At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive HGV vehicles to deliver fresh dairy products across the UK.
- Company: Join Cotteswold Dairy, a leading family-owned dairy in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, overtime opportunities, 30 days holiday, and health support.
- Other info: New drivers welcome; full training and career development provided.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and make a real impact in dairy distribution.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence (Category CE) and strong customer service skills.
Location: Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
Department: Transport
Hours: 48 hours per week (average roster), 5 night shifts per week (start times between 20:00 – 03:00)
Cotteswold Dairy, one of the UK’s leading independent family-owned dairies, is seeking a skilled and reliable HGV Driver to join our busy Transport Department in Tewkesbury. This is a Class 1 / Category CE position, but we are happy to consider newly qualified drivers looking to develop their skills and progress their career in HGV driving. Please be advised you may be offered a Class 2 Position if we feel this would benefit your future development.
The Role – HGV Driver
As an HGV Driver at Cotteswold Dairy, you will play a vital role in our distribution chain, delivering fresh dairy products to customers, wholesale buyers, and our depots across the UK. Operating in a temperature-controlled, multi-drop delivery environment, you will be responsible for ensuring timely, accurate, and safe deliveries, while representing the company in a professional and customer-focused manner.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely operate HGV vehicles (Category CE or C) in compliance with UK driving laws and tachograph regulations
- Carry out multi-drop deliveries of dairy products, ensuring stock rotation and product quality
- Complete daily vehicle checks and report any defects promptly
- Load and unload products safely, including manual handling and use of handling equipment
- Follow health & safety, food hygiene, and security procedures at all times
- Use handheld units or manual systems to record deliveries, returns, and payments where applicable
- Maintain a clean vehicle, both inside and out
- Provide excellent customer service as the face of Cotteswold Dairy
What We’re Looking For
- Full UK driving licence – Category CE
- Driver CPC and Digital Tachograph Card
- Physically fit to undertake manual handling tasks
- Strong communication and customer service skills
- Flexible and reliable, with the ability to work night shifts and weekends as required
- New pass drivers welcome – full training and career development provided
Our interview process includes a driving assessment (you will need to bring your tacho, drivers' card and licence); and a sit-down interview. This process will take around two hours in total.
Benefits
- Competitive salary with opportunities for overtime and progression
- 30 days holiday, increasing after 3 years of service
- Refer-a-friend bonus scheme (up to £500)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted products and delivery options
- Aviva pension scheme (4% employee, 4.5% employer contributions)
- Health and wellbeing support through Simply Health
If you’re an experienced HGV Driver or a newly qualified driver looking to progress, join our supportive and professional Transport team and help us deliver quality dairy products across the UK.
Class 1 HGV Driver employer: Cotteswold Dairy
Cotteswold Dairy is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and family-oriented work culture that values reliability and motivation. With flexible hours and opportunities for personal growth, our team members enjoy a rewarding experience as they deliver fresh dairy products to customers in the Hereford area, all while being part of a respected independent business that prioritises excellent customer service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Class 1 HGV Driver
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Cotteswold Dairy.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Cotteswold Dairy. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Class 1 HGV Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Cotteswold Dairy, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Cotteswold Dairy and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Cotteswold Dairy. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cotteswold Dairy
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Cotteswold Dairy.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Cotteswold Dairy.
