HGV Class 1 Driver

AC Goatham & Son; Rochester; On-site; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to delivering the finest British apples and pears as an HGV Class 1 Driver. In this essential role, you will ensure the safe and secure transport of goods, adhering to all UK driving regulations and prioritizing environmental respect. With a focus on safety and customer satisfaction, you will operate various types of vehicles and occasionally spend nights away from home. This established family business offers a supportive environment where your skills and dedication will be valued, along with competitive pay and a range of benefits. If you are ready to take on a rewarding driving position, we want to hear from you!

Benefits

28 days holiday including bank holidays

Pension scheme

Fortnightly pay

Learning and development opportunities

Discretionary Christmas bonus

Free onsite parking

Access to free Wi-Fi

Free fresh fruit

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid HGV Class 1 license and Tacho Card.
• Experience operating HGV Class 1 vehicles is essential.

Responsibilities

• Transport goods safely while adhering to UK driving laws.
• Ensure cleanliness of vehicles and compliance with safety protocols.
• Provide excellent service to customers and maintain accurate paperwork.

Skills

HGV Class 1 driving

Health and safety protocols

Manual handling

Customer service

Forklift operation

Education

HGV Class 1 license

PSV license (advantageous)

Job description

Our growing business has been all about British apples and pears since 1947.

From father to son, every day for over 75 years, our family business is growing. We innovate and change but our values always stay the same. We are a team who pride ourselves on the Goatham’s way, passionate about growing the very best quality British apples and pears.

We have excellent opportunities available for experienced and responsible individuals to join our transport department in the role of HGV Class 1 Driver. The purpose of this role is to ensure our goods are transported both safely and securely. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring strict adherence to UK driving laws and legislation and ensuring respect for the environment and public. Please note, vehicles are allocated on a job basis and therefore you will not necessarily be assigned a permanent truck to operate.

Responsibilities Include:

• Ensuring all aspects of safety and customer site rules are adhered to.
• Ensuring all transport legislation including driver’s hours and vehicle defect reporting is adhered to.
• Taking responsibility for the security of any products carried whilst in transit. This can include long distance journeys which may mean spending occasional nights away from home.
• To drive in a safe and economic manner in line with UK driving laws and legislation.
• Carrying out various trailer work; including chilled refrigerators, curtain siders, low loaders and containers.
• Ensuring all delivery and collection notes and paperwork are correct.
• Providing accurate paperwork relevant to debriefing of allocated jobs.
• Providing an exceptional standard of service to our customers and colleagues.
• Operating a forklift or pump truck as and when required to load and/or unload vehicles.
• Maintaining cleanliness of company vehicles and wearing any PPE as required.
• Occasional operating of our 30-seater company bus.

Our perfect HGV Class 1 Driver would have:

• A HGV Class 1 license and current Tacho Card is essential.
• A PSV license would prove advantageous, or alternatively the willingness to undertake the training (funded by the company).
• Proven working experience of operating HGV Class 1 Vehicles is essential.
• Understanding of and adherence to health and safety protocols and food hygiene standards.
• The ability to interpret and follow written and spoken instructions.
• Comfortable with a physical role where manual handling is a frequent requirement.
• A can-do attitude with the ability to use own initiative.
• The ability to commit to a flexible and often unsociable working pattern and hours.

The hours you would work:

An average of a 55 hour working week comprising of a rolling shift pattern of 5 on 1 off (week one) and 5 on 2 off (week 2). Please note, this averages as 1 in 12 full weekends off.

Rate of pay:

GBP17.36 for the first 40 hours.

GBP21.70 after 40 hours.

An additional allowance paid for overnight stays.

Additional bonus paid for driving of 30-seater buses.

What else we can offer you:

• 28 days holiday including bank holidays (with an opportunity to earn more holiday based on your length of service).
• Pension scheme.
• Fortnightly pay.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Discretionary Christmas bonus.
• Free onsite parking.
• Access to free Wi-Fi.
• Free fresh fruit!