Team Leader - Van Driver, Retail
| Posting date: | 05 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £24,851 to £29,755 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 04 January 2026 |
| Location: | Reading, Berkshire |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 5 days per week |
| Company: | Barnardo's |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 21397 |
Summary
Logistics Team Leader
Reports to: Logistics Manager
Location: Hybrid working (home base with travel). Successful candidate must live within a 40 mile radius of Reading
Direct Reports: Average of 15-20 Drivers
Purpose of the Role:
To lead, support and coordinate a team of drivers who operate remotely, ensuring the safe, efficient and compliant movement of stock between retail shops, depots and other collection points. The Team Leader ensures high standards of vehicle maintenance, driver performance, and welfare, while maintaining operational efficiency and customer service standards.
Key Responsibilities :
Operational Management
Full line manager responsibilities for all drivers within designated Team
Manage workloads and provide full support to both employed and Agency Drivers
Check plans, coordinate and monitor daily vehicle routes and schedules to ensure timely collections and deliveries between locations.
• Ensure drivers follow established logistics procedures and comply with all company transport policies.
• Monitor performance metrics (e.g., punctuality, mileage, delivery accuracy).
• Address operational issues promptly, such as delays, vehicle breakdowns, or stock discrepancies by communicating with appropriate stakeholders.
Report breakdowns, manage repairs and hire vehicles using the appropriate support platforms
• Liaise with stakeholders, reporting any adverse service impacts to their daily route plans, and maintain smooth operations within their service
Provide weekend cover on a roster basis
Vehicle Maintenance & Compliance
Ensure all vehicles are being maintained to legal and company standards by the drivers,
• Track and record vehicle maintenance schedules and inspection outcomes.
• Conduct On Site driver vehicle audits with individual drivers
• Support the rollout of any new vehicle systems or telematics.
Ensure prompt reporting of vehicle defects, reducing costs to the business and maintaining Good Stewardship of the Charities funds
People Management & Welfare
Provide regular communication and support to drivers who work remotely, ensuring they feel connected and valued.
• Conduct On Site driver visits and welfare checks, discussing performance, wellbeing, and training requirements.
• Monitor driver hours, manage driver holidays, ensure cover and compliance with working time regulations.
Complete and manage driver sickness and absence
• Encourage a culture of safety, teamwork and respect.
• Manage any performance or conduct issues in line with company policy.
Identify driver training requirements and provide a platform for this to be delivered.
Health, Safety & Compliance
Ensure all drivers adhere to Health and Safety regulations, including safe loading and manual handling procedures.
• Promote and monitor driver adherence to road safety and driving standards.
• Investigate and report any accidents, incidents or near misses.
• Keep up-to-date with transport legislation and ensure compliance.
Reporting & Administration
Maintain accurate records of driver activity, vehicle status, and stock movement.
• Prepare weekly and monthly reports on logistics performance, maintenance and driver KPIs.
• Contribute to process improvement and logistics efficiency initiatives.
When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.
Reports to: Logistics Manager
Location: Hybrid working (home base with travel). Successful candidate must live within a 40 mile radius of Reading
Direct Reports: Average of 15-20 Drivers
Purpose of the Role:
To lead, support and coordinate a team of drivers who operate remotely, ensuring the safe, efficient and compliant movement of stock between retail shops, depots and other collection points. The Team Leader ensures high standards of vehicle maintenance, driver performance, and welfare, while maintaining operational efficiency and customer service standards.
Key Responsibilities :
Operational Management
Full line manager responsibilities for all drivers within designated Team
Manage workloads and provide full support to both employed and Agency Drivers
Check plans, coordinate and monitor daily vehicle routes and schedules to ensure timely collections and deliveries between locations.
• Ensure drivers follow established logistics procedures and comply with all company transport policies.
• Monitor performance metrics (e.g., punctuality, mileage, delivery accuracy).
• Address operational issues promptly, such as delays, vehicle breakdowns, or stock discrepancies by communicating with appropriate stakeholders.
Report breakdowns, manage repairs and hire vehicles using the appropriate support platforms
• Liaise with stakeholders, reporting any adverse service impacts to their daily route plans, and maintain smooth operations within their service
Provide weekend cover on a roster basis
Vehicle Maintenance & Compliance
Ensure all vehicles are being maintained to legal and company standards by the drivers,
• Track and record vehicle maintenance schedules and inspection outcomes.
• Conduct On Site driver vehicle audits with individual drivers
• Support the rollout of any new vehicle systems or telematics.
Ensure prompt reporting of vehicle defects, reducing costs to the business and maintaining Good Stewardship of the Charities funds
People Management & Welfare
Provide regular communication and support to drivers who work remotely, ensuring they feel connected and valued.
• Conduct On Site driver visits and welfare checks, discussing performance, wellbeing, and training requirements.
• Monitor driver hours, manage driver holidays, ensure cover and compliance with working time regulations.
Complete and manage driver sickness and absence
• Encourage a culture of safety, teamwork and respect.
• Manage any performance or conduct issues in line with company policy.
Identify driver training requirements and provide a platform for this to be delivered.
Health, Safety & Compliance
Ensure all drivers adhere to Health and Safety regulations, including safe loading and manual handling procedures.
• Promote and monitor driver adherence to road safety and driving standards.
• Investigate and report any accidents, incidents or near misses.
• Keep up-to-date with transport legislation and ensure compliance.
Reporting & Administration
Maintain accurate records of driver activity, vehicle status, and stock movement.
• Prepare weekly and monthly reports on logistics performance, maintenance and driver KPIs.
• Contribute to process improvement and logistics efficiency initiatives.
When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.