Class C + E Driver (Night Relief)

Overview

apetito is the UK’s leading supplier of food and catering solutions to care homes, local authorities & hospitals. The transport and distribution area of the business is a critically important part of our supply chain. Our drivers are the key link between our business and the customers we work with, ensuring work is delivered professionally, efficiently and on time. As a professional driver, this role represents a chance to join a growing and forward‑thinking business as an ambassador for apetito, delivering our finished frozen food product to Care Homes, Local Authorities, Hospitals and our Wiltshire Farm Foods franchisees.

The main base is Portbury near Bristol, but we also have staff at our out‑base depots in Stanmore, Gillingham, South Kirkby, St Helens and Motherwell (Scotland).

The role requires driving to different geographical locations and managing a demanding delivery schedule – our customers depend on our food and we depend on you. In this critical role you will also provide fantastic customer service as the face of apetito.

Salary and Benefits

£45,691.87 per annum + £3,948 cross‑dock allowance + overtime + bonus + benefits.

Responsibilities

• Undertake pre‑ and post‑trip vehicle inspections to ensure road worthiness.
• Full compliance with drivers’ hours, tachographs and road traffic regulations.
• Driving style – damage free and economical.
• Be an ambassador of the company.
• Undertake minor vehicle service activity such as cleaning and refuelling of both vehicle and refrigerated.
• Maintain a clean vehicle both internally and externally.
• Delivery and collection of vehicles as required to rental suppliers including any due inspections.
• Inspection of hire vehicles pre and post rental.
• Actively participate in a daily debrief process, working with your supervisor to identify safety, service and operational improvements as and when they arise.
• Supervise and assist with loading activities at the cross‑dock sites.

Essential Qualifications

• 2–3 years full‑time C+E driving experience.
• Customer service experience.
• Full Class C+E licence.
• Excellent understanding of driver hours regulations, working time directive and tachographs.
• Good operational knowledge of modern commercial vehicles.
• Good geographical knowledge of the UK.
• Driver CPC.

Desirable Qualifications

• Clean driving licence.
• Temperature control transport.
• Experience of multi‑drop deliveries.
• Experience of operating tail lifts & double‑deck trailers.
• Experience of working with wheeled delivery equipment.

Personal Qualities

• Able to demonstrate excellent communication skills at all levels towards both customers and colleagues.
• Able to juggle the demands of a busy schedule, traffic conditions and other road users with safety, customer service and time/efficiency targets.
• Must be calm under pressure.
• High standard of personal presentation to uphold the company brand, including uniform / vehicle cleanliness.
• Flexible and responsive to business needs – e.g. if required to complete a different route/start at different time on occasions.
• Must be physically active – dealing with heavy goods and moving loaded dollies over uneven ground.

Circumstances

• Must be prepared to drive in different weather conditions.
• Must live within a reasonable travelling distance to the depot.
• The driver needs to show a great deal of flexibility within this role as the work will be varied and there may be changes to start times if required to cover another night trunk.
• Competitive salary – accredited Living Wage employer.
• 33 days holiday per year, including bank holidays (which are considered a normal working day).
• Option to purchase up to five additional days holiday per year.
• Discretionary annual bonus scheme.
• Pension scheme – employer matched contributions up to 4 %.
• Life assurance scheme worth at least 1× annual salary.
• Free meals, snacks and beverages on site.
• Free parking.
• Free turkey or voucher at Christmas.
• Apetito perks scheme including salary sacrifice options and retail discounts.

About apetito

As a family‑owned business, we take great pride in making a real difference and are dedicated to creating outstanding meals. We develop a range of products designed to enhance health and well‑being for all our customers. We are driven by a passion for service and dedicated to feeding some of the UK’s most vulnerable people. We proudly support British food and farming, focusing on using the best ethical and sustainable produce in alignment with our goal to reach Net Zero by 2040. Our ethical standards are recognised by the ETI and we are an accredited Living Wage employer. We embrace inclusion, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our commitment to making a real difference extends to customers, communities and staff, and we’re on a mission to build an inclusive workplace where everyone reaches their full potential.