At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive HGV Class 1 vehicles across the UK, ensuring timely and safe deliveries.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest food suppliers with a strong logistics network.
- Benefits: Earn up to £50,000+ with overtime, plus great perks like a pension and holidays.
- Other info: Immediate starts available; flexible working hours with paid breaks.
- Why this job: Enjoy job stability, competitive pay, and opportunities for career growth in a thriving industry.
- Qualifications: Must have HGV Class 1 licence and at least one year of driving experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Major Recruitment is proud to be working in partnership with one of the UK's largest food suppliers to recruit experienced HGV Class 1 Drivers for their busy and expanding transport operation based in Rochester, Kent. Our client is a well-established business with a nationwide logistics network, supplying major UK food retailers and operating across more than 200 sites throughout the country. Due to continued growth and increasing demand, they are looking to add professional and reliable drivers to their transport team.
This is an excellent opportunity for drivers seeking long-term stability, regular overtime, competitive earnings and the chance to join a successful business that invests heavily in its people. Immediate starts available for the right person.
The Role:
As an HGV Class 1 Driver, you will play a key role in the movement of products and equipment across the UK, ensuring deliveries are completed safely, efficiently and on time. Duties will include:
- Driving HGV Class 1 (C+E) vehicles across the UK
- Collecting and delivering goods between operational sites, warehouses and major retailer distribution centres
- Completing vehicle checks, defect reporting and transport documentation
- Ensuring compliance with Driver Hours Regulations and company procedures
- Loading and unloading vehicles where required
- Using pump trucks and counterbalance forklifts (training provided)
- Carrying out occasional shunting duties
- Maintaining high standards of vehicle cleanliness and presentation
- Providing a professional service to customers and colleagues at all times
Drivers operate from the Rochester depot each day, collecting their allocated vehicle before commencing routes.
Routes & Travel:
- UK-wide deliveries and collections as far as Scotland
- Regular work to major supermarket distribution centres
- Mixture of local and long-distance routes
- Overnight stays required on occasion for longer journeys
- Overnight allowance paid (£25-£30 per night)
- Typically no more than one night out per week
Due to the rural nature of some collection points, applicants should be confident driving on country roads and have a minimum of one year's Class 1 experience.
Working Pattern:
40 hours but most drivers work overtime up to 50-55 hours per week on a rolling rota:
- Week 1: 5 Days On 1 Day Off
- Week 2: 5 Days On 2 Days Off
This rota provides approximately one full weekend Saturday and Sunday off every 12 weeks.
Salary & Benefits:
Pay:
- 40 hours (Time + 25%) Overtime available throughout the year
- Typical earnings of £50,000+ with overtime
- Basic earnings approximately £37,000 per year
- Paid fortnightly
- All breaks paid
Additional Payments:
- Overnight allowance for nights away
- Additional £25 per day when driving the company's 30-seat bus (where required at the Kent site)
Benefits:
- Company pension scheme
- 28 days holiday - increasing with service
- Additional day's holiday for every two years of service
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Private GP service
- Eyecare vouchers
- Employee discount platform
- Free onsite parking
- Free Will Writing service
- Free English language training
- Online learning and development platform
- Company accommodation available where required
Requirements:
Essential:
- HGV Class 1 (Category C+E) Licence
- Valid Driver CPC
- Digital Tachograph Card
- Minimum 1 year's Class 1 driving experience
- Good understanding of driver hours and transport legislation
- Professional and safety-focused attitude
- Flexible approach to working hours
Desirable:
- Counterbalance Forklift experience (Training required but must be willing)
- PSV Licence - Applicants interested in obtaining a PSV Licence may be eligible for funded training.
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to join one of the UK's largest food supply businesses, operating a substantial national transport network and supplying many of the country's leading retailers. With consistent work available year-round, excellent earning potential and genuine long-term career opportunities, this role is ideal for experienced Class 1 drivers looking for their next challenge.
To apply or find out more, please contact Major Recruitment today.
HGV Class 1 Driver (Immediate start) in Rochester employer: Major Talent
Join a dynamic and growing manufacturing company in Leicester as a Quality Auditor, where you will play a vital role in ensuring product quality and food safety. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development, you will benefit from a competitive salary, a pension fund, and clear career progression opportunities. This is an excellent chance to be part of a team that values your expertise and fosters a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HGV Class 1 Driver (Immediate start) in Rochester
✨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 Major Talent.
✨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 Major Talent. 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 (Immediate start) in Rochester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Major Talent, 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 Major Talent 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 Major Talent. 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 Major Talent
✨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 Major Talent.
✨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 Major Talent.
