At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach and develop drivers to enhance safety and performance on the road.
- Company: Join a leading bakery brand with a strong commitment to safety and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and discounts at top retailers.
- Other info: Enjoy flexible working options and be part of a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping a skilled and compliant driving workforce.
- Qualifications: Must have a valid C+E Driving Licence and 2 years of commercial driving experience.
The predicted salary is between 32850 - 40150 £ per year.
Allied Bakeries are owned by Associated British Foods.
ABF is a diversified international food, ingredients and retail group with sales of £20.1bn and 138,000 employees in 56 countries.
It has significant businesses in Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia and Australia.
Our sister companies in ABF UK Grocery produce products under many market-leading household brands, including Jordans, Ryvita, Pataks, Blue Dragon & Silver Spoon.
We are proud of our brands: we make top 10 UK grocery brand Kingsmill as well as Allinson’s and Sunblest.
You’ll know us best through our white, wholemeal and seeded market-leading loaves, as well as Kingsmill 50/50, the nation’s favourite Healthier White, and our delicious pancakes, crumpets, hot cross buns and other bakery products.
The success of our business depends on us having the right people on the team.
We are incredibly passionate about our business, but it isn’t for the faint-hearted – it’s pacey and demanding so our people need to have a positive attitude and to want to work inclusively.
We take massive pride in what we do, not least in how colleagues based in our bakeries and depots have one of the best safety performance records in the industry.
Our Grocery Service Centre, based near Liverpool, is a hub for transactional activity across multiple ABF companies within the ABF Grocery division.
Supporting some of our well-known brands such as Kingsmill, Pataks, Blue Dragon, Jordans, Ryvita and Silver Spoon, amongst others.
We deliver Shared Service activities across a wide range of disciplines including Customer Services, Consumer Care, Finance, Payroll, HR and IS.
If you’re looking to join a business that is passionate, encourages you to be the best you can be, and values its people, we’d love to hear from you.
Overview Of Role
Hours: 45 hours per week, including early starts and night shifts, to provide support for all drivers.
Role Overview
As a Driver Coach, you will play a pivotal role in developing a highly skilled, safe, and compliant driving workforce.
Reporting directly to the Transport Manager, with indirect reporting to the Transport Front Line Manager, you will support the Driver Assessor in delivering coaching, training, and development programmes that drive operational excellence.
Acting as a subject matter expert, you will work closely with drivers to enhance performance, promote a strong safety culture, and ensure full compliance with legal and company standards.
Through effective coaching and mentoring, you will help drivers improve driving techniques, reduce operational risks, increase fuel efficiency, and deliver an exceptional customer experience.
Your expertise will cover
- Safe and fuel-efficient driving
- Tachograph compliance and best practice
- Route and diversion management
- Manual handling techniques
- Satellite navigation and route planning
- Delivery point risk assessments
- Bridge strike prevention and vehicle awareness
Comprehensive assessment records and coaching documentation will be maintained to support continuous improvement and performance development.
- Key Accountabilities
- Driver Coaching & Development
- Accompany drivers on routes to conduct assessments and provide constructive feedback on driving style, behaviours, safety, and compliance.
- Deliver engaging coaching sessions that reinforce driver induction standards and ongoing development requirements.
- Identify training needs and create targeted development plans to improve performance and capability.
- Act as a role model, promoting a positive and professional driving culture across the operation.
- Safety & Compliance
- Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring drivers consistently adhere to legal and company requirements.
- Provide expert coaching on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and transport legislation.
- Lead tachograph compliance coaching to reduce infringements and support driver understanding.
- Promote awareness of the Working Time Directive and its impact on driver wellbeing and compliance.
- Support Road Traffic Accident (RTA) investigations and contribute to corrective and preventative actions.
- Performance & Continuous Improvement
- Produce detailed assessment reports and maintain accurate coaching records.
- Monitor manual handling activities and coach drivers on safe working practices.
- Support Front Line Managers with driver performance reviews and development discussions.
- Analyse driver behaviours and trends to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Contribute as a key member of the site steering team, supporting vehicle operations excellence.
- What You’ll Need To Succeed
We are looking for a passionate and motivated individual who enjoys developing others and setting high standards.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Safety-focused, with a genuine commitment to creating a safe working environment.
- Confident presenter and trainer with an engaging coaching style.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent planning and organisational abilities.
- Self-motivated with the initiative to work independently.
- Good awareness of diversity and inclusion, adapting coaching styles to meet individual needs.
- Exceptional attention to detail and record-keeping standards.
- Strong understanding of confidentiality and data protection requirements.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Power Point, and digital reporting tools.
- Detailed knowledge of transport compliance and driver legislation.
- Hold a valid C+E Driving Licence.
- Minimum of 2 years' commercial driving experience within a fast-paced FMCG, logistics, or distribution environment.
- What's In It For You
We believe in rewarding our people, and that’s why we offer an outstanding package of benefits, including:
- Competitive Salary: £42,261.97 per year
• 29 Days Annual Leave – Enjoy your well-earned breaks!
- Up to 10% Employer Pension Contributions (including Life Assurance)
- ‘Extra Slice’ Benefits Scheme – Discounts at over 500 retailers, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, M&S, Curry’s, and more!
- Electric Car/ Cycle to Work Scheme – Get a great bike deal to help with your commute
- Family-Friendly & Flexible Working Options – Supporting your work-life balance
- Employee Assistance Programme – Free & confidential support for financial, legal, and personal matters
- Charitable Giving – Be part of our partnership with Save the Children and give back through payroll donations
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Driver Coach employer: Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc
Allied Bakeries is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees in Belfast. With a strong commitment to quality and food safety, the company fosters a collaborative work culture where team members are encouraged to grow and excel in their roles. Employees benefit from flexible shift patterns, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional development, making it a rewarding place to build a career in the food production industry.
Contact Details:
Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Driver Coach
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Driver Coach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc.
