Shunter 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.

An opportunity has arisen for capable individuals with an eye for detail to join our Production team in the role of Shunter Driver. The Shunter Driver is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of vehicles, trailers, and other equipment within the yard and warehouse areas. They ensure trailers are correctly positioned for loading and unloading while maintaining full compliance with health and safety regulations.

Responsibilities Include:

• Safely manoeuvre and park vehicles and trailers within the yard and designated areas.
• Ensure timely and correct positioning of trailers at loading bays for inbound and outbound operations.
• Conduct daily pre-use checks on vehicles and trailers, reporting any defects promptly in line with VOR (Vehicle Off Road) procedures.
• Perform safe and efficient trailer movements across the site according to the daily plan.
• Always follow all yard safety procedures and speed limits.
• Assist with coupling and uncoupling of trailers as required.
• Maintain accurate records of trailer and vehicle movements, ensuring proper documentation.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with Yard, Packhouse Transport Desk, and Dispatch teams.
• Occasionally support other yard functions such as Gatehouse operations, Banksman, or Forklift driving as needed.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, health & safety regulations, and legal requirements.
• Maintain a clean, tidy, and organised yard environment.

Our perfect Shunter Driver would have/be:

• A valid shunter licence and relevant experience.
• Takes responsibility for own actions.
• All employees, across all departments, must follow the company’s Health & Safety, Food Safety, and Hygiene Policies at all times.
• Company-provided PPE must be worn at all times, in accordance with the requirements set out in company policies.
• Previous experience of working in a warehouse or stores-based environment would be an advantage.
• 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.
• Respect for others and values diversity; happy to listen and work as part of a team.
• Actively listens and contributes towards the team effort; collaborates and shares expertise with others.
• Approaches challenges with a positive mind-set.
• A can-do attitude with a flexible and dynamic approach.
• The ability to use own initiative; takes pride in delivering against tight deadlines despite working under pressure.
• The ability to learn how to operate our handheld scanners.
• Displays pride in A. C. Goatham, our products and processes.
• Customer focussed; able to provide a pragmatic and responsive service. Builds strong relationships throughout the organisation.

The hours you would work: 45 hours per week, scheduled between 07:00 and midnight. Flexibility is essential.

Rate of pay: An experienced and skilled Shunter Driver will start on the junior salary: £16.12 basic and £1.25 overtime during a 6-month probation period. If successful, they will be moved to the senior rate: £17.81 basic and £1.25 overtime.

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.
• Free onsite parking.
• An opportunity to occupy our company accommodation if required.
• Access to free Wi-Fi.