* Lead Class 1 Night Driver – James Wilby Logistics
Overview
The Lead Class 1 Night Driver plays a key leadership role within the night transport operation, ensuring that all Class 1 night trunking and delivery activities are carried out safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with company policies and transport regulations.
This role combines professional driving duties with responsibility for supervising and supporting a team of night drivers to maintain smooth, reliable overnight operations.
The Lead Driver must demonstrate excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills — coordinating night routes, managing driver welfare, ensuring vehicle readiness, and maintaining high operational standards across the shift.
This position reports directly to the Depot Manager and forms a vital part of the Night Operations Team.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
* Lead by example as a professional Class 1 night driver to ensure all deliveries, collections, and trunking runs are completed safely, efficiently, and on time.
* Act as the first point of contact for night drivers, providing guidance, resolving issues, and escalating incidents to the Depot Manager where necessary.
* Monitor your driver performance, working hours, and route efficiency; address infringements and poor performance promptly.
* Ensure driver handovers and ensure all paperwork, manifests, and return documentation are completed accurately.
Driving Duties
* Drive company vehicles professionally and safely, adhering to all traffic laws, company procedures, and industry regulations (VOSA, Palletways, and Health & Safety).
* Carry out deliveries and collections as required, ensuring safe and secure handling of all freight.
* Follow designated routes and schedules, adjusting for traffic, weather, or operational changes when needed.
Vehicle & Compliance
* Perform and oversee daily vehicle walk-round checks; ensure all drivers are compliant with defect reporting and maintenance procedures.
* Report mechanical issues, damages, or defects immediately to the maintenance and operations teams.
* Maintain accurate records of mileage, fuel use, and tachograph data in line with legal and company requirements.
* Ensure all vehicles and trailers are kept clean, roadworthy, and properly fuelled.
Safety & Site Management
* Conduct regular checks of the yard and loading areas to ensure they are safe, tidy, and correctly used.
* Oversee safe loading and unloading of goods, ensuring that all freight is properly secured and that manual handling guidelines are followed.
* Lead by example in promoting a culture of safety and compliance across the night driving team.
Training & Development
* Support with the induction and training of new drivers, ensuring understanding of company standards, systems, and customer requirements.
* Deliver on-the-job training and mentoring to maintain high standards of driving, compliance, and customer service.
Communication & Administration
* Communicate effectively with the Depot Manager and other members of the operations team to report issues, suggest improvements, and maintain operational continuity.
* Complete all required reports, vehicle logs, and incident documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
* Support holiday planning and driver scheduling to maintain night shift coverage and business continuity.
Key Skills and Attributes
* Valid Class 1 (C+E) Licence, with full CPC and digital tachograph card.
* Proven experience in night trunking or linehaul operations.
* Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to motivate others.
* Excellent knowledge of transport compliance, driver hours, and safety regulations.
* Reliable, proactive, and organised with a focus on teamwork and service delivery.
* Calm under pressure and confident in making operational decisions overnight.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £14.50-£15.50 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 50 per week
Benefits:
* Canteen
* Company events
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Free parking
* On-site parking
* Referral programme
Work Location: In person