At a Glance
- Tasks: Train and develop drivers to enhance safety and performance across our transport operations.
- Company: Join a leading transport company with a focus on driver excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, private healthcare, and 33 days annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal growth await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in driver training while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: HGV Class 1 licence, Driver CPC, and experience in driver training required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Duncrue Street, Belfast (Please note: Due to the nature of the role, you will be required to work at other depots within the group - Mallusk, Garvagh, Maydown & Portadown)
Full-Time (40 hours, Monday to Friday, with occasional Saturday working) | Permanent
Salary: Competitive dependant on experience + Benefits
Role Overview
We are seeking a proactive and highly organised Driver Trainer to join our team in Belfast to support and develop driver standards across all Transport operations. This role will be responsible for delivering structured training, improving compliance, and driving operational performance through consistent driver development.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Driver Training & Development
- Deliver structured inductions for all new drivers
- Carry out regular driver assessments (on-road and site-based)
- Provide refresher training for existing drivers
- Support underperforming drivers through targeted improvement plans
- Deliver toolbox talks and safety briefs, including the communication and implementation of Safe Systems of Work (SSoW)
- Ensure adherence to driver hours, working time, and tachograph regulations
- Monitor and reduce driver infringements
- Support audit readiness and operator licence compliance
- Maintain accurate training and assessment records
- Conduct route familiarisation and site-specific training
- Improve driving techniques to reduce damage and incidents
- Work closely with Transport planners and supervisors to address performance gaps
- Assist with incident investigations and retraining requirements
- Reduce vehicle damage and insurance claims
- Improve fuel efficiency through better driving practices
- Minimise wear and tear on fleet and equipment
- Support overall cost reduction within transport budget
Essential Criteria
- Valid HGV Class 1 licence
- Driver CPC qualification
- Recognised Driver Assessor / Trainer qualification (e.g. RTITB, JAUPT-approved instructor)
- Minimum of 3 years previous experience in a transport/driver training role
- Excellent communication, coaching and organisational skills
- Flexible approach to working hours to support operational effectiveness
- IT literate (Microsoft Office) and willingness to learn transport systems
- Full UK Driving Licence (as travel between depots will be required)
- Strong attention to detail and compliance focus
- Strong knowledge of: Driver hours regulations (EU & GB Domestic), Tachograph legislation, Transport compliance and operator licensing
Desirable
- Transport Manager CPC (Road Haulage or Passenger)
- Experience within waste, skip, or construction, transport operations
- Health & Safety qualification (e.g. IOSH/NEBOSH)
The successful candidate must be able to provide documentation to verify their right to work in the UK.
What We Offer!
- Competitive salary & Performance Bonus
- Opportunities for personal growth and development
- Eligible for Company Sick pay and DIS benefit after one years' continuous service
- Eligible for Private Healthcare Scheme & Cash Health Benefit (upon successful completion of probation)
- 33 days annual leave including Bank holidays
- Company pension scheme
- Excellent location outside of Belfast City Centre and with free onsite parking
Closing Date: 15th May 2026, 5 pm
To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register.
Driver Trainer in Newtownabbey employer: River Ridge Recycling
Contact Detail:
River Ridge Recycling Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Driver Trainer in Newtownabbey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the transport industry, especially those who might know about driver training roles. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of driver regulations and compliance standards. We want you to showcase your expertise, so think about how you can demonstrate your experience with driver assessments and training.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your flexibility during interviews! The role requires working across different depots, so showing that you’re adaptable and ready to take on various challenges will set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to contribute to improving driver standards.
We think you need these skills to ace Driver Trainer in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Driver Trainer role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in driver training and compliance. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about driver training and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your HGV Class 1 licence and Driver CPC qualification. These are essential for us, so make sure they’re front and centre in your application. We need to know you meet the criteria!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our careers page! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Click that Apply button and let’s get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at River Ridge Recycling
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of driver regulations, compliance standards, and training techniques. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the role, such as the importance of driver assessments and refresher training. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you understand what it entails.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in transport or driver training roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved driver performance or compliance in the past. This will help demonstrate your capability and fit for the position.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a Driver Trainer, excellent communication skills are key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a few scenarios where you had to deliver training or conduct assessments, highlighting your coaching style and effectiveness.
✨Be Flexible and Adaptable
Since the role requires working at various depots, emphasise your flexibility and willingness to adapt to different environments. Share any experiences where you've successfully navigated changes or challenges in your previous roles, showcasing your proactive approach to problem-solving.