At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive HGVs to deliver frozen meals, ensuring timely and professional service.
- Company: Join apetito, the UK's leading food supplier for care homes and hospitals.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days holiday, and a bonus scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be the vital link in our supply chain and make a difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Must have a Class C+E licence and customer service experience.
The predicted salary is between 45415 - 45415 £ per year.
Overview
HGV Day Driver (Multi-drop and Trunking) apetito is the UK’s leading supplier of food and catering solutions to care homes, local authorities & hospitals. The transport and distribution area of the business is a critically important part of our supply chain. Our drivers are the key link between our business and the customers we work with; ensuring our work is delivered professionally, efficiently and on time. As a professional driver, this role represents a chance to join a growing and forward-thinking business as an ambassador for apetito delivering our finished frozen food product to Care Homes, Local Authorities, Hospitals and our Wiltshire Farm Foods franchisees. In this critical role you must be prepared to drive to different geographical locations and manage a demanding delivery schedule – our customers depend on our food and we depend on you. Additionally, you will need to ensure that you provide fantastic customer service as the face of apetito.
Our main base is Portbury near Bristol but we also have staff at our out base depots in the following locations; Stanmore, Gillingham, South Kirkby, St Helens and Motherwell in Scotland.
£45,415.40 per annum + Bonus + Benefits
Who we are
apetito is the UK’s leading food supplier to the health and social care sectors serving more than 1,300 care homes, health care and education settings. Our meals are expertly crafted by our dieticians and chefs, and then frozen to lock in the goodness. Wiltshire Farm Foods, our sister company, is the UK’s largest ready meal supplier cooking and delivering over 330 different delicious frozen ready meals across the UK.
Responsibilities
- Undertake pre & post trip vehicle inspections to ensure road worthiness
- Full compliance with drivers’ hours, tachographs and road traffic regulations.
- Driving style - damage free and economical.
- Be an ambassador of the company.
- Undertake minor vehicle service activity such as cleaning and refuelling of both vehicle and refrigerated.
- Maintenance of a clean vehicle both internally and externally.
- Delivery and collection of vehicles as required to rental suppliers including any due inspections.
- Inspection of hire vehicles pre and post rental.
- Actively participate in a daily debrief process, working with your supervisor to identify safety, service and operational improvements as and when they arise.
- Supervise and assist with loading activities at the Cross dock sites.
Qualifications/Personal Qualities
Essential:
- 2-3 years full time C+E driving experience
- Customer Service experience
- Full Class C+E Licence
- Excellent understanding of Drivers hours regulations, working time directive and tachographs
- Good operational knowledge of modern commercial vehicles
- Good geographical knowledge of UK
- Driver CPC
Desirable:
- Clean driving license
- Temperature Control Transport
- Experience of multi drop deliveries
- Experience of operating tail lifts & double deck trailers
- Experience of working with wheeled delivery equipment
Personal Qualities:
- Able to demonstrate excellent communication skills at all levels towards both customers and colleagues
- Able to juggle the demands of a busy schedule, traffic conditions and other road users with safety, customer service and time / efficiency targets
- Must be calm under pressure
- High standard of personal presentation to uphold the company brand, including uniform / vehicle cleanliness
- Flexible and responsive to business needs e.g. if required to complete a different route/start at different time on occasions
- Must be physically active due to the nature and demands of the role; for example dealing with heavy goods and moving loaded dollies over uneven ground
Circumstances:
- Must be prepared to drive in different weather conditions.
- Must live within a reasonable travelling distance to the depot.
- The driver needs to show a great deal of flexibility within this role as the work will be varied and there may be changes to start times if required to cover another night trunk.
This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the skilled worker route as it does not meet the minimum requirements set out under the UK Immigration Rules.
Company Benefits
- Competitive salary – accredited Living Wage employer
- 33 days holiday per year, including bank holidays (which are considered a normal working day)
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year
- Discretionary annual bonus scheme
- Pension scheme - employer matched contributions up to 4%
- Life assurance scheme worth at least 1x annual salary
- Free snacks and beverages on site
- Free parking
- Free turkey or voucher at Christmas
- Access to employee benefits including Perkbox with salary sacrifice options and retail discounts
HGV Day Driver – Multi-Drop & Trunking (Great Benefits) in Gillingham employer: Wiltshire Farm Foods
At apetito, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering our HGV Day Drivers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes 33 days of holiday, a discretionary bonus scheme, and access to employee discounts. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth and development, ensuring that our drivers are not only ambassadors for our brand but also valued members of a forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering quality food solutions across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HGV Day Driver – Multi-Drop & Trunking (Great Benefits) in Gillingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former drivers at apetito on LinkedIn or local driving groups. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your customer service skills. Think of examples where you’ve gone above and beyond for a customer, as this role is all about being the face of apetito!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your geographical knowledge during the interview. Familiarise yourself with the delivery areas and routes you might be taking. It’ll impress them and show you’re serious about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the apetito team!
We think you need these skills to ace HGV Day Driver – Multi-Drop & Trunking (Great Benefits) in Gillingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Driving Experience:Make sure to highlight your 2-3 years of full-time C+E driving experience in your application. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on sharing any relevant experiences that showcase your skills!
Customer Service is Key:As a driver, you’ll be the face of apetito, so it’s crucial to demonstrate your customer service experience. Share examples of how you've provided excellent service in past roles, as this will show us you understand the importance of our customers.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the HGV Day Driver role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire Farm Foods
✨Know Your Route
Familiarise yourself with the geographical areas you'll be driving to. Being able to discuss local routes and traffic patterns shows that you’re proactive and prepared, which is key for a role that involves multi-drop deliveries.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As a driver, you’ll be the face of apetito. Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. This could include handling difficult situations or going the extra mile for a customer.
✨Understand Regulations Inside Out
Brush up on your knowledge of drivers' hours regulations, tachographs, and road traffic laws. Being able to confidently discuss these topics will demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to safety.
✨Dress the Part
First impressions matter! Make sure you present yourself well, as this reflects on the company brand. Arrive in smart attire and ensure you’re aware of the uniform standards expected by apetito.
