Local Operations Manager - Drivers - Southern Operations

Freightliner is the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, transporting containers from all major deep-sea ports to our national network of inland terminals, as well as a leading operator in the UK Heavy Haul rail freight market. Freightliner has operations across Europe offering both Intermodal and Heavy Haul rail freight services seamlessly connecting European countries and the UK.

In the UK the Freightliner Group operates under a number of legal entities including, Freightliner Ltd, Pentalver Transport Ltd, and Pentalver Cannock Ltd.

The Local Operations Manager (Driver) is accountable for the day‑to‑day welfare, people management, attendance, and engagement of a designated driver workforce, ensuring staff are supported, compliant, and effectively managed throughout the employment lifecycle.

The role provides visible, consistent leadership and ensures that driver welfare, conduct, attendance, and performance issues are managed proactively and lawfully.

The Local Operations Manager does not own or manage driver technical competence, assessments, or certification. These responsibilities sit with the Production Manager. Close collaboration is required where welfare and competence intersect (e.g. post‑incident care).

• Line management of drivers, ensuring welfare matters are addressed to conclusion
• Conduct sickness and welfare contact within 24 hours of absence
• Complete Return‑to‑Work interviews following all absences
• Develop and manage phased return‑to‑work plans
• Manage MFA placement, monitoring, and escalation
• Liaise with HR and Occupational Health to ensure timely referrals and action plans
• Ensure safeguarding, dignity, and confidentiality are always maintained.
• Actively manage attendance, poor performance, and conduct issues
• Apply disciplinary and grievance procedures in line with company policy and agreements
• Conduct and document formal and informal reviews and warnings
• Maintain accurate records and provide evidence based recommendations
• Work with Trade Union representatives at local level as required

• Lead, motivate and support driver staff through visible leadership
• Deliver regular briefings, safety communications and engagement events
• Support employee development and apprenticeship engagement where applicable
• Ensure equality, fairness, and emotional intelligence in all people decisions.

• Support welfare aspects of competence‑related incidents and investigations
• Manage post‑incident welfare, fatigue, and fitness for duty discussions
• Escalate concerns where welfare factors may impact competence

• Work with rostering to manage efficient attendance and resource utilisation
• Minimise reliance on free day working through proactive welfare planning
• Support effective train service delivery through robust people management
• Participate in on‑call and out‑of‑hours arrangements as required

• Participate in driver recruitment interviews and selection panels
• Provide recommendations based on behavioural and welfare considerations
• Support onboarding and early‑stage welfare monitoring of new starters

• The post holder has day‑to‑day responsibility for:
• The health, safety and welfare of all drivers within their reporting line
• Compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act and ROGS regulations
• Ensuring welfare arrangements protect employees, rail users and the public
• Maintaining a positive safety culture, ensuring behavioural standards are upheld
• The LOM‑D must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions at work.
• Attend operational incidents when required
• Manage immediate and post‑incident welfare support
• Liaise with Control, HR, and Production Managers during incidents
• Ensure staff involved in incidents receive appropriate follow‑up and monitoring
• Participate in on‑call response rosters including weekends and nights

• Experience managing staff in an operational or…