HGV Class 2 Driver

Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc; Stockport; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health cash plan

Pension

Life assurance

CPC training

Cycle to work

Refer a Friend (£500)

Flexible working

Employee assistance

Job summary

Hovis Bakeries is recruiting a professional HGV Class 2 Relief Driver to deliver bakery products across the Stockport region. You will cover a variety of routes and shifts, ensuring on-time deliveries and excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment.

We offer a 48-hour week, rotating pattern, weekend work, and a generous benefits package including a £39,254.89 salary, pension contributions, health plans, CPC training, and more.

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence with Category C entitlement.
• Driver Qualification Card (CPC) and Digital Tachograph Card.
• No more than 6 penalty points.
• Experience in food distribution or retail logistics advantageous.
• Newly qualified drivers welcome.

Responsibilities

• Deliver bakery products to customers and stores across the region.
• Cover various routes and shifts to support the operation.
• Maintain daily vehicle checks and safety compliance.
• Provide excellent customer service on every delivery.
• Work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Safety-conscious

Customer service

Education

Full UK driving licence with Category C entitlement

Driver Qualification Card CPC

Digital Tachograph Card

Job description

Allied Bakeries are owned by Associated British Foods. ABF is a diversified international food, ingredients and retail group with sales of £20.1bn and 138,000 employees in 56 countries. It has significant businesses in Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia and Australia. Our sister companies in ABF UK Grocery produce products under many market‑leading household brands, including Jordans, Ryvita, Pataks, Blue Dragon & Silver Spoon.

We are proud of our brands: we make top 10 UK grocery brand Kingsmill as well as Allinson’s and Sunblest. You’ll know us best through our white, wholemeal and seeded market‑leading loaves, as well as Kingsmill 50/50, the nation’s favourite Healthier White, and our delicious pancakes, crumpets, hot cross buns and other bakery products.

The success of our business depends on us having the right people on the team. We are incredibly passionate about our business, but it isn’t for the faint‑hearted – it’s pacey and demanding so our people need to have a positive attitude and to want to work inclusively. We take massive pride in what we do, not least in how colleagues based in our bakeries and depots have one of the best safety performance records in the industry.

Our Grocery Service Centre, based near Liverpool, is a hub for transactional activity across multiple ABF companies within the ABF Grocery division. Supporting some of our well‑known brands such as Kingsmill, Pataks, Blue Dragon, Jordans, Ryvita and Silver Spoon, amongst others. We deliver Shared Service activities across a wide range of disciplines including Customer Services, Consumer Care, Finance, Payroll, HR and IS.

If you’re looking to join a business that is passionate, encourages you to be the best you can be, and values its people, we’d love to hear from you.

Overview Of Role

Location: Stockport

Looking for your next driving opportunity?

Whether you're an experienced HGV Class 2 Driver or have recently passed your test, Hovis Bakeries (formerly Allied Bakeries) is offering a fantastic opportunity to join our team in Stockport, Manchester on a full‑time, permanent basis.

What's in it for you?

• Permanent employment with a well‑known bakery brand
• Competitive pay and excellent benefits package
• Full training inc Annual CPC and ongoing support
• Opportunity to gain valuable experience and build a long‑term career
• Structured shift pattern with regular days off

About The Role

As an HGV Class 2 Relief Driver, you'll be responsible for delivering our bakery products to customers and stores across the region, ensuring our products arrive safely and on time.

You'll play a key role in supporting the operation by covering a variety of routes and shifts, making flexibility and adaptability essential. Every day can be different, giving you the opportunity to gain broad driving experience while working as part of a supportive team.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for professional, safety‑focused drivers who take pride in delivering excellent service. Newly qualified drivers are encouraged to apply, as this role offers a great platform to develop your skills and experience.

Working Pattern

• 48 hours per week
• 8‑week rotating shift pattern (5 days on, 3 days off)
• Includes weekends and bank holidays
• Start times between 2:00am and 4:30am

Why join us? Here's what you'll get …

• Competitive salary – £39,254.89 per year, plus additional premiums for relief, night, Saturday and overtime.
• Generous holiday allowance – 33 days pro rata, giving you time to recharge (29 days based on a 4.375‑day working week)
• Ongoing annual CPC training
• 24/7 online GP service
• Up to 10% matched pension contribution, plus 4x life assurance for added peace of mind
• Company‑paid Health Cash Plan – claim back the cost of dental care, eyecare and more for you and your family
• Refer a Friend scheme – earn up to £500 for introducing great people to the business
• Octopus Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice scheme
• 'Extra Slice' benefits scheme – access discounts at over 500 retailers, including Tesco, Sainsbury's and M&S
• Cycle to Work scheme – save money while commuting smarter
• Flexible and family‑friendly ways of working – supporting your work‑life balance
• Employee Assistance Programme – confidential financial, legal and personal support whenever you need it
• Long Service Awards – recognising and celebrating your commitment

What you'll do on a typical day?

Delivering our products

You’ll be at the heart of our operation, making multi‑drop deliveries to our customers and stores. You’ll ensure our products arrive safely, efficiently and on time while delivering excellent customer service.

Providing flexible cover

As a Relief Driver, no two weeks may be exactly the same. You’ll provide cover across a variety of routes and shifts, helping us respond to the changing needs of the operation. A positive and flexible approach is essential.

Working safely

Safety is at the heart of everything we do. You’ll carry out daily vehicle checks, follow all relevant transport legislation and company procedures, and help us maintain a safe working environment for yourself, your colleagues and our customers.

Being part of the team

You’ll represent Hovis Bakeries out on the road, taking pride in your vehicle, your deliveries and the service you provide.

The Right Person

We're looking for someone who is professional, reliable and committed to delivering a great service. Previous HGV driving experience is desirable, but we also welcome applications from newly qualified Class 2 drivers who are looking for an opportunity to develop their skills and gain experience.

You will need:

• A full UK driving licence with Category C entitlement
• A valid Driver Qualification Card (CPC)
• A valid Digital Tachograph Card
• No more than 6 penalty points
• No DR, DG, DD, BA, CD, AC, LC or TT99 endorsements within the previous 5 years
• A flexible approach to working days, routes, start times and operational requirements
• A strong commitment to safety and compliance
• Good communication and customer service skills
• Experience in food distribution or retail logistics would be advantageous, but is not essential
• Previous experience driving Category C vehicles is desirable, but not essential for newly qualified drivers

Ready to join Hovis Bakeries?

If you're an experienced Class 2 Driver looking for a new challenge, or you've recently passed your HGV Class 2 licence and are ready to start building your career, we'd love to hear from you.