DESPATCH OPERATIVE (NIGHTS)

Port Elizabeth, South Africa
DESPATCH OPERATIVE (NIGHTS)
Company
The Village Bakery Group
Location
Despatch, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Job type
Full-time
Posted
81 days ago
Via
via LinkedIn
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Job description
What would you get for working here?SkillsIf you have the despatch experience and skills we are looking for then you will receive a total reward package that includes:A competitive salary of £30,730.70 p/a (£15.35 p/h)8% Pension Contribution21 days annual leave (Inc of Bank Holidays)£250 refer-a-friend schemeAccess to Stream (formerly Wagestream) – a financial wellbeing benefit that lets you track earnings and access earned pay before payday, plus budgeting tools and money support to help you stay in controlAccess to an exclusive employee benefits/discounts platform where you can save £££s on your everyday spendsExcellent coffee machines available free-of-chargeProfessional development opportunities and qualificationsA progressive working environment that puts its people at the heart of what it doesGreat opportunity for career developmentWhat would you be doing?Our vision as a business is to be the “Go-to” supplier of bakery products, working nationally with retailers such as M&S, Tesco and Sainsbury’s on their premium private label range and regionally through the Village Bakery brand.In achieving this vision, we want to be recognised as a family business that continually invests in the future through the development of our people, quality and food safety culture, equipment and processes.As a member of the Despatch team, you will play a key role in ensuring our customers receive the right products, in the right quantities and on time. Working in a fast-paced FMCG environment, you will be responsible for accurately picking customer orders, preparing loads for dispatch, using hand-held scanning technology to maintain stock accuracy and ensuring vehicles are loaded safely and efficiently to support the smooth operation of our distribution network.Your Responsibilities Will Include, But Are Not Limited ToPicking orders accurately and efficientlyLoading goods into freezer/ onto wagons safelyUsing hand-held scanners to log and track loadsStock handling and storageMaintaining accurate despatch recordsWorking with the production teamFollowing health and safety proceduresSupporting stock rotation and inventory managementThe successful candidate for this role will need to demonstrate the following skills, qualifications and attributes:EssentialForklift Truck (FLT) licence (Counterbalance or Reach)Experience working in a warehouse, stores or logistics role, ideally within FMCG or food manufacturingStrong attention to detail and the ability to follow procedures accuratelyUnderstanding of stock rotation and basic inventory controlAbility to work in a fast-paced environment with changing prioritiesStrong teamwork and communication skillsPhysically fit for manual handlingDesirableExperience using warehouse management or stock control systemsKnowledge of Food Safety, GMP or HACCP environmentsExperience within bakery or chilled food manufacturingSo, who are we? If you haven’t heard of us before we are a family owned and managed Craft Bakery producing an award-winning range of Bread, Morning Goods, Pies and gluten free products.Our business has been producing products in this category since 1964 and since then we have grown in success due to our reputation for quality, innovation and technical experience. As a result of this continued growth, we now operate from a number of world class and well invested bakeries in and around Wrexham, including our dedicated Gluten free site ‘Gluten Freedom’ and our state-of-the-art ‘Super Bakery’ at Ash Road.If you would like to join our award-winning, quality-driven team please use the ‘apply now’ link and follow the on-line application instructions.We look forward to welcoming you to our team soon!Equal opportunitiesWe are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Driver Jobs in South Africa

Q
What is the national minimum wage for code 10 and 14 truck drivers in South Africa from 1 March 2026?
As per the Department of Employment and Labour, the national minimum wage for drivers is R32.50 per hour from 1 March 2026. This equates to R6 500 per month for a 200-hour month with overtime paid at 1.5 times the rate after 45 hours per week.
Source: Department of Employment and Labour
Q
Do foreign nationals need a work visa to apply for driver jobs in South Africa in 2026?
As per the Department of Home Affairs, foreign nationals require a valid General Work Visa or Critical Skills Work Visa before starting any driver employment in 2026. The visa must be endorsed for the specific occupation and employer on the quota list.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
Q
What PrDP and experience are required for bus and truck driver vacancies in South Africa?
As per the Department of Transport, applicants need a valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) category P or D plus at least 24 months driving experience on the relevant vehicle code. A Grade 10 certificate and clean criminal record are also mandatory.
Source: Department of Transport
Q
Which documents must be submitted when applying for a driver post through the Department of Employment and Labour in 2026?
As per the Department of Employment and Labour, applicants must submit a certified ID copy, valid driver’s licence, PrDP, recent tax clearance, and proof of residence dated within three months. All documents must be uploaded via the ESSA online portal before 31 December 2026.
Source: Department of Employment and Labour