Mission
Our mission is to create new products, to develop partnerships with new and existing customers and suppliers to guarantee the long-term sustainability of Avondale Foods as an organisation.
Job Position: Despatch Lorry Driver Department: Despatch
Reports to: Senior Despatch Supervisor
Shift Pattern;
84 hours per fortnight (7 x 12 hour set shifts
Summary of Role
Avondale Foods is a leading food manufacturing company of Fresh and Chilled products supplying leading retail businesses including Marks & Spencer, Waitrose, Dunnes, Morrisons, Aldi & Lidl throughout the UK & Ireland.
We are seeking a reliable and safety-conscious HGV Driver to support our internal trailer shunting operations across three active FMCG sites. These roles are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of trailers to and from loading bays, ensuring that vehicles are in the right place at the right time to support despatch operations.
The driver will also assist with the loading and unloading of trailers as required, working closely with warehouse and despatch teams to maintain service levels, compliance, and operational flow.
On occasion, there may the requirement to perform customer facing deliveries.
These are key positions requiring strong communication, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of health and safety on-site.
Key Responsibilities
· Safely move trailers between bays and across three company sites in line with scheduled loading/unloading requirements.
· Position trailers at the correct bays to support timely picking and despatch activities.
· Assist with loading and unloading of trailers as required, working alongside warehouse and despatch teams.
· Carry out vehicle and trailer checks before and after movements, reporting any defects immediately.
· Ensure all activities are conducted in a safe, compliant, and efficient manner, adhering to site traffic management rules.
· Maintain accurate records of trailer movements and communicate updates clearly with Despatch, Transport, and Warehouse teams.
· Work closely with security and other departments to ensure controlled and documented site access.
· Support yard organisation and ensure the shunting areas remain clear, tidy, and free of hazards.
· Follow all relevant site health & safety procedures, including PPE usage, speed limits, and safe coupling/uncoupling practices.
· Perform any other reasonable duties required to support the smooth running of logistics and despatch operations.
* Contribute to the development of a culture of Integrity, collaboration ' do the right thing' approach in all interactions.
Ensure Food Safety compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements to remain audit-ready at all times.
Avondale Foods Values
* Freedom to Succeed
* Work Hard, Work Smart
* Continual Innovation
* With Integrity
Person Specification
Essential
* Class 1 HGV license with previous 1-year class 1 HGV experience
* Understanding of Health & Safety and compliance requirements.
* Good communication and interpersonal skills
* Up to date CPC and digital taco card.
* Clean license
Desirable
* Working with refrigerated trailers and chilled product.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £16.00 per hour
Expected hours: 36 – 48 per week
Work Location: In person