Job Description

The role

As a Driver Development Coach at our Ockendon Regional Service Centre you’ll play a vital role at the heart of our Transport operation, helping our driver population stay safe, confident, and efficient on the road. Working closely with the on-site Transport Management Team, Driver Training Manager, and the wider Driving Academy, you will champion road safety, reduce accidents through defensive driving, and promote fuel-efficient driving techniques. The position is Monday - Friday 06:00-15:00, with flexibility required to support the operations. At NEXT, we’re committed to supporting your growth, giving you the tools, training, and backing you need to be a trusted department expert and make a real difference across our distribution network.

What you'll take on

• Conduct van and LGV driving assessments for recruitment of core and agency Drivers.
• Plan and deliver engaging induction programmes for all new permanent and agency drivers to get them off to the best possible start.
• Carry out routine driving assessments, post-accident retraining, and tailored coaching to support continuous driver development.
• Deliver interactive CPC training through a mix of classroom and online learning sessions.
• Ensure driver licence checks, training guidelines, and risk assessments remain strictly aligned with current workplace legislation and company standards.
• Partner with our Risk and Compliance Officer to review delivery points across NEXT retail stores and Total Platform client sites.
• Keep accurate, compliant training records and documentation up to date.
• Support the wider distribution network by occasionally adjusting working hours or travelling to other Regional Service Centres as required.

What you'll bring

• A valid Class 1 (C+E) driving licence and a minimum of 1 year Class 1 diving experience alongside a practical knowledge of tachograph rules and Working Time regulations.
• Experience in coaching and delivering training, particularly Driver CPC modules, in a clear and encouraging way.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence others positively and build great working relationships.
• A flexible, adaptable mindset with the organisational skills to reprioritise your day quickly when plans change.
• A strong commitment to health and safety, with a supportive approach to helping colleagues succeed.

You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 44,000 people across the Next group. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 450 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 80 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!