Job Description

We need someone who provides safe, competent forklift operation across receiving, picking support, staging, and loading. As the primary licensed operator, keeps the site's mechanical handling running to schedule, maintains the equipment, and supports stock counts without compromising the independence of the count.

WHAT THE JOB ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE

• Operate the forklift(s) safely to receive, stage, and load stock according to the Supervisor's daily schedule.
• Perform mandatory pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections (tyres, forks, hydraulics, battery/fuel, warning devices) and log findings.
• Report mechanical faults, near-misses, or damage immediately and take the forklift out of service if unsafe.
• Move pallets as directed to support weekly cycle counts and the monthly full stocktake, without personally performing or verifying the count itself.
• Maintain safe stacking, aisle clearance, and racking load limits at all times.
• Assist with training and supervising backup/casual drivers on safe operating procedure.
• Complete housekeeping of the forklift charging/refuelling area and equipment storage as part of daily housekeeping.
• Hold and maintain a valid forklift operator licence/certification for the equipment in use, and renew before expiry.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Valid, current forklift operator licence/certification for the equipment class in use (e.g. counterbalance).
• Medical fitness certificate where required by local regulation.
• Demonstrated safe operating record; manual handling and warehouse safety training.
• Basic literacy for inspection logs and dispatch/receiving documentation.

WHAT YOU GET

You're the primary licensed operator on site; the person the schedule depends on. You'll build real responsibility over time, including training and supervising other drivers, while your licence and record are supported and kept current.

WHO WE ARE

Hungry Lion started as one store in Stellenbosch in 1997, built on great food and genuine energy. Today that idea runs across 500+ stores in multiple African countries, and we're still growing — backed by smart use of AI and technology and people who think differently. Whether you're on the floor, in the kitchen, or at HQ, you shape what this brand becomes. The best of Hungry Lion is still ahead, and we're looking for people who want to help build it

By submitting my application, I consent to Hungry Lion securely processing my CV and data using artificial intelligence (AI) tools for recruitment and evaluation purposes in compliance with POPIA.