Van Driver – Charity

Job Purpose:

To support the smooth operation of the charity's retail network by collecting donated goods from supporters, delivering stock to and from the warehouse, and transferring goods between retail locations. The role is vital in helping maximise income for the charity through efficient logistics and excellent customer service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collect donated clothing, books and other goods from members of the public and business donors.

• Load and unload vehicles safely and efficiently, ensuring donated goods are handled with care.

• Transport stock between the charity's warehouse, retail stores, and donation centres as required.

• Provide a professional, courteous, and positive experience when interacting with donors, customers, volunteers, and colleagues.

• Carry out daily vehicle checks and report any defects or maintenance requirements promptly.

• Maintain accurate collection and delivery records in accordance with company procedures.

• Plan and follow assigned routes to ensure collections and deliveries are completed efficiently.

• Assist with basic warehouse duties when required, including sorting, moving, and storing donated items.

• Adhere to all road traffic laws, health and safety regulations, and company policies.

• Support the wider retail and warehouse teams to ensure stock is distributed effectively across the retail chain.

• Represent the charity in a professional manner at all times and promote its values within the community.

• To be flexible with hours should there be unforeseen circumstances such as a major traffic jam

• To agree to having a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check Decisions / Recommendations 

• To determine whether donations are saleable, safe and meet Trading Standards. If there is problem, to refer back to Line Manager/Head Office. 

• To appease irate donors when stock is un-saleable and if donations are rejected. 

• To determine the most effective pickup/drop off route with the Line Managers at the beginning of a shift by way of route numbering.

• To be responsible for ensuring the van is roadworthy.

• To carry out a risk assessment on the collection of stock from donor’s homes.

Please note that all our vans are GPS tracked to help ensure efficient service and route management. 

Person Specification 

Essential

• Full UK driving licence.

• Good knowledge of local road networks.

• Ability to safely lift and move furniture and other bulky items.

• Excellent customer service and communication skills.

• Reliable, organised, and able to work independently.

• Flexible approach to duties and working locations.

Desirable

• Experience driving vans or light commercial vehicles.

• Previous experience in a retail, logistics, warehouse, or charity environment.

• Basic understanding of manual handling procedures.

• Experience working with volunteers and members of the public.

• Good geographical knowledge of the London and Outer London area

Key Attributes

• Friendly and approachable manner.

• Honest and trustworthy.

• Team player with a positive attitude.

• Commitment to supporting the charity's mission and values. 

Additional information 

Physical effort

• This role involves safe manual handling of heavy and awkward items (manual handling training will be provided)

• The workload involves extensive bending, stretching, lifting and moving and is physically demanding 

• There is regular and extensive driving, incorporating dexterity, coordination and sensory skills 

For more information about the role, or to receive a personal recommendation, please contact our recruitment team. Melissa – melissa@theworkavenue.org.uk or Yael – yb@theworkavenue.org.uk

Code: J-02