Local Operations Manager - Drivers - Southern Operations in Ipswich

Freightliner is the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, transporting containers from all major deep‑sea ports to our national network of inland terminals, as well as a leading operator in the UK Heavy Haul rail freight market.

Freightliner has operations across Europe offering both Intermodal and Heavy Haul rail freight services seamlessly connecting European countries and the UK.

In the UK the Freightliner Group operates under a number of legal entities including Freightliner Ltd, Pentalver Transport Ltd, and Pentalver Cannock Ltd.

Purpose of the Role

This is a permanent role ideally located at Eastleigh— alternatively Ipswich, Tilbury, London Gateway.

The Local Operations Manager (Driver) is accountable for the day‑to‑day welfare, people management, attendance, and engagement of a designated driver workforce, ensuring staff are supported, compliant, and effectively managed throughout the employment lifecycle.

The role provides visible, consistent leadership and ensures that driver welfare, conduct, attendance, and performance issues are managed proactively and lawfully.

The Local Operations Manager does not own or manage driver technical competence, assessments, or certification.

These responsibilities sit with the Production Manager.

Close collaboration is required where welfare and competence intersect (e. g. post‑incident care).

The Role

• A. Driver Welfare & Chain of Care (Primary Accountability)
• Line management of drivers, ensuring welfare matters are addressed to conclusion
• Conduct sickness and welfare contact within 24 hours of absence
• Complete Return‑to‑Work interviews following all absences
• Develop and manage phased return‑to‑work plans
• Manage MFA placement, monitoring, and escalation
• Liaise with HR and Occupational Health to ensure timely referrals and action plans
• Ensure safeguarding, dignity, and confidentiality are always maintained
• B. Attendance, Conduct & Performance Management
• Actively manage attendance, poor performance, and conduct issues
• Apply disciplinary and grievance procedures in line with company policy and agreements
• Conduct and document formal and informal reviews and warnings
• Maintain accurate records and provide evidence based recommendations
• Work with Trade Union representatives at local level as required
• C. People Leadership & Engagement
• Lead, motivate and support driver staff through visible leadership
• Deliver regular briefings, safety communications and engagement events
• Foster a high‑performing, customer‑focused team culture
• Support employee development and apprenticeship engagement where applicable
• Ensure equality, fairness, and emotional intelligence in all people decisions
• D. Interfaces with Production Manager (Competence)
• Support welfare aspects of competence‑related incidents and investigations
• Manage post‑incident welfare, fatigue, and fitness for duty discussions
• Escalate concerns where welfare factors may impact competence
• E. Operational & Resource Support
• Work with rostering to manage efficient attendance and resource utilisation
• Minimise reliance on free day working through proactive welfare planning
• Support effective train service delivery through robust people management
• Participate in on‑call and out‑of‑hours arrangements as required
• F. Recruitment & Workforce Planning
• Participate in driver recruitment interviews and selection panels
• Provide recommendations based on behavioural and welfare considerations
• Support onboarding and early‑stage welfare monitoring of new starters
• Safety and Statutory Responsibilities

The post holder has day‑to‑day responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of all drivers within their reporting line, compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act and ROGS regulations, ensuring welfare arrangements protect employees, rail users and the public, maintaining a positive safety culture, ensuring behavioural standards are upheld, and taking reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions at work.

Your Profile

• Experience managing staff in an operational or safety‑critical environment
• Proven ability to manage attendance, welfare, and disciplinary processes
• Experience working with Trade Unions
• Understanding of Safety Management Systems and Rail Operating environments
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and emotional intelligence skills
• Personal Track Safety (PTS)
• Effective Incident Management training
• Competence in investigations and evidence‑based reporting
• IT competence (e. g. Microsoft Office, operational systems)
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and away from home if required
• Required Competencies
• Safety leadership as a first principle
• Professional integrity and confidentiality
• Fairness, independence, and resilience
• Ability to influence and support others
• Empathy, emotional regulation, and sound judgement

Benefits

Competitive pay, an excellent pension scheme and a rewarding career in an award‑winning team.

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