At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive Class 1 vehicles for scheduled deliveries and collections while ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Company: Join Recycling Lives Services, a B Corp focused on social value and environmental excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, modern vehicles, and a supportive team with great perks.
- Other info: Be part of a growing team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting a company dedicated to reducing waste and helping communities.
- Qualifications: Valid Class 1 HGV licence and experience with curtain-side trailers preferred.
Location: Preston, PR2
Hours: Monday – Friday, 42.75 hours per week plus occasional overtime
Salary: £15 p/h - £17 p/h, dependent on experience
The Role: We are a fast-growing recycling company expanding our own vehicle fleet, and we are looking for a skilled and dependable Class 1 Driver to join our team. This role is central to our plans to bring our third-party haulage in-house, working closely alongside our Transport Manager to build a reliable, efficient, and fully company-operated transport operation.
The Business: Recycling Lives Services is not a typical recycling company. Since 2008, the business has been structurally built around social value, employing people from disadvantaged backgrounds, partnering with the justice system to reduce reoffending, and delivering environmental excellence at scale. The social mission is not a layer added on top of commercial activity. It is the reason the business operates in the way it does. As a certified B Corp (scoring 103.5 against a business median of 50.9), Recycling Lives Services generated £42.9m in social value in 2024, achieved a 61% reduction in CO2 emissions, and diverted 97% of waste from landfill. 15% of our team have been welcomed through our rehabilitation programmes, and only 6% of people we support reoffend — compared to a national average of over 25%. We operate UK-wide across construction, manufacturing, retail, utilities and public sector markets, offering total waste management, WEEE recycling, and specialist hazardous waste services. Our customers choose us because we deliver commercial excellence and meaningful social impact in the same contract.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operate Class 1 vehicles, primarily on curtain-side trailers, for scheduled deliveries and collections
- Work closely with the Transport Manager to support the transition of third-party haulage work in-house
- Carry out safe loading/unloading, sheeting, and securing of curtain-side loads
- Perform daily vehicle checks and report any defects or maintenance issues promptly
- Maintain accurate delivery, collection, and tachograph records
- Plan and adapt routes efficiently, keeping to schedules and delivery windows
- Represent the company professionally when dealing with customers, sites, and the public
- Support the wider transport team as the in-house fleet grows, remaining flexible to operational needs
The ideal candidate:
- Valid Class 1 (Category C+E) HGV licence
- CPC card and Digital Tachograph
- Experience with curtain-side trailers strongly preferred
- Good knowledge of UK driving laws and local areas
- Comfortable working alongside a Transport Manager during a period of operational change
- Reliable, punctual, and safety-conscious
- Strong communication skills and a professional, can-do attitude
Benefits:
- Competitive remuneration package
- Modern, well-maintained vehicles
- Early opportunity to influence fleet development
- Supportive team in a growing company
- Pensions contribution, 5% employee 3% employer
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free financial wellbeing support
- Healthcare cash back plan*
- Access to ethical loan and savings products*
- Enhanced maternity & paternity pay*
- Cycle to work scheme*
*Employees become eligible after 12 months service. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
Class 1 Driver in Preston employer: Recycling Lives Services
Recycling Lives Services is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a socially responsible mission while working in a dynamic and supportive environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive benefits including a generous leave policy and access to counselling support, we foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Located in Preston, our hybrid working policy allows for flexibility, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Class 1 Driver in Preston
✨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 Recycling Lives Services.
✨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 Recycling Lives Services. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Class 1 Driver in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Recycling Lives Services, 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 Recycling Lives Services 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 Recycling Lives Services. 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 Recycling Lives Services
✨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 Recycling Lives Services.
✨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 Recycling Lives Services.
