Driver Manager

Arriva Group; Gillingham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job description

Location: Gillingham

Role Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Rostered shifts, Monday to Saturday, including evenings (roster to be confirmed)

Salary: £47,778.75

Arriva is recruiting a Driver Manager to join our Gillingham depot. This is a key operational leadership role, responsible for ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of services while leading, developing, and engaging a team of drivers.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in maintaining operational performance, driving continuous improvement, and supporting Arriva’s commitment to excellent customer service and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operational delivery of services, ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of drivers, promoting a positive, inclusive, and high-performance working environment.
• Take ownership of performance management, attendance, conduct, and capability issues in line with company policies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, company standards, and safety requirements.
• Work collaboratively with Trade Union representatives to manage employee relations matters effectively.
• Monitor budgets, operational costs, and performance metrics, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and support the depot leadership team in achieving business objectives.

Skills And Experience

• Demonstrable experience managing operational teams, ideally within transport, logistics, or a similar regulated environment.
• Strong leadership capability with a structured, people-focused management approach.
• Experience handling employee relations issues and working with Trade Unions.
• Proven ability to manage performance, resolve operational challenges, and maintain service delivery standards.
• Eligible for, or currently qualified as, a Transport Manager (O-Licence holder).

Working Hours

• Rostered shifts, Monday to Saturday, including evenings (final roster to be confirmed).
• Early shifts: 05:00 – 13:00.
• Late shifts: 13:00 – 21:00.

What We Offer

• Salary: £47,778.75 per annum.
• Structured training and development with clear career progression opportunities.
• A supportive, inclusive working environment focused on teamwork and accountability.
• Competitive benefits package.