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- Tasks: Drive HGV Class 1 vehicles, ensuring safe and secure transport of goods.
- Company: Join a family-run business dedicated to growing the best British apples and pears since 1947.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, pension scheme, fortnightly pay, and free fresh fruit.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team with a strong culture and commitment to quality.
- Qualifications: Must have HGV Class 1 license; experience and a can-do attitude are essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for training and development.
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’re 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 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: £17.36 for the first 40 hours, £21.70 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.
Contact Detail:
AC Goatham & Son Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HGV Class 1 Driver
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific routes and areas where the company operates. Understanding the geography and logistics of the region can give you an edge during interviews, showing your commitment and readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience with different types of trailers, especially chilled refrigerators and curtain siders, as this is a key responsibility in the role. Be prepared to discuss any relevant experiences that demonstrate your versatility and adaptability.
✨Tip Number 3
Emphasise your understanding of health and safety protocols and food hygiene standards. This is crucial in the transport of perishable goods, and showcasing your knowledge can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your flexibility regarding working hours and patterns. The role requires a commitment to unsociable hours, so demonstrating your willingness to adapt and your previous experiences with similar schedules can make a positive impression.
We think you need these skills to ace HGV Class 1 Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the HGV Class 1 Driver position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experience.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience with HGV Class 1 vehicles, adherence to transport legislation, and any previous roles that required manual handling or customer service skills.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Make sure to clearly list your HGV Class 1 licence and current Tacho Card in your application. If you have a PSV licence or are willing to train for one, mention this as it could set you apart from other candidates.
Personalise Your Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the role and the company. Mention your understanding of their values and how you align with them, particularly regarding safety and customer service.
How to prepare for a job interview at AC Goatham & Son
✨Know Your Driving Regulations
Make sure you are well-versed in UK driving laws and regulations, especially those related to HGV Class 1 driving. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your commitment to safety and compliance.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples of your previous experience operating HGV Class 1 vehicles. Highlight any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Show Your Commitment to Safety
Emphasise your understanding of health and safety protocols and food hygiene standards. Be ready to discuss how you ensure safety in your daily operations, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Exhibit a Flexible Attitude
Since the job requires a flexible working pattern, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to work unsociable hours. Showing that you can adapt to the demands of the role will make you a more attractive candidate.
