Handyperson and Driver

Role overview

Charles River Laboratories is hiring a full-time Handyperson/Driver for its Safety Assessment location in Tranent, EH33 2NE, near Edinburgh. The role is based on site and offers a 36.25-hour work week, with regular overtime available.

The standard shift runs from Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:00. There may also be occasional cover for holidays or sickness in other business areas, with shifts starting at 05:30 and ending at 13:00.

The annual salary for this position is £24,050.50, paid monthly. Benefits mentioned for the role include private healthcare, a bonus, pension, an on-site free gym, a subsidised cafeteria, and other employee perks.

Responsibilities

• Carry out day-to-day upkeep of building fabric, including small joinery and plumbing jobs, along with janitorial support.
• Use a range of hand tools confidently, including both manual and powered equipment.
• Perform general site maintenance tasks such as painting, clearing drains, and repairing roof leaks.
• Handle site housekeeping duties, including tidying the premises, clearing and gritting roads and footpaths, collecting litter, and emptying waste bins.
• Drive company vehicles, including a counterbalance forklift; training will be provided for the forklift element.

Requirements

• A full, clean UK driving licence is essential.
• Prior experience in a similar role or environment is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with hand tools and power tools is required.
• Forklift certification would be an advantage, though it is not mandatory because training will be given to the successful candidate.
• Ability to work well as part of a team, while also being comfortable working independently when needed.

About the employer

Charles River supports the development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies through its safety assessment and broader research services. The company works across preclinical development, regulatory support, clinical laboratory testing, and manufacturing-related services.

With a global workforce of more than 20,000 employees across 110 facilities in over 20 countries, Charles River serves pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, government bodies, hospitals, and academic institutions. The organisation places strong emphasis on improving health outcomes, scientific quality, and diversity and inclusion.

Additional information

This position is part of the Safety Assessment function, where the team helps partners move preclinical drug development forward efficiently through specialist toxicology services, IND-enabling studies, tailored project support, and laboratory services.

The employer notes that it has contributed to the development of 80% of FDA-approved drugs over the last five years.

The company states that it values all talent and is committed to diversity and inclusion in its hiring and workplace practices.