Talent & Retention Lead

Talent Acquisition & Retention Lead - HGV / Driver

Permanent full time

Location: Co. Cavan

Office based - Potential flexibility post probation

Overview:

You’ll own the full driver journey, from recruitment and onboarding through to engagement and retention. Working closely with the Driver Management Team, you’ll develop innovative initiatives that strengthen our driver proposition and create a supportive, engaging environment where drivers feel valued and motivated to stay.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the company's annual and seasonal driver recruitment strategy and plans to meet workforce plans / targets.
• Recruit drivers through multiple channels including but not limited to; existing driver networks, alumni drivers, employee referrals, social media, recruitment agencies, driver training schools, apprenticeship programs, international recruitment initiatives, job boards and specialist transport recruitment platforms
• Oversee the design, content and effectiveness of the company's driver recruitment website and related company digital recruitment platforms.
• Manage all recruitment expenditure and operate within agreed budgets.
• Establish partnerships with external training organisations and educational bodies and develop and manage internal driver apprenticeships and trainee programmes.
• Manage and continuously improve driver referral bonus scheme.
• Maximise recruitment conversion rates, reduce recruitment costs, and time invested through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Design and manage all driver screening and selection processes.
• Develop selection criteria to ensure the recruitment of high-performing drivers who align with company values.
• Coordinate Interviews, Assessments, driving evaluations, Qualification & Certifications Compliance and right to work employment checks and medical assessments where required
• Manage candidate and business stakeholder expectations throughout the recruitment process.
• Design, implement and manage structured onboarding programs.
• Ensure probation reviews are completed for all drivers within 1 month, co-ordinate review & sign off for Head of Driver Management and transition successful candidates to Performance & Comp Lead.
• Develop and execute the annual driver engagement plan with initiatives designed to improve recruitment conversion, reduce turnover, identify flight risks and improve employee satisfaction e.g. establish regular structured driver engagement (surveys, direct phone calls),
• Develop and maintain a Driver Buddy Program to assist with onboarding and integration.
• Develop and execute the company's driver-focused social media strategy.
• Ensure driver feedback (concerns and suggestions) are collated and shared (with relevant staff promptly e.g. planning, garage or driver mgt team), concluded (actions / decision) and response (feedback / decisions) is provided.
• Implement action plans to address driver attrition risks.
• Monitor and analyse driver turnover trends and identify root causes by conducting stay interviews and exit interviews.

Skills / Qualifications:

• 3+ years’ recruitment experience, with proven experience delivering multi-channel recruitment campaigns across job boards, websites and social media.
• Experience recruiting international staff a bonus with navigating Irish immigration requirements, including employment permits, IRP permissions, visa requirements, and related work authorisation processes.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills, with the ability to manage difficult conversations with empathy.
• Proven track record in recruitment, retention, employee engagement and workforce planning, with a focus on delivering positive outcomes.
• Strong IT, analytical and reporting skills, including Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and similar systems.
• Experience managing budgets and delivering measurable operational improvements.
• Highly organised, proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to multitask, work independently, and demonstrate a willingness to learn and progress.
• Experience in employer branding and social media recruitment.