HGV Fleet Driver Trainer

About Us

The Lockwood Group is a successful, forward-thinking, family-owned business established in 1965. Today, we employ over 400 people across eight UK locations, delivering industry-leading transport, distribution, warehousing, frozen food production and co-packing solutions.

At the heart of our operation is our fleet and the professional drivers who keep our business moving. We take pride in maintaining high standards of safety, compliance, efficiency and customer service across everything we do.

We are now looking for an experienced and enthusiastic HGV Fleet Driver Trainer to join our team, supporting driver development and promoting safe, efficient and professional driving standards across the Lockwood Group.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about road safety, enjoys developing others and wants to make a real difference within a well-established transport business.

The Role

Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week, with flexibility required to work outside normal hours, including nights, to support all shift patterns across the Group.

Working closely with our Fleet Team based at Ambergate, you will play a key role in developing and maintaining high driving standards across our operations.

This is a hands-on, multi-site position involving driver assessments, one-to-one coaching, post-incident training, compliance checks and ongoing support to improve driver performance, road safety and fuel efficiency.

You will also work alongside and support our existing Driver Coaches and Driving Assessors across the Group, helping to deliver a consistent approach to driver training, assessments and development across all locations.

You will also act as an important link between our drivers and the wider business, encouraging open communication, gathering constructive feedback and helping to identify opportunities to improve our day-to-day operations.

As our transport operations run around the clock, flexibility is essential, with some day and night working required to support different shift patterns across our sites.

Key Responsibilities

Driver Training & Development

• Conduct practical driver assessments and deliver targeted one-to-one coaching to improve driving standards and performance.
• Work alongside the Fleet Team to identify training requirements using driver performance, telematics, dashcam footage and incident data.
• Provide training in defensive driving techniques, hazard awareness, forward planning and safe vehicle operation.
• Carry out post-incident assessments and remedial training, helping to identify contributing factors and prevent repeat incidents.
• Promote fuel-efficient driving techniques, including effective gear selection, reduced idling and improved driving behaviour.
• Provide practical training and ongoing support to drivers on the IT systems and software used in their day-to-day duties, including Mandata, RHA platforms and other driver related technology.
• Assist with the introduction and implementation of new systems, processes and technology, ensuring drivers are confident and competent in their use.

Fleet Safety & Compliance

• Undertake random vehicle gate checks to ensure drivers are completing their daily vehicle walkaround checks correctly and thoroughly, identifying and reporting defects in accordance with company procedures.
• Carry out random drug and alcohol testing and eyesight checks in line with company policies and procedures.
• Monitor vehicle presentation and cleanliness, encouraging drivers to maintain the high standards expected across the fleet.
• Identify areas of non-compliance or unsafe working practices, providing appropriate guidance, coaching and feedback.
• Maintain accurate records of training, assessments and compliance checks, reporting findings and recommendations to the Fleet Team & HR Department.

Driver Engagement & Communication

• Act as a key point of contact and representative for drivers across the Group, building positive working relationships and encouraging open, constructive communication.
• Actively engage with drivers to understand operational challenges, gather feedback and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Provide a communication link between drivers, depot management and the Fleet Team, ensuring feedback and concerns are appropriately communicated and considered.
• Support a positive working environment by promoting driver engagement, recognising good performance and encouraging continuous improvement.
• Mentor drivers to act as professional, safety-conscious ambassadors for the Lockwood Group.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a confident, approachable and experienced HGV professional who can build positive relationships with drivers while maintaining high standards.

Essential Requirements:

• Full UK Category C+E (Class 1) driving licence, held for a minimum of two years, with a clean or low-endorsement driving record.
• Strong knowledge of HGV operations, road safety and professional driving standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to provide constructive feedback.
• A patient, supportive and practical approach to coaching and developing others.
• Confident using IT systems and technology, with the ability to train and support others.
• The ability to build trust and positive working relationships with drivers and management.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to work independently across multiple locations.
• Flexibility to travel between sites and work varying hours, including days and nights when required.
• A proactive attitude, strong work ethic and genuine commitment to maintaining high standards.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications:

• Previous experience in HGV driver training, assessing, coaching or mentoring.
• Recognised driver instructor or assessor qualifications, such as DVSA, RoSPA, IAM or equivalent.
• Experience using telematics, dashcam footage and driver performance data to identify areas for improvement.
• Familiarity with transport management systems and driver-facing technology.
• Experience supporting driver compliance, safety initiatives or fleet efficiency improvements.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• Company expenses covered for authorised multi-site travel.
• Company pension scheme.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• A varied and rewarding role where you can make a genuine impact on driver safety and performance.
• The opportunity to be part of a well-established, family-owned business with a strong reputation in the transport industry.

Interested in Joining Us?

If you're an experienced HGV driver with a passion for road safety, driver development and maintaining high professional standards, we'd love to hear from you.