Job Introduction
As we continue our mission to make people happy through re-inventing chocolate, we’re looking for a Retail Transport Coordinator to join our Transport team on a permanent basis.
You will play a key role in supporting the daily execution of Transport Operations here at Hotel Chocolat. This is a highly task-orientated role, centred on ensuring that drivers are fully prepared, loads are ready for departure and all despatch processes are completed to a high standard.
This is a fast-paced, early morning environment providing visibility across our transport, warehouse and operations teams, whilst continuously playing a key role in ensuring that all vehicles depart on time, fully compliant and with complete and accurate documentation.
Shift pattern: this role will operative on a shift pattern of 04:00am to 12:00pm (noon), Monday to Friday
Salary: up to £30,000.00 per annum (dependent on experience)
As well as a competitive salary and a range of company benefits, you’ll receive 50% discount on all products, and a 70% discount for you and your guests when you stay at our Rabot Estate hideaway on the paradise island of Saint Lucia.
The on-site location for this role is at our Distribution Centre ‘Beta’, in Harpole, Northampton. We opened the doors to our impressive Distribution Centre – all 429,107 square feet of it - in October 2022.
You will find us just off Junction 16 of the M1.
What you’ll be doing….
Driver pre-briefs
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Conduct daily pre-briefs with drivers prior to departure.
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Clearly communicate routes, delivery schedules, and any site-specific instructions.
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Highlight any operational updates, delays, or customer requirements.
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Driver Paperwork & Compliance.
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Ensure all driver paperwork is fully completed, accurate, and compliant before departure.
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Check delivery notes, manifests, and relevant transport documentation.
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Verify driver compliance with company procedures and legal requirements
Load Planning
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Build and organise daily load plans in line with delivery schedules and priorities.
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Ensure loads are sequenced correctly for efficient delivery routes.
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Work closely with the warehouse team to ensure accurate loading of vehicles.
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Prepare and issue complete Driver Run packs for each shift.
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Ensure all required documentation is included (delivery notes, route plans, instructions).
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Double-check packs for accuracy and completeness prior to dispatch.
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Carry out regular spot checks on vehicles, loads, and documentation.
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Identify and resolve discrepancies before vehicles leave site.
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Maintain high standards of accuracy and operational compliance.
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Oversee the timely despatch of all vehicles.
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Escalate and resolve any issues that may impact delivery performance.
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Act as a key point of contact for drivers in the morning.
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Liaise with warehouse and transport teams to ensure smooth operations.
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Provide updates on any issues affecting deliveries.
Who you are…
Essential
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Demonstrable experience within a transport, logistics or despatch role or environment.
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Confident communicator – ability to brief drivers clearly and effectively.
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Strong attention to detail, particularly with paperwork and compliance.
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Ability to work in a fast-paced, time sensitive environment.
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Competent in basic IT systems and transport software.
Desirable
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Experience with load planning or route planning.
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Good understanding of transport procedures and driver requirements.
Who are we?
We’re one of the UK’s favourite premium chocolate brands, with a range of products spanning luxury gifts, alcohol and our pioneering drinking chocolate system, the Velvetiser™.
A cacao pod takes years to grow – it can’t be rushed if it’s going to be just right for our products. The same can be said for Hotel Chocolat, which originally started as a mint production company before we realised it was luxury chocolate that we were really passionate about.
Now, we’re market leaders in the industry. What began as an online-only business grew to over 160 stores across the UK, and we’re still growing… Today, we’re multi-category, multi-channel, and multi-territory, and our customers, colleagues, cacao farmers and suppliers all benefit from the success we make together.
To learn more about us and read about our People Pledge – our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion – click here: hotelchocolat.com/uk/engaged-ethics/our-people.html
