At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive a 7.5T vehicle to collect and deliver surplus food, ensuring safe transport.
- Company: Join FareShare South West, a charity dedicated to reducing food waste and fighting hunger.
- Benefits: Make a difference while gaining valuable experience in logistics and customer service.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team environment with opportunities for training and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be an ambassador for a cause that matters and help your community thrive.
- Qualifications: Must have a full UK driving license (Category C1) and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 € per year.
The HGV Driver plays a key role in FareShare South West’s mission to reduce food waste and fight hunger across the South West. You will be responsible for collecting surplus food from suppliers and delivering it to our Plymouth depot. The role primarily involves driving a 7.5T vehicle and may also require operating other vehicles in our fleet. As an ambassador for FareShare South West, you will provide excellent customer service to food suppliers and work closely with our operations team to ensure food is transported safely, efficiently, and with care.
Key Responsibilities
- Driving, Collection & Delivery
- Collect surplus food from food suppliers, farms, and warehouses across the region.
- Deliver stock to our depot in accordance with delivery schedules.
- Communicate proactively with the operations team about route issues, delays, or changes.
- Carry out visual checks on all goods, highlighting any quality issues or discrepancies before loading.
- Maintain accurate delivery and collection records in line with internal and legal requirements.
- Customer Service & Representation
- Provide excellent service to all food suppliers, acting as a professional and friendly ambassador for FSSW.
- Build positive relationships with suppliers.
- Act as a point of contact between supplier sites, the food team and operations, escalating any issues as needed.
- Provide feedback from suppliers and contribute to the continuous improvement of our logistics service.
- Vehicle Maintenance & Compliance
- Carry out daily vehicle checks and report any accidents, incidents, defects, or concerns.
- Comply with all relevant driving laws and working time regulations, including tachograph use and payload limits.
- Liaise with the Fleet manager on vehicle servicing and repairs.
- Follow FareShare’s procedures for Food Hygiene, Health & Safety, and vehicle cleanliness.
- General Operational Support
- Support warehouse operations between driving activities, including loading, unloading, and occasional forklift use (if qualified).
- Undertake relevant training in Food Hygiene, Manual Handling, and Health & Safety as required.
- Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and safety‑conscious working environment.
Person Specification
Essential
- Full, clean UK driving license with Category C1 (7.5T) entitlement.
- Valid Driver Qualification Card (CPC).
- Minimum of 1 years’ experience driving a 7.5T or larger vehicle.
- Physically capable of lifting and moving goods as part of daily duties.
- Experience working within a health and safety‑focused environment.
- Good geographic knowledge and confident navigation skills.
- Strong communication and customer service skills.
- Reliable, proactive, and able to work independently.
- Positive and professional attitude.
- A strong alignment with FareShare South West’s mission and values.
Desirable
- Experience in multi‑drop delivery driving.
- Accredited forklift truck license (counterbalance).
- Experience in a food handling or distribution environment.
- Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification (or willingness to obtain).
- Previous experience working in a charity or community organization.
HGV Driver (7.5T) for Charity employer: FareShare South West
FareShare South West is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community by reducing food waste and fighting hunger. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and inclusivity, providing employees with opportunities for personal and professional growth while contributing to a meaningful cause. As an HGV Driver, you will enjoy a fulfilling role with competitive benefits, a strong sense of purpose, and the chance to be part of a passionate team in the vibrant city of Plymouth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HGV Driver (7.5T) for Charity
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, and former colleagues who might have connections in the charity sector. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that HGV Driver role.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! Volunteer at local charities or food banks to gain relevant experience and show your commitment to the cause. Plus, it’s a great way to meet people in the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to FareShare South West or similar organisations. Express your interest and ask about potential opportunities – you never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Show off your skills! When you get an interview, be ready to discuss your driving experience and customer service skills. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve handled challenges in the past.
We think you need these skills to ace HGV Driver (7.5T) for Charity
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:When writing your application, let us know why you're excited about working with FareShare South West. Share your thoughts on reducing food waste and fighting hunger – it’ll show us you’re aligned with our mission!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your driving experience, especially with 7.5T vehicles. If you've worked in a similar role or have customer service experience, don’t forget to mention that too – it’s all about showing us you’re the right fit!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if needed to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance. We love a well-organised application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at FareShare South West
✨Know Your Route
Familiarise yourself with the areas you'll be driving in. Having a good geographic knowledge will not only help you navigate efficiently but also show your potential employer that you're proactive and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As an ambassador for FareShare South West, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in previous roles, especially in challenging situations.
✨Understand the Mission
Make sure you understand FareShare South West’s mission to reduce food waste and fight hunger. Be ready to discuss why this cause resonates with you and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Highlight Your Compliance Knowledge
Be prepared to talk about your experience with vehicle maintenance and compliance. Discuss any relevant regulations you’ve followed, such as health and safety standards, to show that you take these responsibilities seriously.
