Driver Mentor in Manchester

Overview

At Mustard Tree, we’re on a mission to combat poverty and prevent homelessness, driven by our core values: Belief, Dignity, Opportunity, Diversity, and Partnership.

The need for our services is greater than ever, with unprecedented demand across Greater Manchester.

As our charity continues to grow, we’re striving to become a leading force for change, creating real opportunities for people to improve their economic wellbeing.

To help us achieve this, we’re looking for a compassionate, skilled, and empowering people to join our team.

If you’re passionate about making a lasting impact and want to be part of something truly transformative, we’d love to hear from you.

Role Purpose

Part of a team of Driver Mentors, you will be working across three busy hubs of operation across Manchester and Salford safely and efficiently transporting goods to various locations.

Helping to facilitate the operation of our community shops through deliveries, collections and working with the warehouse and retail teams.

The role will see you interact with a wide range of people, including service users, trainees, volunteers and customers and in a variety of situations, from stock movement to charity promotion.

Working closely with Freedom trainees and people using our services, this role also includes mentoring individuals on a 121 basis through providing a warm welcome, supportive conversations, signposting and befriending.

This is a physically demanding role that requires heavy lifting and excellent communication skills.

Main Duties

• Safely and securely manage the movement of stock in and out of the community shops, within containers and in and out of client or donors establishments.
• Deliver and collect stock from customers and donors, driving and operating a van safelyproviding a high standard of customer service always representing the charity positively.
• Load and unload the van safely at all times following health and safety guidelines.
• Ensure that dashcams are switched on and used at all times whilst driving for insurance purposes..
• Ensure the security (locking of vehicle) and safety of designated vehicles including appropriate maintenance with regular weekly checks (brakes, oil, tyre pressures) refuelling of vehicles, and report any issues back to line manager.
• Complete tip and metal runs as required, promoting effective recycling.
• Adhere to traffic laws and regulations whilst driving
• Adhere to policy and procedures, ensuring health and safety practices are followed and PPE is worn at all times ( safety boots, hi vis, gloves) by yourself and freedom volunteers
• Complete updates on tablet when jobs are completed or rejected and update van routes accordingly.
• Effectively mentor, manage and train volunteers, including on-the-job training helping to improve their confidence and skillset.
• Return all donated items to Mustard Tree once collected.
• Take responsibility for checking emails daily, personal and professional development, attending meetings and training as requested
• Complete manual handling training with volunteers
• Train freedom volunteers on the pricing system and be accountable for pricing your stock when it returns to the warehouse and place it on the retail shop floor
• Complete training packs with freedom volunteers and attend graduation ceremony.
• Maintain our Mustard Tree welcome be well presented and courteous working inline with Mustard Trees values and culture.
• Follow safeguarding and incident management policies and procedures at all times reporting any issues back to the safeguarding leads and your line manager.
• Demonstrate an open and non-judgemental attitude whilst maintaining appropriate boundaries with clients and volunteers.
• Support volunteers to develop ‘work ready’ skills and behaviours i. e. confidence, punctuality, time management, communication, teamwork and initiative
• Overseeing and working within health & safety guidelines and Mustard Tree policies and procedures
• Supporting other staff and sites, providing practical relief cover for work-streams
• Take responsibility for own professional development, attending training courses as required
• Leading by example, embodying Mustard Tree cultures and values and representing the charity with external partners
• Contribute towards being an environmentally responsible organisation as part of day to day activities including recycling and supporting ‘paper-lite’ practices
• Other tasks and duties relevant to the role as required by the organisation
• Role Specific Person Specification

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
• Kind and encouraging, and enjoys working with a diverse range of people
• Ability to lift heavy objects and perform physical tasks for extended periods of time
• Full clean UK driving license, with ability to drive 3.5 tonne vehicle, held for a minimum of 2 years
• Understanding of and commitment to working to health and safety regulations
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills
• Effective organisation skills including scheduling and use of IT e. g. route planning
• Proven experience as a delivery Driver or in a similar role
• Awareness of professional boundaries and experience of managing difficult situations
• Experience and enthusiasm for training others
• All Staff Competency Expectations
• 1. WORLD CLASS WELCOME AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
• Communication Skills
• Communicates clearly, empathetically, and professionally.
• Listens actively to understand our customers and clients needs.
• Adapts their communication to meet individual needs and circumstances.
• Customer Focused Attitude
• Creates a friendly, welcoming, and non-judgmental atmosphere for all.
• Demonstrates kindness, compassion, and respect in all interactions.
• Shows empathy for client’s experiencing challenging circumstances.
• Problem Solving and Initiative
• Addresses customer and client concerns quickly and effectively.
• Is proactive in identifying and resolving potential issues.
• Escalates issues and asks for help when it is required.
• Professionalism and Service Excellence
• Represents Mustard Tree internally and externally.
• Pays attention to detail, ensuring all queries are fully understood and addressed.
• Manages time effectively, balancing efficiency with quality service.
• Maintains consistency in delivering high standards of service.
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Supports colleagues and work together to achieve shared goals.
• 2. PROACTIVE IN LIVING AND SHARING OUR CULTURE, VALUES AND BEHAVIOURS
• Living Mustard Tree’s Values
• Embodies Belief, Dignity, Opportunity, Diversity, and Partnership in daily actions and decisions.
• Promotes a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful culture in all interactions.
• Sharing Our Culture
• Represents Mustard Tree’s values positively to colleagues, customers, clients and external partners.
• Demonstrates accountability, kindness, and respect in all work and communication.
• Proactivity in Engagement
• Takes personal responsibility for upholding Mustard Tree’s culture and values.
• Identifies opportunities to share and encourage positive behaviours within the team using the values cards.
• Adaptability and Growth
• Is flexible and open to learning, contributing to personal growth and team resilience.
• Actively reflects on their behaviours and their impact and seeks opportunities for improvement.
• Teamwork and Inclusion
• Supports colleagues in living out the values and creating a positive work environment.
• Respects and celebrates differences, contributing to a culture of kindness and belonging.
• 3. COURAGE IN PROBLEM SOLVING AND EMBRACING CHANGE TO MEET NEEDS
• Proactive Problem Solving
• Takes initiative to address issues quickly and effectively.
• Uses creativity and resourcefulness to find practical solutions.
• Asks for help in solving problems where needed to ensure the task is complete.
• Approaches challenges with confidence and resilience.
• Adaptability and Change
• Is flexible in responding to changing circumstances and needs.
• Embraces change as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve.
• Empathy and Understanding
• Solves problems with care and compassion, ensuring customers, clients and colleagues feel heard and valued.
• Attention to Detail and Follow Through
• Ensures that problems are fully understood, addressed, and followed up appropriately.
• Prioritises tasks effectively to meet urgent needs without compromising quality.
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Supports colleagues in overcoming challenges, working together to find solutions.
• 4. CONFIDENT IN SAFEGUARDING AND INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
• Completes the Safeguarding training and ensures they understand it.
• Is confident in identifying safeguarding concerns and taking appropriate action in line with Mustard Tree policies.
• Responding to Incidents
• Acts calmly, responsibly, and professionally when managing incidents or safeguarding concerns.
• Follow Mustard Tree’s processes to report, record, and elevate issues as needed.
• Awareness and Vigilance
• Is proactive and vigilant in recognising risks or signs of harm, ensuring no concern is overlooked.
• Takes ownership of ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all.
• Empathy and Respect
• Treats individuals with compassion, dignity, and care during safeguarding or incident-related situations.
• Personal Accountability
• Understands their role and responsibilities in safeguarding and incident management, seeking guidance when needed.
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Works with colleagues to share concerns, support one another, and manage incidents effectively
• Key information
• Employer: Mustard Tree
• Locations: Manchester, Salford
• Role Type: Fixed term
• Salary: 37.5 hours per week Temporary 12 month Fixed Term Contract
• Working Hours: Full-Time

To apply for this role

• Apply via Indeed link
• More about this role
• Closing Date: Friday 31st July 2026 at 12:00pm

• Contact Information

• Employee Benefits: Real Living Wage employer Free lunch Holiday on birthday
• Would You Consider A Job Share For The Role?: Yes
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