path. The weekly pay was rock solid, and having a consultant who actually visited the site made all the difference."
Navigating the Application & Compliance Process
Transparency is key. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on what happens after you apply, and the essential compliance documents you’ll need for a seamless start.
Your Roadmap to Day One
Initial Screening Call
Within 4 working hours of your application, a Yorkshire-based consultant will call you. This 15-minute chat confirms your licence details, experience, availability, and salary expectations. It’s also your chance to ask questions about the role and our agency.
Document Submission & Compliance
You’ll receive a secure link to upload your documents. We must verify these before we can submit you to any client. This stage often causes delays, so having your files ready is crucial for a fast start.
Client Introduction & Interview
Once compliant, your profile is presented to the hiring manager. Interviews for roles like this are often practical and informal – a site tour and a chat with the Warehouse Manager. We coordinate the time and provide you with all the details.
Offer, Onboarding & Start
Upon a successful interview, we extend a formal offer of employment from our agency. You'll complete digital onboarding (contract, bank details, etc.). We then provide a detailed start pack: site address, contact, start time, dress code, and parking instructions. Your first day begins!
Essential Compliance Documents Checklist
To work through our agency, you must provide the following. Start gathering these now to accelerate your application.
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Proof of Right to Work
A clear photo/scan of your valid UK/Irish passport, OR your Birth Certificate + proof of National Insurance, OR a valid Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
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Forklift Licence & Certificates
Front and back of your physical card (RTITB/NPORS/etc.) AND a copy of your certificate. Ensure they are in-date. Expired licences cannot be accepted.
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Proof of Address
A recent utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill (less than 3 months old) showing your current address. This is a mandatory requirement for our payroll and DBS checks.
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National Insurance Number
Your National Insurance card, letter from HMRC, or a payslip/P60 clearly showing your NI number.
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DBS Check (Client Specific)
Some clients, especially in pharmaceuticals or high-value goods, require a basic DBS check. We can process this for you quickly online for a small fee, but only if required.
Our online portal uses bank-level encryption. Your documents are safe and are only used for mandatory employment compliance.
Industry Insights: The Demand for FLT Drivers in Leeds
Demand Growth
Year-on-year increase in FLT driver vacancies across the Leeds city region, driven by e-commerce and new distribution centres.
Skill Premium
Average annual salary increase for drivers who add a Reach Truck licence to their Counterbalance certification.
Temp-to-Perm Rate
Of our temporary FLT placements in LS9 who want a permanent role secure one within 6 months, based on 2023 data.
The logistics sector in Leeds is not just growing; it's evolving. Drivers are now expected to interact with complex Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), handle higher-value goods, and adhere to increasingly stringent safety and audit protocols. This professionalisation of the role is why reliable, skilled drivers are in such high demand and command competitive rates. By partnering with an agency that understands these trends, you position yourself at the forefront of the job market, not just as a driver, but as a logistics professional.