About the role
Location: Gillingham
Role Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Rostered shifts, Monday to Saturday, including evenings (roster to be confirmed)
Salary: Competitive
Arriva is recruiting a Driver Manager to join our Gillingham depot. This is a key leadership role with a strong focus on people management and Employee Relations, alongside responsibility for operational delivery.
This position is critical in improving people-related outcomes across the depot. While operational experience is essential, the role is heavily focused on managing ER matters, including attendance, conduct, performance, and engagement.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate significant experience managing people and handling complex employee relations issues.
The successful candidate will lead, support, and develop a team of drivers, ensuring a safe, compliant, and high-performing operation while addressing ongoing people challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the day-to-day operational delivery of services, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency
- Take clear ownership of people management and Employee Relations matters, including attendance management, grievances, disciplinaries, capability, and conduct
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of drivers, setting clear expectations and promoting a positive and accountable working environment
- Work proactively with Trade Union representatives to manage ER matters effectively and professionally
- Drive improvements in attendance, performance, engagement, and overall workforce behaviours
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, company standards, and safety requirements
- Monitor performance metrics and identify people-focused and operational improvement opportunities
- Support the depot leadership team in delivering business and people objectives
Skills And Experience
- Proven and demonstrable experience in people management is essential
- Strong background in managing Employee Relations matters, including attendance, grievances, and disciplinary processes
- Experience working with Trade Unions and handling sensitive employee issues confidently
- Operational management experience, ideally within transport, logistics, or a similarly regulated environment
- A structured, confident, and people-focused leadership approach
- Ability to balance operational performance with effective people management
- 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
- Competitive salary
- Structured training and development with clear career progression opportunities
- A supportive and inclusive working environment with a strong focus on leadership and accountability
- Competitive benefits package, including:
- Free bus travel for you and your family (or a nominee)
- Access to the Arriva Village for store discounts and exclusive offers
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