At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Transport team and learn to manage scheduling, queries, and route monitoring.
- Company: Dynamic transport company in Belfast with a focus on career development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, private healthcare, and 33 days annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in transport with hands-on training and mentorship.
- Qualifications: Strong geographical knowledge of Northern Ireland and good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40 - 40 £ per hour.
Permanent / Full time Position [40/hrs per week] Monday to Friday
Hours: will be discussed at interview
Location: Duncrue Street, Belfast (however due to the nature of the post, the successful candidate must be willing to travel to other sites (transport will be provided), as and when required.
We are looking to appoint a Trainee Transport Operator to join our busy Transport team. The ideal candidate must have a genuine interest in developing a career in Transport and enjoy working with people. Reporting to the Transport Supervisor, the Trainee Transport Operator will progress through a customised training plan, mentored by experienced members of our team. You will be given the opportunity to learn new skills with the aim of successfully integrating into the business as a permanent Trainee Transport Operator within an 18-24-month period. Salary will be reviewed in line with successful completion of development milestones.
As you progress through your training plan, the key Duties and Responsibilities are:
- Scheduling & Rescheduling Ad-Hoc or Missed Collections requests
- Assist in Holiday Rescheduling to ensure maximum route efficiency
- Actioning Driver or Customer Queries in a timely manner
- Compiling Daily / Weekly KPI Reports
- Provide Weighbridge Cover when necessary
- Daily Handover with PM Staff
- Daily Debrief with all Drivers & Helpers
- Daily Routine Checks on Weighing Equipment
- Route Monitoring to ensure customer SLAs are adhered to
- Liaising with crews to ensure route completion
- Adhere to all Health & Safety policies and procedures
- Be flexible in undertaking the duties and responsibilities attached to your role and carry out any other reasonable tasks as required by the Company
Essential Criteria:
- Strong geographical knowledge of Northern Ireland
- Can work independently and enjoys working as part of a team
- Confident communicator with good communication skills (both written and verbal)
- Excellent attention to detail
- Excellent organisational/administrative skills
- IT literate - competent in Microsoft office suite in particular Excel
- Flexible approach to working hours including working weekends and Bank Holidays
- Valid UK Driving licence as will be required to provide Weighbridge cover at Portadown site, as and when required.
Desirable Criteria:
- Previous experience working within the Transport Sector
- Previous weighbridge experience
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
*The successful candidate must be able to provide documentation to verify their right to work in the UK*
Closing Date: 27th August 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.
Trainee Transport Operator employer: River Ridge Recycling
Join a dynamic team as an HGV Driver, where you will enjoy competitive pay and a supportive work culture that values your contributions. With opportunities for growth and development, our company prioritises employee well-being and offers a flexible schedule to balance work and life. Located in Northern Ireland, you'll be part of a community-focused organisation that recognises the importance of reliable service and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Transport Operator
✨Get Hands-On with Logistics
Look for opportunities to volunteer or intern with local transport companies or logistics firms. This experience can give you real insights into the industry and make you much more attractive to River Ridge Recycling when applying for the Trainee Transport Operator position.
✨Join Transportation or Logistics Groups
Find and join online communities or forums focused on transportation and logistics. Engaging with industry professionals in places like LinkedIn or relevant Facebook groups can help you stay updated on industry trends and job openings at River Ridge Recycling.
✨Visit Career Fairs and Networking Events
Keep an eye out for career fairs specifically focused on transportation and logistics. Attending these events is a great way to meet potential employers like River Ridge Recycling and create a more personal connection that could land you that Trainee Transport Operator role.
✨Directly Apply on Our Website
Don't forget to head over to our website to apply for the Trainee Transport Operator role at River Ridge Recycling. It’s often the best way to ensure your application stands out, and you'll be engaging directly with our hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Transport Operator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:In the transportation and logistics field, having great organisational skills is key. Make sure your CV showcases any relevant experience, like managing schedules or coordinating deliveries. If you've handled logistics in a volunteer role or a part-time gig, shout about it!
Show Your Willingness to Learn:As a trainee, we want to see your excitement about learning and growing in this space. When writing your cover letter, talk about why you're passionate about transportation and logistics, and how you hope to develop your skills with us at River Ridge Recycling in this role.
Use Industry-Specific Language:When crafting your application, sprinkle in some industry-specific jargon that shows you're familiar with the world of logistics. Terms like 'supply chain management', 'route optimisation', or 'inventory control' will help demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the field.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Make sure to adapt your CV specifically for this trainee position. Focus on your educational background relevant to logistics, any pertinent coursework, and highlight any practical experience, even if it’s just coursework projects. Let’s make your application stand out to River Ridge Recycling!
How to prepare for a job interview at River Ridge Recycling
✨Get to Grips with Logistics Basics
As a trainee in transportation and logistics, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of the basics, like supply chain principles and inventory management. Brush up on these topics and be ready to discuss them, as they might pop up in scenarios during the interview with River Ridge Recycling.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Logistics relies heavily on strong organisational abilities. Be prepared to share examples of how you've handled multiple tasks or managed deadlines in the past. It could be anything from a project at uni to volunteering—showing your potential through experiences can really impress the interviewers.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Industry Tools
Make sure you're familiar with commonly used logistics software or tools like TMS (Transportation Management Systems) or warehouse management solutions. If you’ve used any related tech during your studies or internships, be ready to talk about your experience. It shows you're actively engaged and ready to hit the ground running at River Ridge Recycling.
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
As a trainee, your willingness to learn will be just as important as what you already know. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for the transportation-logistics field and your desire to absorb knowledge and skills from those around you. It's all about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but a valuable learning opportunity at River Ridge Recycling.