At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive HGV vehicles to deliver fresh dairy products safely and on time.
- Company: Join Cotteswold Dairy, a respected family-run dairy with strong values.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, overtime opportunities, 22 days holiday, and health support.
- Why this job: Kickstart your driving career with full training and progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence (Category C) and a customer-first attitude required.
- Other info: Be part of a community committed to sustainability and quality.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
About the Role
Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Department: Haulage
Hours: 48 hours per week (average roster), 5 shifts per week, night shifts (start times typically 23:00 – 02:00)
Cotteswold Dairy, one of the UK’s leading independent family‑owned dairies, is seeking a dependable and motivated HGV Driver to join our Haulage team at the busy Cheltenham Depot. This is a Class 2 / Category C position, but we welcome and support new pass drivers who are keen to build their career in professional HGV driving.
The Role – HGV Driver (Class 2)
As an HGV Driver, you will be at the forefront of our distribution operation, delivering fresh dairy products and associated goods to retail customers across the region. Operating in a multi‑drop, temperature‑controlled environment, you’ll ensure each delivery is made safely, accurately, and on time, providing excellent customer service while representing Cotteswold Dairy on the road.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely operate HGV vehicles (Category C) in compliance with UK driving laws, Driver CPC, and tachograph regulations
- Complete multi‑drop deliveries, ensuring stock rotation and maintaining product quality
- Carry out daily vehicle checks and promptly report any defects
- Load and unload products safely, including manual handling and use of handling equipment
- Follow all health & safety, food hygiene, and security procedures
- Work independently on the road while maintaining strong customer relationships
- Provide cover for colleagues during holidays or absences as required
What We’re Looking For
- Full UK driving licence – Category C essential
- Driver CPC and Digital Tachograph Card
- Physically fit and able to undertake manual handling
- Strong communication skills and a customer‑first attitude
- Flexibility to work night shifts, weekends, and bank holidays
- Newly qualified drivers encouraged to apply – full training and career development provided
Progression Opportunities
We actively encourage career progression. Development routes include:
- Relief / run‑out driver
- Upskilling to Class 1 / Category CE at our Tewkesbury site
Benefits
- Competitive salary with opportunities for overtime and progression
- 22 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, 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 Class 2 driver looking for the next step, join our friendly and professional Cheltenham team and help us deliver high‑quality dairy products to our customers across the region in a multi‑drop, temperature‑controlled role.
Class 2 HGV Driver in Swindon employer: Cotteswold Dairy
Contact Detail:
Cotteswold Dairy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Class 2 HGV Driver in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, or even former colleagues who might know someone in the industry. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that HGV driver role.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! If you can, visit the depot or local businesses and introduce yourself. Showing your enthusiasm in person can make a lasting impression on potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for the road! Brush up on your driving skills and knowledge of UK regulations. Being confident behind the wheel will help you stand out during any practical assessments.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Class 2 HGV Driver in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Driving Skills: Make sure to highlight your driving experience and any relevant qualifications in your application. If you're a newly qualified driver, don’t shy away from mentioning your eagerness to learn and grow in the role!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for the Class 2 HGV Driver position. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cotteswold Dairy
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of HGV driving regulations, especially those related to Class 2 vehicles. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the role at Cotteswold Dairy, such as multi-drop deliveries and temperature-controlled environments.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Since you'll be representing Cotteswold Dairy on the road, it's crucial to demonstrate your customer-first attitude. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent service in previous roles, even if they weren't driving-related.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about daily vehicle checks and how you handle manual loading and unloading. Think through scenarios where you had to report defects or follow health and safety procedures, as these are key responsibilities in the job.
✨Flexibility is Key
Cotteswold Dairy values flexibility, especially with night shifts and weekends. Be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to cover for colleagues during holidays or absences, showing that you're a team player ready to step up when needed.