Smiths News, the UK’s leading newspaper and magazine wholesaler, is recruiting dozens of drivers to work from the Team Valley depot in Gateshead.
A total of 28 driver jobs are up for grabs with both permanent and self-employed contracts available with the company which prides itself on creating job opportunities for local people to thrive. Around 20 self-employed drivers are needed to work nightshift from the Gateshead distribution centre as well as 8 permanent drivers.
Self-employed drivers need to have their own vans and permanent drivers will use company vans. Drivers also need to have held a full licence for two years. And there are a host of benefits for permanent workers who join Smiths News.
Working on behalf of all major national and regional publishers, Smiths News distributes a huge range of print media to 24,000 customers, from large general retailers to smaller independent newsagents.
The award-winning company already employs 70 staff, many of them long-serving, at the Gateshead distribution centre and is looking to take on 28 more drivers. The company also offers staff a fantastic team environment, with a range of training courses that allow them to up-skill in their current role or move between departments.
The heartbeat of the company
The distribution centres of Smiths News, including the one in the Team Valley, are the heartbeat of the award-winning business. Operating from 36 sites across the UK, both 24/7 operations and night operations, the staff that work at the distribution centres are responsible for ensuring the company’s customers receive their news and magazines daily.
Smiths News use its extensive network of distribution centres to provide an efficient, friendly and professional service to all customers throughout the UK, no matter the size of the business or where they are located.
Loyal workers
Norman Cooke, who started his career 26 years ago and is now a Depot Manager at the Team Valley Distribution Centre, said training and development of all recruits is key at Smiths News and that training continues throughout your career.
Norman also said it’s a great place to work and many of his fellow workers have been with the company for decades. He said: “This is a great place to work, with a brilliant culture. We have several staff who have worked here for almost 45 years. And some of our self-employed staff have been with us for 30 years.
"We've also got a brilliant workplace environment, that's why our site offers free onsite parking, a competitive salary, life assurance, pension and 25 days of holiday but you’ll also have access to training and development opportunities.
"We also have opportunities for staff to be involved in charity days. Everyone who works here is just down to earth, we all care for each other and support each other when it's needed.''
He added: “This is a friendly and dynamic place to work and it could suit people who are early birds or night owls. If you’ve held a UK driving licence for a minimum of two years and require the flexibility to work around other commitments, then apply today. Working at our distribution centre as a driver could be perfect for you.’’
How to apply
Join the Smiths News family as a Driver in Gateshead. Aspiring drivers need a valid UK photo card licence, a positive attitude and a drive to hit targets. Apply for permanent positions here and self-employed positions here.
