Lead Driver/Administrator in Uckfield

Homeland International is a global repatriation service and is part of CPJ Field, the UK's oldest Funeral Directors.

We provide compassionate, professional repatriation services for families and funeral directors across the world.

We are looking for an experienced, organised and proactive individual to join our team as our Lead Driver / Administrator.

This is a unique hybrid role that combines hands-on repatriation work with responsibility for the day-to-day coordination of our driving operations.

The successful applicant will initially be based at our location in Uckfield, East Sussex.

As part of our ongoing growth as a business, Homeland International is planning to relocate to new premises in the Crawley area within the next 12 months.

We are therefore seeking applicants who are able to commute to Uckfield during the transition period and who will be well placed to work from our new Crawley location, once the relocation is complete.

No two days are the same.

You will spend time out of the office supporting our repatriation operations across the UK while also ensuring our fleet, drivers, equipment and logistics are organised and ready to deliver an exceptional service.

The Role

As the Lead Driver / Administrator, you will lead our driving team while remaining actively involved in operational duties as well.

During busy periods you will work alongside the driving team carrying out removals, transfers and airport collections.

During quieter periods you will oversee the operational readiness of the department, ensuring vehicles, equipment, diaries and resources are planned and maintained to the highest standards.

This means that this hybrid role will include time in both the office and out of the office.

Working closely with our Case Coordinators and Operations Manager, you will help ensure every repatriation runs smoothly from beginning to end.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Driving Duties
• Carry out removals from hospitals, mortuaries and private residences.
• Transfer deceased people between hospitals, funeral directors and mortuaries.
• Collect and deliver coffins, ashes and documentation throughout the UK.
• Complete airport collections and transfers.
• Support with embassy visits and collection of documentation where required.
• Prepare coffins and assist with encoffining in accordance with company procedures.
• Maintain the highest standards of dignity, professionalism and care when handling the deceased.
• Operations & Logistics
• Review and oversee the diary, ensuring routes and allocations are practical and efficient together with the Operations Manager and Case Coordinator team.
• Work alongside Case Coordinators to resolve scheduling issues and maximise operational efficiency.
• Coordinate vehicle availability and allocate drivers according to operational priorities.
• Manage coffin ordering and ensure appropriate stock levels are maintained.
• Maintain the company mortuary, operational equipment and stores.
• Ensure all operational paperwork and documentation are completed accurately.
• Fleet Management
• Take responsibility for the maintenance and presentation of the company fleet.
• Arrange servicing, MOTs, repairs and vehicle inspections.
• Ensure vehicles remain compliant, clean and fully equipped.
• Monitor vehicle defects and arrange prompt repairs.
• Maintain fleet records and compliance documentation.
• Provide day-to-day supervision and support for the driving team.
• Assist with the induction and training of new colleagues.
• Promote high standards of professionalism, safety and customer service.
• Support the Operations Manager with performance management and operational improvements.
• Lead by example through a positive, supportive and hands-on approach.
• General Responsibilities
• Support other departments during periods of increased demand.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation and company policies.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and operational performance.
• Undertake any other duties consistent with the role as required.
• Other tasks in-line with the needs of the business

About You

The successful applicant will ideally have

• Experience within funeral services, repatriation or a logistics environment (preferred).
• Experience supervising or leading a small team.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• The ability to prioritise multiple tasks and remain calm under pressure.
• A full UK driving licence.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• A flexible approach to working hours in line with operational requirements.
• A professional appearance and compassionate manner.
• High levels of integrity, reliability and confidentiality.
• Emotional resilience and confidence working with the deceased and bereaved families.
• Good IT skills and confidence using Microsoft Office and scheduling systems.
• Adaptive to working from various working locations and environments
• What You'll Get From Us
• The opportunity to join a supportive family business with excellent opportunities for personal development.
• Competitive salary.
• 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Additional annual leave with length of service.
• Company pension scheme.
• Employee funeral discount scheme.
• Birthday and Christmas gifts.
• Annual company gathering.
• Industry recognised training and qualifications.
• Full induction and ongoing development.
• Opportunity to progress within a growing and respected business.

Why Join Us?

This role offers an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys variety and responsibility.

You'll play a key role in ensuring our repatriation service continues to operate to the highest standards while remaining part of the frontline team, making a genuine difference to families at one of the most difficult times in their lives.

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