Contractor Driver & Vehicle Inspector – Mersea Cars (MCS Performance)
Location: Colchester, Essex (travel nationwide)
Contract: Self-employed / contractor
Pay: £75 – £200 per job (distance-based, set rates)
About Us
Mersea Cars (MCS Performance) is a family-run dealership specialising in quality used cars. Good stock is the lifeblood of our business – and avoiding bad buys is just as important. We're now looking for a reliable contractor to join our team and help with vehicle collections, inspections, and trailer driving.
The Role
As a contractor with us, you'll:
Drive our truck and Ifor Williams CT177 trailer to collect cars nationwide.
Carry out thorough pre-purchase inspections (engine, gearbox, leaks, head gaskets, etc.) to help us avoid costly mistakes.
Secure and transport vehicles safely, including strapping down and ensuring goods remain road-safe in transit.
Keep the truck and trailer roadworthy and maintained (basic checks, report issues promptly).
Work flexibly – sometimes checking vehicles via video reference before Simon (Sales Director) asks for further detail.
Assist in organising other drivers (timings, cover for holidays, etc.) to keep collections running smoothly.
This role does not involve negotiation with sellers – your focus is on facts, faults, and safe transport.
Pay & Rates
We pay set, competitive rates per collection:
* £75 – Local / office runs
* £100 – Short trips
* £150 – Medium trips (significant time on the road)
* £200 – Long / "mega" trips
Mileage is calculated fairly using Google Maps, ensuring you are always compensated on distance.
About You
We're looking for someone who is:
Experienced in towing and manoeuvring trailers (clean driving record, able to be added to insurance).
Mechanically minded – able to spot issues like leaks, noises, or warning signs before we commit to a purchase.
Calm under pressure – car dealership work can be fast-paced and customer-facing.
Solution-focused – you help get the job done rather than create new problems.
Flexible, reliable, and a good communicator.
Benefits of Working With Us
Fair, transparent pay with no hidden deductions.
Friendly, family-run team – we value honesty and reliability.
Long-term contractor relationship with potential for growth.
Chance to be part of a business that's expanding its collections network.
Screening Questions
To help us understand how you work, we'll ask:
Do you hold a valid UK driving licence and have experience towing/using trailers?
Can you give an example of when you spotted a serious fault on a car before it was purchased or driven?
How do you stay calm and keep solutions moving when a job gets stressful?
What steps would you take to keep a truck and trailer roadworthy?
Would you be comfortable completing a short DISC/brain-wiring style test so we understand how you work under pressure?
Are you happy working as a self-employed contractor with clear, pre-set job rates?
How far are you willing to travel, and do you have any restrictions on hours or days?
This keeps it legal, HR-safe, and attractive while being upfront that you don't want "needy" drivers – instead, you want problem-solvers who can think on their feet.
Do you want me to also make a polished Indeed posting template with formatting that grabs attention (headline, emojis, structure), so you can paste it straight in and it stands out against other adverts?
Job Type: Freelance
Pay: £75.00-£200.00 per day
Work Location: On the road