Forklift Driver (Counterbalance) Jobs in Portsmouth PO1 | Immediate Start
Staff Direct is urgently recruiting skilled and certified Forklift Drivers (Counterbalance) for immediate temporary-to-permanent placements in the Portsmouth PO1 area. Secure competitive pay, flexible shifts, and a fast-track registration process today.
Location
Portsmouth PO1
Local industrial estates & logistics hubs
Start Date
Immediate
ASAP starts available this week
Pay Rate
£13.50 - £16.50 p/h
Competitive, based on experience & shift
Contract Type
Temp-to-Perm
Ongoing work with permanent potential
Job Description: Forklift Driver (Counterbalance) – Portsmouth PO1
Staff Direct is partnering with leading logistics, distribution, and manufacturing clients in the Portsmouth PO1 area to recruit experienced and safety-conscious Forklift Drivers specialising in counterbalance operations. This role is critical to the smooth running of warehouse and supply chain operations across the Solent region, supporting everything from retail distribution to naval supply chains for which Portsmouth is famous.
As a trusted local recruitment agency, we understand the specific demands of the Portsmouth market. We don't just fill vacancies; we match skilled Warehouse Operatives and drivers with employers who value reliability and efficiency. Whether you're seeking an immediate start to bridge a gap or a long-term career move, registering with Staff Direct gives you access to unadvertised roles and a personal consultant dedicated to your next step in Portsmouth.
Key Responsibilities & Daily Duties
In this hands-on role, you will be an integral part of the warehouse team. Your primary focus will be the safe and efficient movement of goods, but your day will be varied and physically engaging.
- Safely operating a counterbalance forklift to load, unload, and transport palletised goods within a busy warehouse or yard environment.
- Conducting daily pre-use checks (PUWER) and basic maintenance reporting on your assigned equipment to ensure maximum safety and uptime.
- Working closely with the warehouse team to accurately pick orders, replenish stock, and maintain organised storage locations.
- Stacking and destacking pallets at height safely, adhering to all site-specific health & safety protocols and weight limits.
- Assisting with general warehouse duties when required, which may include manual handling, packing, or inventory checks.
- Using warehouse management systems (WMS) or RF scanners to track movements and ensure inventory accuracy.
Essential Requirements & Qualifications
To be successful in this role and ensure your safety and that of your colleagues, you must meet the following criteria. Our clients in Portsmouth have high standards, and we are looking for reliable professionals.
Mandatory Requirements:
- A valid, in-date Counterbalance Forklift Licence (RTITB, ITSSAR, NPORS, or equivalent). Proof will be required.
- Proven, recent experience operating a counterbalance forklift in a commercial/industrial setting.
- A strong, unwavering commitment to health and safety practices.
- The right to work in the UK indefinitely (we will conduct right-to-work checks).
Highly Desirable Skills & Attributes:
- Experience with Bendi/Reach trucks or other MHE.
- Flexibility to work days, nights, and weekends.
- Good numeric and verbal communication skills.
- Team player attitude with a proactive work ethic.
Salary, Pay & Benefits Package
We believe in rewarding skill and reliability fairly. Our pay structures are transparent and designed to be competitive within the Portsmouth logistics sector.
Standard Pay Rates
£13.50 - £15.00
Per hour, days
Depending on experience and specific client.
Enhanced & Night Shifts
£14.50 - £16.50
Per hour, nights/weekends
Premiums for unsocial hours and specialist sites.
Overtime Potential
1.5x Rate
Paid at time-and-a-half
Regular opportunities for additional hours.
Additional Benefits of Working with Staff Direct
Weekly Pay & Pension
Get paid reliably every week. We also offer auto-enrolment pension options.
Career Progression
Many of our temp roles lead to permanent positions. We've helped countless Warehouse Operatives secure long-term careers.
Flexible Shifts
We offer a variety of shift patterns to suit your lifestyle – days, nights, part-time, and weekend work.
Dedicated Support
You'll have a named consultant who knows the local Portsmouth market and fights your corner.
How to Apply for This Forklift Driver Role
The application process with Staff Direct is designed to be fast and straightforward, getting you from enquiry to worksite in the shortest possible time. We understand you need work now.
Apply Online or Call
Click 'Apply Now' or call 020 3627 5550 to speak to our Portsmouth team.
Quick Registration
We'll verify your licence, right-to-work, and experience swiftly over the phone or online.
Interview & Briefing
A short interview (often same-day) to discuss your skills and match you to the right client.
Start Your Shift
Receive your assignment details, safety brief, and start work – often within 24-48 hours.
Ready to Get Started?
This Forklift Driver (Counterbalance) role in Portsmouth PO1 is actively being filled. Don't miss out on this immediate start opportunity. For the fastest response, apply online now. Alternatively, you can contact our team directly via email or phone.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected].
Why Choose Staff Direct?
As a leading temporary staffing agency with deep roots in the South Coast, we specialise in connecting skilled industrial staff with reputable employers across Portsmouth and Hampshire.
- Local Expertise: We know the Portsmouth PO1 industrial landscape intimately – from the naval docks to the Lakeside industrial estate.
- Speed & Efficiency: Our registration process is optimised for speed. We've perfected the art of the immediate start, getting you to work when you need it most.
- Wide Network: We work with a diverse portfolio of clients, meaning more job opportunities for you, from short-term cover to long-term contract staffing roles.
- Trust & Transparency: We're upfront about pay rates, shift patterns, and contract details. No hidden fees or surprises.
Ace Your Forklift Role
Watch our quick guide on what top recruiters look for in warehouse professionals. Essential viewing for anyone serious about their logistics career.
Video: How Top Recruiters SPOT the BEST Warehouse Workers
Other Urgent Roles in Portsmouth
If this specific counterbalance role isn't quite right, we have a constant stream of immediate start jobs in the area. Browse a selection below or see our full job board.
Warehouse Operative
Portsmouth PO2 | £12.00-£13.50 p/h
Picker/Packer
Havant PO9 | £11.80-£12.80 p/h
Reach Truck Driver
Portsmouth PO1 | £14.00-£15.50 p/h
Warehouse Team Leader
Waterlooville PO7 | £14.50-£16.00 p/h
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. For this specific counterbalance forklift driver role, you must hold a valid, in-date counterbalance licence from a recognised accrediting body (RTITB, ITSSAR, NPORS, etc.). We cannot place you on site without verified proof of your certification and relevant experience. If you need licence renewal or training, we can often point you towards trusted local providers in Portsmouth.
For candidates with all documents ready (licence, right-to-work, references), we regularly achieve starts within 24-48 hours. The process involves a quick phone registration, submission of your documents via email, and a site-specific briefing. The"immediate start" tag is genuine – our clients in Portsmouth often have urgent cover needs. Check out our guide on finding jobs through temp agencies to understand the speed advantage.
Many of our temporary placements have a strong potential to become permanent (temp-to-perm). Clients use the initial temporary period to assess skills, reliability, and team fit. Demonstrating a strong work ethic, punctuality, and a safety-first attitude significantly increases your chances of being offered a permanent contract. We actively advocate for our workers when permanent positions arise.
Always wear sturdy, safety-toe footwear (steel-toe cap boots are mandatory on virtually all sites). Wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing suitable for physical work (no loose sleeves or jewellery). Bring your photo ID for site access, and if you have them, your own hi-vis vest and hard hat. Your consultant will provide specific instructions for each assignment, including any PPE the client will supply.
Your Next Forklift Driving Job in Portsmouth Awaits
Stop searching and start earning. With competitive rates, weekly pay, and a dedicated local team, Staff Direct is your fastest route to a reliable income as a Forklift Driver in PO1.
Prefer to talk? Call our Portsmouth team on 020 3627 5550.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected].
Staff Direct – Portsmouth
Your local partner for temporary and permanent recruitment across industrial, warehouse, driving, and commercial sectors in the Portsmouth region.
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A Day in the Life: Portsmouth PO1 Warehouse Environments
Understanding the specific work environment is key to success. Our clients in the Portsmouth PO1 postcode operate across diverse sectors, each with its own rhythm and demands. Your role as a Counterbalance Forklift Driver will adapt accordingly.
1 Naval & Defence Supply Chains
Portsmouth is home to a major naval base, and many supporting logistics hubs handle specialised goods. Work here often involves:
- Handling high-value, often sensitive components with enhanced security protocols and meticulous documentation.
- Operating in large-scale, high-bay storage facilities requiring precision stacking at significant heights.
- Adhering to strict DEF STAN or similar standards, where safety and procedure are non-negotiable.
2 Retail & E-Commerce Fulfilment Hubs
Serving South Coast consumers, these fast-paced environments are driven by tight deadlines and volume.
- Peak season intensity (e.g., Black Friday, Christmas) where shift patterns extend and efficiency is paramount.
- Constant interaction with order pickers and packers, requiring clear communication to avoid congestion.
- Moving diverse product ranges, from bulky home goods to fragile electronics, demanding adaptable handling skills.
Mastering Challenging Manoeuvres: Beyond Basic Operation
True proficiency as a Counterbalance Driver in Portsmouth's often compact or crowded sites means excelling at complex tasks. We look for drivers who can demonstrate skill in:
| Manoeuvre/Situation | Skill Required | Why It Matters in PO1 |
|---|---|---|
| Loading/Unloading curtain-sided lorries | Precision in confined spaces, blind spot awareness, communication with HGV drivers. | Many Portsmouth industrial estates have tight yard spaces. Efficiency here keeps entire supply chains on schedule. |
| Working in multi-use yard spaces | 360° situational awareness, adherence to site traffic plans, patience. | Shared spaces with pedestrians, vans, and other plant machinery are common. Safety is the top priority. |
| Handling non-standard loads | Risk assessment, use of appropriate attachments (e.g., drum handlers, clamps), securing loads. | The port city economy means varied cargo – from marine equipment to packaged food. Adaptability secures the best long-term roles. |
Our Rigorous Vetting & Ongoing Support: Your Safety Net
Staff Direct's reputation with Portsmouth employers is built on sending them reliable, pre-vetted professionals. Our process isn't just a formality; it's a structured system designed to prepare you for success and protect you on site.
The Three-Stage Licence & Competency Check
Document Verification
We physically inspect your licence card, check accreditation body validity, and confirm its in-date status. We also verify your right-to-work documents (passport, biometric residence permit, etc.) as per UK law.
Experience Interview
Our consultants, many with logistics backgrounds, conduct a detailed verbal assessment. We'll ask about the types of trucks you've operated, environments you've worked in, load weights, and how you've handled near-misses or safety concerns. This gauges practical knowledge beyond the certificate.
Client-Specific Briefing
Before any placement, you receive a comprehensive brief covering site-specific rules, key contacts, parking, PPE requirements, and unique hazards. For example, a site near Portsmouth's dockyard might have specific rules about mobile phone use or access zones.
Continuous Support & Welfare Checks
Our relationship doesn't end when you start a shift. We operate a proactive support system:
-
First-Week Check-Ins
Your consultant will contact you during your first week to ensure you've settled in, the role is as described, and you're being paid correctly. This early intervention solves 95% of potential issues.
-
Payroll Advocacy
If there's ever a discrepancy with your timesheet or pay, our dedicated payroll team intervenes directly with the client. You have a professional team negotiating on your behalf, ensuring you are paid for every hour worked.
Building Your Logistics Career in Portsmouth
Starting as a Counterbalance Forklift Driver is often the first step on a rewarding career ladder within the Solent region's vital logistics sector. Staff Direct actively supports your progression.
Typical Career Pathway for a Skilled Driver
Certified Counterbalance Driver
Mastering core operations, site safety, and proving reliability across various temporary assignments.
Staff Direct Support: We provide access to discounted RTITB Refresher Courses and recommend trusted local trainers in Portsmouth to keep your licence and skills sharp.
Progression Opportunity: We identify clients willing to train reliable drivers on Reach, Bendi, or PPT trucks, often upskilling temps they wish to retain permanently.
Multi-Skilled Plant Operative
Adding reach truck, sideloader, or crane operation to your skillset, significantly increasing your value and pay rate.
Warehouse Team Leader / FLT Instructor
Leveraging hands-on experience to move into supervision, training, or coordination roles, overseeing processes and mentoring new drivers.
Staff Direct Advocacy: We actively put forward suitable, experienced candidates for permanent supervisory positions with our client partners, providing references and endorsements.
The Portsmouth Advantage: Local Industry Insights
Working through Staff Direct gives you an insider's view of the local job market. Currently, we are seeing high demand for drivers with experience in temperature-controlled environments (due to several major food distributors in the region) and for those familiar with yard management systems (YMS) used at the port-linked logistics parks. Expressing interest in these areas during your registration can steer you towards the most stable and well-paid long-term assignments.