HGV Driver

Established in 1997 as the first manufacturer of sushi for the UK supermarket industry, Taiko has evolved into the most innovative manufacturer of Sushi, Food To Go, Prepared Meals and Snacking products in the UK, supplying Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury’s to name a few. Over the past 25 years Taiko has launched more first to market Sushi and Food to Go products than any other sushi manufacturer in the UK.

The HGV Driver is responsible for transporting Taiko products safely, legally and efficiently between manufacturing sites, suppliers, distribution centres and customers while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, customer service and compliance.

The successful candidate will ensure all deliveries are completed on time, vehicles remain roadworthy and all transport legislation, company procedures and health & safety standards are followed at all times.

Responsibilities include:

* Safely transport chilled and frozen food products to customers and company locations.
* Complete deliveries and collections in accordance with daily transport schedules.
* Carry out daily DVSA compliant vehicle walk-round inspections before every shift.
* Report vehicle defects immediately using company procedures.
* Ensure all products are loaded, secured and transported safely.
* Maintain product temperature requirements throughout transportation.
* Complete all delivery paperwork, PODs and transport documentation accurately.
* Operate digital tachograph equipment correctly.
* Comply with Drivers’ Hours Regulations and Working Time legislation.
* Maintain a clean and roadworthy vehicle at all times.
* Report accidents, delays, vehicle defects or incidents promptly.
* Deliver excellent customer service whilst representing the Taiko brand.
* Follow all company policies, Health & Safety, Food Safety and Transport procedures.
* Work closely with Warehouse, Planning and Transport teams to ensure operational efficiency.

Summary of Duties

* Deliver products safely and efficiently.
* Carry out daily vehicle safety inspections.
* Ensure vehicles remain legally compliant.
* Complete accurate transport documentation.
* Monitor chilled and frozen product temperatures.
* Secure loads correctly before every journey.
* Operate digital tachograph equipment.
* Follow approved delivery routes and schedules.
* Report vehicle defects and safety concerns immediately.
* Maintain high standards of professionalism and customer service.
* Support warehouse and transport operations where required.

Key Accountabilities

Vehicle Safety & Compliance

* Complete and document daily vehicle walk-round inspections.
* Ensure vehicle defects are reported immediately.
* Keep vehicle clean, safe and roadworthy.
* Ensure all required vehicle documentation is available before departure.

Transport Compliance

* Hold a valid Category C or C+E HGV Licence.
* Hold a valid Driver CPC Qualification Card (DQC).
* Hold a valid Digital Tachograph Card.
* Comply with all DVSA, DVLA and Highway Code regulations.
* Operate within Drivers’ Hours Regulations and Working Time Directive requirements.
* Never drive whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
* Never use a handheld mobile phone whilst driving.

Operational Excellence

* Deliver products on time whilst maintaining food safety standards.
* Build positive relationships with customers and colleagues.
* Protect company assets and maintain high professional standards.
* Promote a positive safety culture across the Transport team.

What You’ll Need

* Valid UK Category C or Category C+E Licence.
* Valid Driver CPC Qualification Card.
* Valid Digital Tachograph Card.
* Previous HGV driving experience (preferred).
* Good knowledge of Drivers’ Hours Regulations.
* Understanding of DVSA vehicle safety inspections.
* Good geographical knowledge and route planning skills.
* Strong communication and customer service skills.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Reliable, flexible and punctual.
* Commitment to Health & Safety and Food Safety standards.
* Willingness to work 12-hour shifts on a 4 on / 4 off rota, including weekends and bank holidays where required.

We're proud to offer:

• Opportunity to grow your career alongside with us with available apprentice program
• Brilliant support services designed to enhance your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
• Annual discretionary bonus subject to business and overall performance
• Bespoke reward platform including access to retail, cinema & gym discounts.
• 50% off your food every time you dine with us for you and 3 friends.
• Contribute towards our award-winning sustainability initiatives that delivers progress against 9 UN sustainability goals. We're committed to responsibly sourcing and all our seafood, therefore we only use source sustainable fish. All our packaging is recyclable and 80% of our packaging is already made from recycled plastic.
• Annual Awards ceremony celebrating our success and offering winning Managers free trips to Japan.

About us:

Come roll with us and be part of something big. Celebrate global success across:

• Over 1500 retail kiosks globally (YO!, Panku, Mai Taiko Snowfox & Bento)
• Our Taiko manufacturing and distribution centre
• 63 YO! restaurants
• 50 major retail partners
• 3700 locations globally From Hawaii to Aberdeen

Our Values

• Own it, Care About it, Make it Exceptional, Win Together

Ready to Roll?

Come roll with us and play a key role by bringing people together to celebrate better food for everyone the Japanese way...