At a Glance
- 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 commitment to quality and safety.
- Qualifications: Must have HGV Class 1 license; experience and a can-do attitude are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for training and development.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 49000 £ per year.
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 of 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.
HGV Class 1 Driver employer: AC Goatham & Son
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 potential challenges of these routes can give you an edge during interviews, showing your commitment and preparedness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the company. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate that you’re a good fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience with different types of trailers and vehicles in conversations or interviews. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with chilled refrigerators, curtain siders, and other equipment will show that you are well-prepared for the diverse responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your understanding of health and safety protocols and food hygiene standards. This is crucial in the transport of perishable goods, and demonstrating your knowledge in this area can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace HGV Class 1 Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your HGV Class 1 license, Tacho Card, and any relevant experience operating HGV vehicles. Emphasise your understanding of health and safety protocols and food hygiene standards.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention your commitment to safety, customer service, and your ability to work flexible hours, as these are key aspects of the job.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, detail your previous driving roles, especially those involving long-distance journeys or operating different types of trailers. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a driving role.
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 transport legislation. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance with driver’s hours and vehicle defect reporting during your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Highlight your commitment to safety protocols and customer site rules. Share specific examples of how you've maintained safety standards in your past driving experiences.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Since the role requires a flexible working pattern, be ready to discuss your availability and willingness to work unsociable hours or spend nights away from home. This shows your dedication to the job.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about handling various types of trailers and loading/unloading procedures. Brush up on your experience with chilled refrigerators, curtain siders, and operating forklifts or pump trucks.