At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver goods safely and professionally to various customer locations.
- Company: Join Great Bear, part of the thriving Culina Group with a winning culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, pension scheme, wellness support, and discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal development and recognition for hard work.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team in a fast-paced transport environment.
- Qualifications: Valid C+E Licence and HGV Class 1 driving experience preferred.
Company Description
Great Bear (Part of the Culina Group) provides distribution services to FMCG clients. Customer centric service focus is delivered through a site-level empowered culture. At Culina we have a winning culture, we believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive. A place where you’re valued, challenged, and inspired!
Job Description
We’re looking for experienced HGV Class 1 Drivers to join our Great Bear team in Minworth. This is a great opportunity to join a busy 24-hour transport operation supporting FMCG, supermarket RDC, cash and carry, and warehousing deliveries.
We are recruiting day shift HGV Class 1 drivers working on a 4 on 4 off working pattern. The operation runs around the clock, so we are looking for drivers who can be flexible with start times and are confident working in a fast-paced transport environment. If you take pride in safe driving, reliable service and professional customer delivery standards, we’d love to hear from you.
Shift patterns available:
- 4 on 4 off Days
- Start times vary due to the nature of the operation, with day drivers generally starting between early morning and late morning.
- Drivers are allocated a planned start time, with some flexibility required around operational needs.
We have increased our pay rates, with hourly rates now starting at £16.49 plus shift supplements for working between 18:00 - 06:00.
What you’ll be doing:
- Carry out safe, professional deliveries to customer premises.
- Complete palletised general haulage deliveries to Regional Distribution Centres, with most deliveries completed as backdoor tip.
- Support occasional driver tipping or multi-drop deliveries depending on customer demand.
- Occasional Night out may be required.
- Report to the Transport team at the start of each shift and communicate any delays, delivery issues or load discrepancies promptly.
- Complete all paperwork accurately and ensure PODs are signed and returned to the Transport Office.
- Follow company rules and procedures, including health, safety and hygiene standards.
- Manage your working time in line with the Road Transport Directive and adhere to tachograph rules and regulations.
- Complete daily vehicle checks in line with company procedure and report defects correctly.
- Take responsibility for the unit and trailer, including temperature checks where required.
- Maintain a high standard of behaviour, appearance and customer service at all times.
What we’re looking for:
- Valid C+E Licence.
- Minimum 12 months’ HGV Class 1 driving experience preferred.
- No more than 6 points on your licence and no DD or DR code convictions.
- Current valid DCPC and Tachograph cards.
- Good understanding of Driver’s Hours and Working Time Directive legislation.
- Ability to complete vehicle checks and report defects correctly.
- Commitment to on-site health and safety requirements.
- Excellent communication skills and a professional approach.
Additional Information:
As part of our drive to make Great Bear a great place to work, we are proud to be an inclusive and diverse organisation where we are committed to employee development and recognising success for hard working performers. Our dedicated learning and development programmes are open to every employee to give you the opportunity to shape your own future within logistics and continue to work in an environment where team culture thrives.
Our people are the driving force behind our success, which is why we offer a wide range of benefits which include:
- Annual Leave – 28 days inclusive of the bank holidays.
- Pension scheme – We want colleagues to enjoy a comfortable retirement so we offer a great contribution of 4% employee and 4% employer.
- Life Assurance - x2 your annual salary.
- Wellness – Via our Employee Assistance Programme we offer immediate access to a confidential telephone counselling and legal information service that operates 24 hours a days, 365 days a year.
- Eye Care Vouchers – We can provide you with substantial savings with free eye tests and discounts on prescription glasses.
- Reward & Recognition – We recognise that employees have gone the extra mile via Employee of the Month and Year, special recognition and long service awards.
- Everyday discounts - Via our benefit platform you will have access to over 50 retailer discounts for everyday savings!
If you meet the requirements for the above role and are looking for your next career opportunity, please apply now and become a part of our #WinningTeam.
HGV Class 1 Driver (4 on 4 off Days) employer: Great Bear
Great Bear is an excellent employer, offering Class 1 Drivers in Blyth a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and recognition. With competitive pay, generous overtime rates, and comprehensive wellness programs, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles while enjoying the benefits of a permanent position in a dynamic team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HGV Class 1 Driver (4 on 4 off Days)
✨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 Great Bear.
✨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 Great Bear. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace HGV Class 1 Driver (4 on 4 off Days)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Great Bear, 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 Great Bear 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 Great Bear. 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 Great Bear
✨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 Great Bear.
✨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 Great Bear.
