HGV Driver Class 1 in Rochester)

New Appointments Group; Rochester; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

New Appointments Group is looking for an experienced HGV Class 1 Driver to join our Rochester operation. You will manage multi-drop deliveries, load restraints and daily vehicle checks while upholding safety and customer service at all times.

The role requires a Class 1 licence with at least 2 years’ experience, Driver CPC and good tachograph knowledge. A forklift licence is a plus and you should be comfortable with rotating shifts and manual handling.

Qualifications

• A full Class 1 (C+E) licence held for at least 2 years.
• A valid Driver CPC qualification.
• Good understanding of Digi Tachograph systems and drivers' hours.
• Experience in safely strapping and securing loads.
• Confident and competent driving approach.
• Experience in food manufacturing/logistics is desirable.
• Current Forklift Truck Licence would be advantageous.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to stay calm and professional under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and within a small team.
• Flexible with rotating shift patterns.
• Good physical fitness for manual handling.

Responsibilities

• Complete load checks and paperwork per standards.
• Carry out daily vehicle and trailer checks and report issues.
• Perform multi-drop deliveries and trunking between sites and customers.
• Safely couple and uncouple trailers.
• Supervise loading, ensuring loads are secured.
• Coordinate with Transport Controller and Loader to meet customer requirements.
• Deliver goods safely while complying with traffic laws.
• Check goods with customers and obtain signatures.
• Handle customer queries professionally and escalate as needed.
• Ensure driving hours and tachograph requirements are met.
• Maintain cleanliness and condition of vehicle, trailer and cab.
• Report accidents promptly and follow procedures.
• Follow health and safety policies.

Skills

Class 1 driving

Driver CPC

Digi Tachograph knowledge

Load restraint/strapping

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Ability to work under pressure

Independent worker

Teamwork

Flexible rotating shifts

Tools

Forklift Licence (advantageous)

Job description

HGV Class 1 Driver

Location: Rochester, Kent

Salary: £40,000pa

Contract: Permanent

Shift Pattern: Rotating shift system

We are currently recruiting for an experienced HGV Class 1 Driver to join a busy transport and logistics operation in Rochester. This is a great opportunity for a confident and competent Class 1 driver who takes pride in safe driving, excellent customer service and maintaining high standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete all required load checks and paperwork in line with relevant standards.
• Carry out daily vehicle and trailer checks and promptly report any issues.
• Complete multi-drop deliveries and trunking runs between sites and to external customers.
• Safely couple and uncouple trailers in accordance with procedures.
• Supervise vehicle loading, ensuring products are correctly loaded, strapped and secured.
• Liaise with the Transport Controller and Loader to ensure loads meet customer requirements.
• Deliver goods safely and efficiently while complying with all road traffic laws and transport regulations.
• Check goods with customers at the point of delivery and obtain the required signatures.
• Deal professionally with customer queries or issues and **escalate** where necessary.
• Ensure driving hours and tachograph requirements are fully compliant.
• Maintain the cleanliness and condition of the vehicle, trailer and cab.
• Report accidents and incidents promptly and in accordance with procedures.
• Follow all health and safety policies, company procedures and required standards.
• Undertake manual handling and other reasonable duties associated with the role.

About You

• A full Class 1 (Category C+E) licence, held for a minimum of 2 years.
• A valid Driver CPC qualification.
• A good understanding of Digi Tachograph systems and drivers' hours legislation.
• Experience of safely strapping and securing loads.
• A confident and competent approach to driving.
• Previous experience within food manufacturing, logistics or a similar environment is desirable.
• A current Forklift Truck Licence would be advantageous.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to remain calm and professional when working under pressure.
• The ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a small team.
• A flexible approach and willingness to work a rotating shift pattern.
• Good physical fitness, as the role involves manual handling.

What We're Looking For

Above all, we're looking for a reliable, safety-conscious and professional HGV Class 1 Driver who takes pride in their work, understands the importance of vehicle and load safety, and is committed to providing a high standard of service to customers.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in line with the Equality Act 2010. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

New Appointments Group acts as an Employment Agency for permanent roles and as an Employment Business for temporary roles.