Job Description

Telehandler Operator

Location: Stockton-on-Tees, Teesside

Agency: Search Consultancy (Construction & Trades Division)

Payment Terms: PAYE or Umbrella (Weekly Pay, Friday Processed)

Start Date: Immediate (Subject to reference and credential verification)

Duration: Short-term contract (Approximately 2 weeks' cover)

Search Consultancy is currently recruiting for an experienced, safety-focused Telehandler Operator to join a fast-paced commercial construction project centrally located in Stockton-on-Tees.

This contract is a critical operational cover role expected to last for a duration of approximately two weeks. It offers an immediate start for an operator who can hit the ground running, integrate seamlessly with the existing site management team, and maintain momentum on-site. If you are a local operator looking to fill a gap between longer contracts with a reputable agency, this is an ideal deployment.

We believe in complete transparency regarding remuneration. For this position, you can choose between two clear payment methods depending on your personal business setup:

• PAYE Rate: 17.20 per hour (Direct payroll, plus accrued holiday pay, statutory pension contributions, and zero hidden admin fees)

• Umbrella Rate: 23.20 per hour (Gross assignment rate via a vetted, compliant umbrella payroll provider)

As the primary Telehandler Operator on-site, your day-to-day duties will require high focus, adaptability, and strict adherence to plant safety standards. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Safe Plant Operation: Operating a telescopic handler ranging in size to lift, transport, and position bulk materials, heavy components, and equipment across varied terrain.

• Loading & Offloading Operations: Safely receiving incoming delivery wagons (including flatbeds and hiabs), verifying goods against delivery dockets, and strategically offloading materials to minimise double-handling.

• Proactive Trade Support: Directing and distributing essential materials-such as brick packs, timber packs, steelwork, and mortar tubs-to scaffolding platforms and designated work faces to ensure subcontractors experience zero downtime.

• Daily Fleet Inspections: Conducting comprehensive pre-use vehicle inspections every morning (checking fluid levels, tire pressures, hydraulics, mirrors, and safety alarms), recording findings in the site logbook, and immediately reporting any defects to the Site Manager.

• Site Navigation & Safety: Competently maneuvering the machine through tight site footprints, around fixed structures, and over challenging ground conditions while adjusting driving style for changing weather.

• H&S Compliance: Adhering strictly to site speed limits, designated traffic management routes, and lifting plans. You will work in close coordination with a qualified vehicle banksman or slinger/signaller whenever visibility is compromised or high-risk maneuvers are required.

To be considered for this position, you must explicitly meet the following criteria before deployment:

• CPCS or NPORS Certification: Must hold a valid CPCS card (Blue Competent Operator preferred) or a fully accredited NPORS card featuring the Telescopic Handler category (Industrial Telescopic Handler or All Sizes endorsements).

• Safety Critical Medical: A current and valid Safety Critical Medical certificate (Fit for Work) is mandatory for this plant-operating position and will be verified prior to arrival on site.

• Demonstrable Experience: A proven track record operating telehandlers on busy, high-volume commercial build, civil engineering, or large-scale residential developments. You must be confident working around active tradespeople.

• Full PPE: Possession of standard 5-point site protective equipment (Hard hat, high-visibility vest/jacket, steel toe-cap boots with ankle support, protective gloves, and safety glasses).

• Professional Reference: Ability to supply the contact details of a recent Site Manager or supervisor who can vouch for your operating standards, reliability, and punctuality.

• Right to Work: Valid, verifiable right to work within the United Kingdom.

• Zero Payroll Stress: Your timesheets are processed efficiently by our dedicated payroll desk, ensuring your money is in your account every Friday without fail.

• Compliant Practices: Search works strictly within HMRC guidelines, ensuring whether you choose PAYE or Umbrella, your payments are fully compliant and transparent.

• The Search Network: While this specific assignment is fixed at approximately two weeks, our Tees Valley and broader North East construction desks are exceptionally busy. Reliable, punctual operators who perform well during short-term cover positions are systematically prioritized for transition directly onto our upcoming long-term commercial and industrial projects in the local area.

Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age