HGV Class 1 Driver When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed. Work with us at Riverford, and join a thriving employee-owned business as a 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… More than just a veg box….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. This takes loads of brilliant people and working here makes you a ‘co-owner’, since Riverford is employee-owned. 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! We offer a bucket load of 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) This is a permanent contract, working an average of 48 hours per week, worked over 5 to 6 days on a rota, that includes weekends. The role involves regular overnight stays, on average 3 nights per week, but this may increase to up to 5 nights, depending on business needs. Start and finish times will 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: £44,358 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 Driver (HGV Class CE) 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 Transport team is a valued part of this process. They take care to make sure every box leaves the farm in great condition and arrives on time, ready for the next stage of its journey. It is steady, purposeful work that helps us deliver what our customers expect: fresh, seasonal food grown with care. You’ll be driving Class 1 refrigerated trailers, carrying out both deliveries and collections. 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 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. AI & Recruitment at Riverford - AI can be helpful for checking spelling, organising your thoughts or communicating clearly. If you use it, please keep your CV and application honest, accurate and true to you—we want to get to know the real you. As part of our recruitment process, AI helps compare CVs with the job criteria, but it never makes hiring decisions
HGV Class 1 Driver employer: Riverford Organic Farmers
At Riverford, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Poole. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our hands-on management style, where you will lead a dedicated team of drivers, fostering strong relationships and ensuring high standards of service. With a focus on work-life balance and the provision of an electric company car, we strive to create a fulfilling workplace that values both personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HGV Class 1 Driver
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Riverford Organic Farmers often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Riverford Organic Farmers does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Riverford Organic Farmers
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Riverford Organic Farmers will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Riverford Organic Farmers.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Riverford Organic Farmers.