Driver: Forklift – Premier FMCG
Vacancy Overview
Company: Premier FMCG
Position: Driver: Forklift
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Business Unit: PF711 – Premier Lil-lets Durban
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: FMCG / Manufacturing
Closing Date: 11 September 2026
About Premier FMCG
Premier FMCG is a leading organisation within South Africa’s fast-moving consumer goods industry, producing and distributing trusted brands across its Bakery, Milling, Confectionery, Home & Personal Care and Culinary divisions.
The company is focused on innovation, collaboration and maintaining a high-performance growth culture. Premier FMCG aims to empower its employees to strive for excellence while ensuring that both its products and people make a meaningful difference in the everyday lives of consumers.
The Driver: Forklift position is based at Premier Lil-lets Durban and plays an important role in the movement, storage and control of raw materials, packaging materials and finished stock within the facility.
The successful candidate will operate a forklift safely and efficiently while ensuring that stock is transported and stored in the correct locations. The role requires attention to detail, good housekeeping, adherence to FIFO principles and a strong commitment to health and safety.
Job Purpose
The primary purpose of the Driver: Forklift is to load and move stock within the department and receive and place replenishment stock in designated areas.
The successful candidate will support the smooth movement of materials around the factory and storage areas while ensuring that stock is handled safely, accurately and efficiently.
This position requires an individual who can work in a pressurised factory environment, follow instructions and maintain high standards of accountability and safety.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Forklift Driver will be responsible for the safe handling and movement of materials and stock throughout the facility.
Forklift Operations
Key responsibilities include:
- Maintaining the neatness and cleanliness of the forklift.
- Loading and offloading trucks.
- Moving pallet-packed materials around the site or storage facility.
- Transporting and stacking raw materials.
- Transporting and stacking raw and packaging materials according to FIFO (First In, First Out) principles.
- Ensuring that loads are properly secured before transportation.
- Ensuring all items are stored in their correct designated locations.
- Receiving replenishment stock and placing it appropriately.
Equipment Checks and Maintenance
The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining awareness of the forklift’s condition.
Duties include:
- Conducting required pre-operation checks before using the forklift.
- Performing equipment checks.
- Reporting identified defects, issues or maintenance requirements promptly.
- Carrying out basic equipment maintenance where required and within the scope of the position.
- Ensuring the forklift remains in a suitable condition for safe operation.
Stock Control
Accurate stock handling is an important part of this role.
The driver will:
- Assist with stock counts.
- Ensure materials are moved and stored correctly.
- Follow stock-control principles.
- Ensure raw and packaging materials are handled according to the required procedures.
- Apply FIFO principles when transporting and stacking materials.
- Maintain awareness of stock locations and ensure items are placed in the correct areas.
Housekeeping
The successful candidate must maintain good housekeeping standards within the working environment.
This includes keeping the forklift neat and contributing to a clean, organised and safe work area.
Health and Safety
Safety is a key responsibility of the position. The Forklift Driver must:
- Follow all applicable Health and Safety regulations.
- Apply safe working practices when operating the forklift.
- Ensure loads are secure before moving them.
- Follow workplace procedures and written instructions.
- Report unsafe conditions or equipment issues.
- Work responsibly to minimise risks to colleagues, stock, equipment and facilities.
Administration and Record Keeping
The role also requires the candidate to follow written instructions and maintain relevant records associated with forklift operations, stock movement and equipment checks.
Additional Responsibilities
The successful candidate may also be required to perform ad hoc tasks as assigned in support of the department and operational requirements.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Grade 12 / Matric.
- A valid Forklift Licence.
- At least 1–2 years’ experience in a similar position.
- Experience within an FMCG environment is required.
Candidates should have practical experience operating forklifts and handling stock or materials in a manufacturing, warehouse or FMCG environment.
Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following:
- Knowledge of safe working practices.
- Understanding of stock-control principles.
- Good communication skills.
- Strong sense of urgency.
- Results-oriented approach.
- Good numerical ability.
- Ability to work effectively within a team.
- Strong accountability.
- Self-motivation.
- Respect for colleagues, procedures and the workplace.
Because the role involves operating equipment and moving materials, candidates must take safety seriously and be able to follow instructions accurately.
Working Conditions
The Forklift Driver will work in a factory environment and should be comfortable operating in a pressurised workplace.
The position may require the successful candidate to work outside normal working hours depending on operational requirements.
Applicants should therefore be flexible and prepared to meet the working-hour requirements of the business.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be a qualified and experienced forklift operator who understands the importance of safe material handling, stock control and workplace discipline.
The successful candidate should be reliable, self-motivated and accountable, with the ability to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy and safety standards.
Good teamwork and communication skills are important because the driver will interact with colleagues across the department and contribute to the broader operational goals of the facility.
Candidates should also be comfortable performing physical and operational duties in a factory environment and be willing to assist with additional tasks when required.
Diversity and Inclusion
Premier FMCG is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all suitably qualified individuals.
The company also welcomes applications from people living with disabilities.
By submitting an application, candidates consent to the processing of their personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act) for recruitment purposes.
Employment Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Driver: Forklift |
| Company | Premier FMCG |
| Business Unit | PF711 – Premier Lil-lets Durban |
| Location | Durban, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Employment | Full-Time |
| Industry | FMCG / Manufacturing |
| Qualification | Grade 12 / Matric |
| Licence | Forklift Licence |
| Experience | 1–2 years in a similar FMCG position |
| Environment | Factory / Pressurised |
| Working Hours | May include outside normal hours |
| Closing Date | 11 September 2026 |
Application Information
Interested candidates should ensure they meet the minimum requirements before applying. In particular, applicants must have Grade 12, a valid Forklift Licence and 1–2 years of relevant experience in an FMCG environment.
Candidates should also be prepared to work in a pressurised factory environment and outside normal working hours when operationally required.
Closing Date
📅 11 September 2026
Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.