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Van Driver
Professional Driver – Transport & Distribution (apetito)
Overview
The transport and distribution of goods is a critical and essential aspect of our supply chain. While our main base is in Portbury, near Bristol, we also operate from regional depots in:
- Stanmore
- Gillingham
- South Kirkby
- St Helens
- Motherwell (Scotland)
As a Professional Driver, you will be an ambassador for apetito, delivering our high-quality frozen food products to:
- Care homes
- Local authorities
- Hospitals
- Wiltshire Farm Foods franchisees
This critical role requires flexibility to:
- Drive across different geographical regions
- Manage a demanding delivery schedule
- Provide ex exceptional customer service
- Unload deliveries by hand using a combination of:
- Roll-cages
- Dollies
- Hand-balling onto sack trucks
Who We Are
apetito is the UK’s leading food supplier to the health and social care sectors, serving over 1,300 care homes, healthcare, and education settings.
Our meals are:
- Crafted by qualified dietitians and chefs
- Frozen to preserve nutritional value
Our sister company, Wiltshire Farm Foods, is the UK’s largest ready meal supplier, delivering over 330 delicious frozen meal options nationwide.
Responsibilities
- Pre-shift checks: Thoroughly inspect and service the vehicle before each shift.
- Compliance: Adhere strictly to driving hours legislation and road traffic regulations.
- Driving standards: Maintain an economical, damage-free driving approach.
- Timely deliveries: Ensure goods reach customers’ "point of need" and report delays or discrepancies to the transport office.
- Customer service excellence:
- Provide first-class service
- Resolve conflicts professionally
- Company representation: Act as a positive brand ambassador.
- Customer feedback: Report any service issues to the transport office or customer service department while on route.
- Vehicle maintenance:
- Clean both the interior and exterior of the vehicle
- Refuel and perform minor repairs (e.g., bulb replacements)
- Prepare hire vehicles for pre- and post-inspection
- Route management:
- Collect/deliver rental vehicles as required
- Actively participate in daily de-brief sessions to highlight operational, safety, and service improvements.
- Adapt to unplanned route adjustments during peak periods.
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About You
Personal Attributes
- Customer-focused: Genuine enjoyment in interacting with clients.
- Outgoing communicator: Clear, professional communication with both customers and colleagues.
- Resilient: Ability to manage a busy schedule while balancing customer service, safety, and efficiency.
- Pressure-resistant: Remain calm under pressure.
- Representative: Uphold high standards of personal presentation, including smart professional uniform and immaculate vehicle cleanliness.
- Flexible: Adaptable to shift changes, unscheduled routes, or short-notice adjustments.
** Operational Skills**
- Must operate effectively in challenging delivery conditions (e.g., adverse weather).
- Must live within reasonable travelling distance of a depot.
- Ability to cover shifts across multiple depots in response to business demands.
- Must meet delivery and unloading efficiency targets.
- The role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under UK immigration rules.
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Company Benefits
- Competitive salary – Accredited Living Wage employer.
- Holiday entitlement:
- 33 days per year (including bank holidays).
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional days.
- Performance bonus: Discretionary annual bonus scheme.
- Pension contribution: Employer matches up to 4% of your salary.
- Life assurance: Scheme covering at least 1x annual salary.
- On-site amenities:
- Free snacks and beverages.
- Free parking.
- Christmas perks: Free turkey or gift voucher.
- Employee benefits: Access to Perkbox (salary sacrifice discounts and retail vouchers).
Our Values
A family-run business dedicated to excellence, sustainability, and making a real difference:
- Exceptional meals: Recognised by dietitians, chefs, and our customers.
- Sustainability commitment: Proud supporter of UK farming and accelerator towards Net Zero by 2040.
- Ethical baseline:
- Accredited Living Wage employer.
- Ethics and Trade ETI certified.
- Inclusivity: Embrace diversity in values and personnel.
- Initiative: Build an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Visit our [sustainability page]([insert link]) to learn more about apetito’s mission.
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