HGV Class 1 Driver

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Great Bear, part of the Culina Group, is seeking experienced HGV Class 1 drivers for a permanent, full‑time role at the Port Salford site in Manchester. Join a busy transport operation delivering to major retail distribution centres across the UK, with a structured shift pattern Mon-Fri days, Sun-Wed days, or Thu-Sat/Sun days and a rate of £15.49 per hour plus £1.50 extra for weekend hours and night work. Key duties include route optimisation, drivers’ hours compliance, load security, completing delivery paperwork via the in-cab tablet, and timely communication with the transport team. Requirements: C+E with at least 6 months experience, tachograph card, DCPC, max 6 points, no serious offences. Tips for applying: tailor your CV to evidence safe driving and reliability, confirm flexibility for start times and training, and attach all licences. Benefits include 28 days leave, pension, life assurance, wellness support, eye care vouchers, rewards, and retailer discounts.

Company Description

Great Bear (Part of the Culina Group) provides distribution services to FMCG clients. Customer centric service focus is delivered through a site-level empowered culture.

At Culina we have a winning culture, we believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive… A place where you're valued, challenged, and inspired!

Job Description

We’re looking for experienced HGV Class 1 Drivers to join our Great Bear team at the Port Salford site in Manchester. This is a fantastic opportunity for HGV Class 1 drivers who want a structured shift pattern, regular work and the chance to be part of a busy, established transport operation delivering to major retail distribution centres across the UK.

This is a permanent role offering full-time stability for HGV Class 1 drivers and you’ll be joining a supportive transport team where safe driving, reliable service and high professional standards are valued every day.

Shift patterns-

• Monday - Friday Days
• Sunday-Wednesday Days
• Thursday-Saturday or Thursday-Sunday Days

Salary- £15.49ph plus £1.50ph extra for every Saturday and Sunday hour worked, plus £1.50ph extra for working between 18:00-03:59 x 7 nights a week.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Optimising all routes and adherence of WTD and drivers’ hours legislation
• Controlling equipment through training received and sign in / sign out procedure, ensuring legal compliance
• Ensuring all pallets / loads are secured using loads straps
• Effectively communicating with the Transport team and other depots
• Ensuring retailer arrival and departure times, ensuring deliveries and collections are made within the specified windows and all delivery documentation / goods are signed for and uploaded using the in cab tablet.
• Providing the admin team at end of shift with a completed timesheet, completed delivery paperwork and advising of any equipment defects
• Communicating any potential failures or changes to the original plan
• Liaising with delivery staff to ensure any discrepancies on the delivery are identified before moving on to the next delivery / collection
• Ensuring all accidents, incidents and near misses are reported
• Working with the driver training & development team to maximise fuel MPG and continuous improvement of Microlise driving standards / techniques.
• Managing vehicle and trailer cleanliness ensuring that the company’s corporate image is maintained at all time

Qualifications

• C+E Licence (minimum 6 month experience)
• Tachograph card
• DCPC qualification card
• Maximum 6 points no drug or drink driving, no careless / dangerous driving
• Attention to detail/accuracy
• Ability to work without direct supervision
• Flexible and methodical approach to work start times, end times and training

Additional Information

As part of our drive to make Great Bear a great place to work. We are proud to be an inclusive and diverse organisation where we are committed to employee development and recognising success for hard working performers.

Our dedicated learning and development programmes are open to every employee to give you the opportunity to shape your own future within logistics and continue to work in an environment where team culture thrives.

Our People are the driving force behind our success, which is why we offer a wide range of benefits which include:

• Annual Leave - 28 days inclusive of the bank holidays. 
• Pension scheme - We want colleagues to enjoy a comfortable retirements so we offer a great contribution of 4% employee and 4% employer.
• Life Assurance -  x 2 your annual salary.
• Wellness – Via our Employee Assistance Programme we offer immediate access to a confidential telephone counselling and legal information service that operates 24 hours a days, 365 days a year.
• Eye Care Vouchers – We can provide you with substantial savings with free eye tests and discounts on prescription glasses.
• Reward & Recognition – We recognise that employees have gone the extra mile via Employee of the month and year, special recognition and long service awards.
• Everyday discounts - Via our benefit platform you will have access to over 50 retailer discounts for everyday savings!

If you meet the requirements for the above role and are looking for your next career opportunity please apply now and become a part of our #WinningTeam!