When it comes to agricultural innovation, few companies are as trusted and respected as Starke Ayres. With a reputation built on the supply of premium vegetable, flower, and lawn seed varieties, this African specialist serves both commercial growers and home gardeners. Their reach extends globally, and they remain a key player in supporting Africa’s agricultural backbone. Now, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a Code 10 Driver (with Picker Packer duties) in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). If you’re looking to combine your driving expertise with essential warehouse skills, this role could be perfect for you.
The Role: What It’s All About
Starke Ayres is offering a permanent position in the logistics sector that goes beyond just driving. While a significant part of the role involves transporting goods, documents, and people using light motor vehicles (with a gross vehicle weight of under 3000kg), the position also comes with picker packer responsibilities. This dual role means you’ll not only be responsible for deliveries but also for assisting in the warehouse with order fulfillment, stock control, and packaging.
The diverse nature of this role provides an excellent opportunity for those who enjoy variety in their work. It’s an ideal role for individuals who are not only comfortable behind the wheel but also enjoy being hands-on with the products they help deliver. Let’s explore in more detail what a day in the life of a Starke Ayres Driver and Picker Packer looks like.
The Responsibilities: Driving, Delivering, and Warehouse Operations
Deliveries: More Than Just Driving
As a Driver for Starke Ayres, your primary responsibility will be to transport goods safely and efficiently. You’ll work closely with the Dispatch/Receiving Clerk to ensure that all goods loaded into your vehicle are accounted for. Accuracy is crucial here, as you’ll need to check every item against the Delivery Note before hitting the road.
Once you reach your destination, your job doesn’t stop at simply unloading the goods. You’ll need to check each delivery with the customer, ensuring that they sign the Delivery Note to confirm receipt. Any discrepancies or missing items must be recorded and signed off by the customer to keep a clear trail of accountability. This meticulous process ensures that Starke Ayres maintains its high standards of customer service and product quality.
In cases where orders are Cash on Delivery (COD), you’ll also be responsible for collecting payment and returning the money to the Depot Supervisor, along with the necessary documentation.
Returns: Managing Product Flows Efficiently
Deliveries are not the only part of the job. Occasionally, customers may return goods. As a Driver, you’ll collect these returns based on a Goods Return Voucher (GRV). Upon returning to the warehouse, you’ll hand in all returned goods and accompanying GRV documentation to the appropriate supervisor, ensuring everything is accounted for and handled correctly.
Vehicle Maintenance: Keeping Things in Tip-Top Shape
Driving for a reputable company like Starke Ayres means maintaining not only the company’s reputation but also their vehicles. You’ll be required to conduct daily and weekly checks on your vehicle using a Vehicle Checklist. Any defects or issues you discover need to be reported to your supervisor immediately, ensuring that the vehicles are always roadworthy and safe. A clean, well-maintained vehicle is essential for projecting a professional image, and this responsibility falls to you as the Driver.
You’ll also be expected to maintain a vehicle delivery schedule, documenting your arrival and departure times at each stop. This record, signed off by the customer, ensures that your deliveries run on time and according to plan.
Starke Ayres emphasizes professionalism at all levels, which means as a Driver, you’re not just a representative of the company on the road, but also during every interaction with customers. This calls for cleanliness, grooming, and a friendly, helpful demeanor.
The Picker Packer Role: Order Accuracy and Warehouse Operations
When you’re not on the road, you’ll be assisting in the warehouse with picker packer duties. This part of the role involves selecting the correct products for customer orders and ensuring they are packed accurately and in a saleable condition.
Order Fulfillment: The Backbone of Customer Satisfaction
In the warehouse, you’ll receive picking slips or customer orders, which you’ll use to gather the required products from the shelves. Attention to detail is critical here, as you’ll need to check the seed reference numbers to ensure the correct products are selected. If you notice any discrepancies—like a missing product or incorrect reference number—you’ll report them to the Depot Supervisor for resolution.
Starke Ayres maintains stringent quality standards, so it’s essential that all picked items are in pristine condition, with proper packaging and labeling. Once you’ve picked the items, they’ll be moved to a holding area for final checks. Once verified, you’ll package the orders in cardboard containers, ensuring all documentation is either inside or attached to the package.
Stock Control: Keeping the Depot Running Smoothly
Another important aspect of the Picker Packer role is stock management. You’ll assist with stock counts, both during scheduled inventory checks and as needed. Maintaining proper stock levels ensures the depot runs efficiently and that orders can be fulfilled on time.
You’ll also help monitor Cold Room and Seed Store temperatures, ensuring the integrity of perishable stock. The Depot Supervisor will rely on you to check these areas and report any concerns, ensuring stock remains in good condition.
General Warehouse Duties: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
When your primary responsibilities as a Driver or Picker Packer are complete, you’ll be expected to lend a hand with other tasks in the depot. Whether it’s helping maintain cleanliness, supporting security measures, or moving stock using a forklift (if you have a forklift license), teamwork is a key component of the role.
Why Starke Ayres?
At Starke Ayres, the Driver & Picker Packer role is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to grow within a company that values excellence, teamwork, and professionalism. You’ll be part of a dynamic logistics team that plays a vital role in delivering high-quality seeds and products to customers across South Africa.
The combination of driving and warehouse work provides variety and ensures no two days are the same. This role is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of hands-on tasks and customer interaction, all while contributing to the success of a respected company.
In return, Starke Ayres offers a market-related salary, permanent employment, and the chance to develop your skills in both driving and warehouse management.
Requirements to Apply
To be eligible for this position, you’ll need:
- A Grade 12 certificate.
- A Code 10 Driver’s License.
- Previous experience in driving and delivery assistance.
- A Forklift license (advantageous but not mandatory).
Final Thoughts: A Great Opportunity Awaits
The Driver & Picker Packer position at Starke Ayres is perfect for someone who values variety in their work, enjoys working with a team, and has a strong attention to detail. If you meet the requirements and are ready to take on a new challenge, this could be the ideal next step in your career. Starke Ayres is a company that takes pride in its people, and this role offers the chance to be part of a dedicated team committed to excellence in logistics and customer service.
Apply today to join the Starke Ayres family in Gqeberha and take your career to new heights!
