At a Glance
- Tasks: Transport award-winning organic veg boxes across the UK and ensure smooth deliveries.
- Company: Join Riverford, a thriving employee-owned business passionate about organic produce.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, 30% off veg boxes, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and make a real impact on sustainable food delivery.
- Qualifications: Must hold Class 1 licence and have at least 2 years driving experience.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for profit sharing and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 48048 - 48048 £ per year.
Work with us at Riverford, and join a thriving employee-owned business as a Relief HGV driver. This is a great opportunity to join our experienced and supportive HGV driving team. You’ll be part of a skilled group of Transport drivers who work closely together and play a key role in keeping things running smoothly.
Riverford are mad about organic veg. It’s at the core of everything we do. We love to grow it, pack it into boxes, and deliver it to around 70,000 homes across the UK every week. Riverford is an employee-owned business, and co-owners benefit from a range of additional rewards. Success means much more than just profits; we want this to be a place people enjoy coming to work and a business our co-owners feel proud of.
This is a permanent contract, working an average of 48 hours per week, across 5–6 days on a rota that includes weekends. The role involves regular overnight stays, typically 3 nights per week, and this may increase to up to 5 nights depending on business needs. Start and finish times vary, with most shifts starting in the afternoon and finishing in the early hours. Flexibility is essential. You’ll be based at our farm in Devon (Wash Farm, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0JU) and will be travelling across the UK and, when required, occasionally into France.
Pay: £48,048 per annum, with potential to earn more through overnight stays and overtime when offered.
Location: To support a healthy work-life balance, we kindly ask that candidates live within a 25-mile commute of our farm in Devon: Wash Farm, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0JU.
What you’ll be doing:
As a Relief HGV Driver with Riverford, you’ll play an important role in keeping our veg moving. You’ll be responsible for transporting our award-winning veg boxes from our farms to distribution hubs across the UK, stepping in when other drivers are on holiday. This work is a key part of the journey from farm to fork, and one we take great pride in. Our working pattern will vary each week, typically with Saturday, Sunday and Monday starts over a five-day week. A sixth shift may be required depending on business needs. Flexibility is important, particularly around weekends, as Sundays are regularly required and some Saturdays too. You’ll be driving Class 1 refrigerated trailers, carrying out both deliveries and collections. As this is a relief role, you will be expected to share a cab with our other drivers. In some areas, you will also help with loading and unloading using pallet trucks or counterbalance forklifts. This is a physically demanding role where you will often be working independently. We are looking for someone dependable, adaptable, and confident behind the wheel. If you take pride in doing a job well done and enjoy the responsibility of life on the road, you’ll feel at home here.
Skills & experience:
- Must hold Class 1 licence (with no more than 6 penalty points)
- Driving a goods vehicle minimum 2 years (preferred)
- Valid DCPC
- Counterbalance and powered forklift certificates preferred; however, not essential as training can be given
Benefits:
- 33 days holiday pro rata (including bank holidays)
- 30% off veg boxes and our online shop
- Generous pension scheme
- Annual profit share (at least 10% of all our profits are split equally between all co-owners)
Application process: We’ll be reviewing applications throughout the duration of the advert and may choose to bring the closing date forward; therefore, we’d encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience.
Relief HGV Driver - Tramper employer: Riverford Organic Farmers Ltd
Contact Detail:
Riverford Organic Farmers Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief HGV Driver - Tramper
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Riverford. Understand their values, especially their passion for organic veg. This will help you connect with them and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! If you’re nervous about interviews, grab a mate and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions for HGV drivers and think about how your experience aligns with what Riverford is looking for. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt! Since the role involves varying shifts and overnight stays, be prepared to discuss your availability openly. Show them that you’re up for the challenge and can handle the demands of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on the Riverford site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Relief HGV Driver - Tramper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Organic Veg: When you're writing your application, let us know why you love organic produce! We’re all about that fresh, healthy vibe, so sharing your enthusiasm for our mission can really make your application stand out.
Flexibility is Key: Since the role involves varied shifts and weekend work, highlight your flexibility in your application. Mention any previous experience where you adapted to changing schedules or took on extra shifts – it shows you’re ready for the demands of the job!
Be Clear About Your Experience: Make sure to detail your driving experience, especially with Class 1 vehicles. If you've got any specific examples of your time on the road, like handling deliveries or working independently, share those stories to give us a better picture of your skills.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to showcase your application in the best light. Don’t wait too long – we might close applications early!
How to prepare for a job interview at Riverford Organic Farmers Ltd
✨Know Your Route
Familiarise yourself with the areas you'll be driving to and from. Riverford operates across the UK, so having a good grasp of the routes can show your commitment and readiness for the role. Plus, it’ll help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Show Your Flexibility
Since the job requires working weekends and varying shifts, be prepared to discuss your availability. Highlight any previous experience where you’ve had to adapt your schedule, as this will demonstrate your willingness to meet the demands of the role.
✨Safety First
As an HGV driver, safety is paramount. Be ready to talk about your approach to safe driving and any relevant training you've completed. Mentioning your Class 1 licence and any additional certifications will also reinforce your qualifications.
✨Team Player Mindset
Even though you'll be driving independently, you'll be part of a team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles, especially in high-pressure situations. This will show that you understand the importance of teamwork in keeping operations running smoothly.