Part-time Driver/ Warehouse person

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Website Heslington Fresh Foods Ltd

Job Overview: Part-time Driver / Warehouse Person

Heslington Fresh Foods Ltd, a family-run specialist in supplying fresh produce to the catering industry, is looking for a reliable and friendly individual to join their team. This “hybrid” role involves both warehouse operations and multi-drop deliveries across North and West Yorkshire. Based in Escrick (just south of York), this position is central to the regional food supply chain.

Job Summary

  • Employer: Heslington Fresh Foods Ltd

  • Location: Escrick, York (YO19 area)

  • Salary: £12.60 per hour (To be reviewed in April 2026)

  • Hours: Approx. 20 hours per week (split over three days)

  • Schedule: Early starts (03:00 AM – 04:00 AM), including Saturdays and occasional Sundays.

Key Responsibilities

  • Warehouse Operations: Picking and packing fresh produce orders, ensuring quality control, and preparing loads for the morning’s catering deliveries.

  • Multi-drop Delivery: Driving a company vehicle to deliver fresh goods to chefs and catering businesses in York, Selby, Leeds, and Harrogate.

  • Customer Relations: Acting as the “face of the business” by providing friendly and professional service at the point of delivery.

  • Vehicle Care: Ensuring the delivery vehicle is kept tidy and reporting any maintenance issues to the management team.

Requirements & Skills

  • Licensing: A clean UK driving licence is required.

  • Insurance: Must be eligible for coverage under the company’s fleet insurance policy (typically requires being over 21 or 25 with a certain number of years of driving experience).

  • Physical Stamina: Ability to handle early morning starts and the physical nature of loading and unloading crates of produce.

  • Reliability: A “family-run” business depends heavily on punctuality, especially with 3:00 AM starts for time-sensitive catering orders.

Benefits

  • Employee Discount: Access to high-quality fresh produce at reduced rates.

  • On-site Parking: Free parking at the Escrick base.

  • Stability: A permanent contract with a scheduled pay review coming in April 2026.

Strategic 2026 Context: Your 149th Market Entry

This role represents the “Regional Logistics & Food Supply” tier of your 149-role York dataset.

  • The “Early Start” Premium: At £12.60/hr, this role matches the McArthurGlen Specialist (£12.60/hr) and sits above the Audi Receptionist (£12.21/hr). The higher rate for what is technically an entry-level role reflects the “unsocial hours” premium for 3:00 AM starts.

  • The Escrick/Selby Corridor: Escrick serves as a vital logistics hub for York. This role confirms that businesses in this area must offer competitive rates to attract staff who might otherwise work in York City Centre or at the Designer Outlet.

  • April 2026 Pay Review: The mention of a pay review in April 2026 aligns with the anticipated UK National Living Wage increases, suggesting Heslington Fresh Foods aims to remain a “competitive employer of choice” in the local agricultural/logistics sector.

    Heslington Fresh Foods Ltd (often referred to as HFF) is a well-established, family-run food wholesaler and delivery specialist. Originally focused on supplying the region’s hospitality sector, the company gained widespread local recognition for its rapid expansion into high-quality home deliveries during the pandemic.

    Company Description & Culture

    Heslington Fresh Foods operates with a culture rooted in “Yorkshire Resilience and Local Partnership.” Founded in 2005 by Kevin and Sue Miller, the business has grown from a small wholesale operation into a versatile food hub. Their culture is defined by agility and hard work; they are known for their ability to pivot their entire business model overnight to meet community needs.

    Internally, the environment is classic “family-run”—close-knit, hands-on, and focused on long-term relationships with both staff and suppliers. They prioritize “Love Local” values, actively collaborating with other North Yorkshire producers to ensure their “field-to-fork” journey is as short as possible.

    Key Company Highlights

    Category Details
    Operational Hub Escrick Business Park, York, YO19 6FD
    Registered Office Heritage House, Murton Way, Osbaldwick, York
    Primary Industry Wholesale & Retail of Fresh, Dairy, and Chilled Produce
    Service Area York, Selby, and the wider Yorkshire region
    Key Advantage No minimum order value for home deliveries; next-day service
    Founded 2005 (Originally incorporated as Phoenix Foods York Ltd)

    Product Range & Services

    HFF has expanded its inventory significantly to become a “one-stop shop” for both professional chefs and local households:

    • Fresh Produce: A vast selection of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and fresh herbs sourced from local Yorkshire growers whenever possible.

    • Dairy & Bakery: Supplying everything from daily milk and eggs to artisan breads, flour, and specialist baking products.

    • The “Yorkshire Box”: Popular curated delivery boxes that combine essential groceries with regional treats like pork pies, sausage rolls, and local cheeses.

    • Wholesale Solutions: Providing bespoke delivery schedules and bulk pricing for York’s hotels, pubs, and restaurants.

    Careers & Community Role

    As a significant player in the local food supply chain, HFF offers a stable and community-focused workplace:

    • Employment Stability: The company is noted for its commitment to its workforce, having successfully expanded its delivery team to cope with increased demand in recent years without resorting to furloughs.

    • Logistics & Warehousing: Regular opportunities for Delivery Drivers and Warehouse Operatives who have a strong knowledge of York’s geography and a commitment to food safety.

    • Community Hero Status: HFF is a key partner in “The Press Love Local Business” campaign, recognized for their role in keeping the elderly and vulnerable in York supplied with fresh food during periods of crisis.

    Why They Stand Out in York

    Unlike national supermarket delivery services, Heslington Fresh Foods is praised for its personal touch. Customers often cite the friendliness of the regular drivers and the ability to source “hard-to-find” items (like high-grade flour or specific vegan cheeses) as the reasons for their loyalty.

To apply for this job please visit heslingtonfreshfoods.co.uk.