HGV Class 1 Driver in Kent, Maidstone

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 Goathams 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 drivers 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:

• Loyalty rewarded - earn an extra day of holiday for every 2 years of service.
• Secure your future - You will be automatically enrolled in the company pension scheme after three months of service (contributions: employee 5%, employer 3%).
• Eyecare vouchers to help you look after your vision.
• Fortnightly pay for regular, reliable income.
• Extensive learning & development platform, available in multiple languages to support your growth.
• Company accommodation available where required.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering confidential support whenever you need it.
• Private GP service for fast, convenient access to medical advice.
• Free onsite parking.
• Festive fun with our all-staff December advent calendar and prizes to be won.
• Exclusive BHN discounts on a wide range of brands and services.
• Free Will Writing Opportunities twice a year.
• Education - Free English Training Opportunities.
• Study Sponsorship opportunities.
• Free Fruit.