Overview of role
Location: Stockport
🚚 Looking for your next driving opportunity?
Whether you're an experienced HGV Class 2 Driver or have recently passed your test, Hovis Bakeries (formerly Allied Bakeries) is offering a fantastic opportunity to join our team in Stockport, Manchester on a full-time, permanent basis.
What's in it for you?
✅ Permanent employment with a well-known bakery brand
✅ Competitive pay and excellent benefits package
✅ Full training inc Annual CPC and ongoing support
✅ Opportunity to gain valuable experience and build a long-term career
✅ Structured shift pattern with regular days off
About the Role
As an HGV Class 2 Relief Driver, you'll be responsible for delivering our bakery products to customers and stores across the region, ensuring our products arrive safely and on time.
You'll play a key role in supporting the operation by covering a variety of routes and shifts, making flexibility and adaptability essential. Every day can be different, giving you the opportunity to gain broad driving experience while working as part of a supportive team.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for professional, safety-focused drivers who take pride in delivering excellent service. Newly qualified drivers are encouraged to apply, as this role offers a great platform to develop your skills and experience.
Working Pattern
📅 48 hours per week
📅 8-week rotating shift pattern (5 days on, 3 days off)
📅 Includes weekends and bank holidays
⏰ Start times between 2:00am and 4:30am
This is a physically demanding role and requires flexibility around routes, shifts and working days to support the needs of the business.
Why join us? Here's what you'll get...
We know great people deserve great rewards — so we've built a benefits package that truly delivers:
💷 Competitive salary – £39,254.89 per year, plus additional premiums for relief, night, Saturday and overtime.
🏖️ Generous holiday allowance – 33 days pro rata, giving you time to recharge (29 days based on a 4.375-day working week)
🎓 Ongoing annual CPC training
🩺 24/7 online GP service
🔒 Up to 10% matched pension contribution, plus 4x life assurance for added peace of mind
🏥 Company-paid Health Cash Plan – claim back the cost of dental care, eyecare and more for you and your family
💼 Refer a Friend scheme – earn up to £500 for introducing great people to the business
🚗 Octopus Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice scheme
🛍️ 'Extra Slice' benefits scheme – access discounts at over 500 retailers, including Tesco, Sainsbury's and M&S
🚴 Cycle to Work scheme – save money while commuting smarter
🏡 Flexible and family-friendly ways of working – supporting your work-life balance
📞 Employee Assistance Programme – confidential financial, legal and personal support whenever you need it
📈 Long Service Awards – recognising and celebrating your commitment
What you'll do on a typical day?
Delivering our products
You'll be at the heart of our operation, making multi-drop deliveries to our customers and stores. You'll ensure our products arrive safely, efficiently and on time while delivering excellent customer service.
Providing flexible cover
As a Relief Driver, no two weeks may be exactly the same. You'll provide cover across a variety of routes and shifts, helping us respond to the changing needs of the operation. A positive and flexible approach is essential.
Working safely
Safety is at the heart of everything we do. You'll carry out daily vehicle checks, follow all relevant transport legislation and company procedures, and help us maintain a safe working environment for yourself, your colleagues and our customers.
Being part of the team
You'll represent Hovis Bakeries out on the road, taking pride in your vehicle, your deliveries and the service you provide.
The Right Person
We're looking for someone who is professional, reliable and committed to delivering a great service. Previous HGV driving experience is desirable, but we also welcome applications from newly qualified Class 2 drivers who are looking for an opportunity to develop their skills and gain experience.
You will need:
- A full UK driving licence with Category C entitlement
- A valid Driver Qualification Card (CPC)
- A valid Digital Tachograph Card
- No more than 6 penalty points
- No DR, DG, DD, BA, CD, AC, LC or TT99 endorsements within the previous 5 years
- A flexible approach to working days, routes, start times and operational requirements
- A strong commitment to safety and compliance
- Good communication and customer service skills
- Experience in food distribution or retail logistics would be advantageous, but is not essential
- Previous experience driving Category C vehicles is desirable, but not essential for newly qualified drivers
Ready to join Hovis Bakeries?
If you're an experienced Class 2 Driver looking for a new challenge, or you've recently passed your HGV Class 2 licence and are ready to start building your career, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and become part of Hovis Bakeries — helping us deliver great bakery products to customers across the region.