Driver (FTC)

DRNewitt; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

DRNewitt is seeking a delivery driver to safely transport chilled and frozen goods to customers in the Thatcham area on a seasonal fixed-term contract. You will work around 45 hours per week on delivery routes with occasional supplier collections and be ready for early starts.

There may be times when you assist with production tasks. A confident, safety‑minded driver with a current UK license and good attention to detail will fit well in this role.

Qualifications

• Full, current UK driving license and a clean driving record.
• Experience in delivery driving or food distribution.
• Able to load and unload products safely.
• Reliable, punctual and able to plan routes independently.
• Willingness to work flexible hours during peak periods.

Responsibilities

• Deliver chilled and frozen products to customers on time and safely.
• Check orders, labels and delivery paperwork before departure.
• Maintain temperature controls and complete temperature records.
• Collect products from approved suppliers and verify documentation.
• Support production duties when required.

Skills

Full UK driving license

Delivery experience

Food distribution knowledge

Load/unload safely

Punctuality

Attention to detail

Route planning

Right to work in UK

Temp-controlled logistics

Health and safety awareness

Job description

Hours: 45 hours per week, with hours reflecting delivery routes, seasonal collections and operational requirements

Contract: Seasonal Fixed-Term Contract – 5 months

Job Purpose

To safely and professionally deliver chilled and frozen products to customers and collect products from approved suppliers. The role is responsible for maintaining product quality, traceability, food safety and customer service throughout deliveries and collections. The driver will also support general production duties when required.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Deliveries

Load, transport and deliver chilled or frozen products safely and on time.

Check orders, labels and delivery paperwork before departure.

Maintain required temperature controls and complete temperature records.

Handle products carefully to prevent damage, contamination or temperature loss.

Obtain delivery confirmation and report shortages, damage, refusals or customer queries.

Provide professional and courteous service to customers.

Collect products from approved suppliers according to collection schedules.

Check supplier details, required documentation, labels and traceability information.

Carry out basic acceptance checks, including condition, cleanliness, contamination and suitability for transport.

Maintain correct identification and separation of products, suppliers and batches.

Load and secure products safely and hygienically.

Record quantities, weights, temperatures, collection times and discrepancies as required.

Reject unsuitable or inadequately documented product unless authorised by management.

Vehicle, Hygiene & Compliance

Complete daily vehicle safety, cleanliness and refrigeration checks.

Keep vehicles, load areas and handling equipment clean and hygienic.

Follow food-safety, HACCP, traceability, biosecurity, allergen and segregation procedures.

Wear required PPE and follow hygiene requirements.

Comply with road traffic law, drivers' hours, load limits and relevant driving procedures.

Report accidents, damage, breakdowns, temperature deviations, spillages and safety concerns promptly.

Safeguard keys, fuel cards, paperwork, devices and customer or supplier information.

Operational Support

Assist with loading, unloading, stock movement, packaging, cleaning and other reasonable plant duties.

Work flexibly with production, intake, despatch, quality and management teams.

Complete delivery, collection, vehicle, temperature and traceability records accurately.

The role involves driving, manual handling and working in chilled environments around food products. Early starts, variable hours and additional hours may be required during peak seasonal periods. Duties may reasonably vary according to operational, seasonal, legal or customer requirements.

Skills & Experience

Full, current UK driving license suitable for the vehicle used and a safe driving record.

Experience in delivery driving, food distribution, agriculture or a similar practical role.

Ability to safely load and unload products.

Reliable, punctual and able to plan routes and work independently.

Strong attention to detail with labels, quantities, paperwork, temperatures and traceability.

Clear and professional communication skills.

Willingness to work flexible hours during peak periods.

Comfortable working in chilled environments and around food products.

Right to work in the UK.

Experience in food, agriculture or temperature-controlled logistics.

Food hygiene, manual-handling or health-and-safety training.

Experience with refrigerated vehicles and temperature-monitoring equipment.

Forklift, pallet-truck or relevant handling certification.

Experience in a quality-managed food business.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

Safety conscious and responsible.

Honest and accurate with records and procedures.

Professional and customer focused.

Reliable, flexible and willing to support the wider team.

Careful with vehicles, products, equipment and documentation.

Key Performance Measures

Deliveries and collections completed safely, accurately and on time.

Temperature, traceability and product-integrity requirements consistently maintained.

Accurate paperwork completed and returned promptly.

Vehicle maintained in a safe, clean and inspection-ready condition.

Professional service provided to customers and suppliers.

Issues and discrepancies escalated promptly.