Class 1 Lead Driver Operative

Job Introduction

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Class 1 driver to join a leading European supplier of temporary access solutions. Reporting into our Major Projects Manager, our Class 1 Lead Driver Operatives work alongside our Portable Roadway Operatives to deliver, install and recover our equipment from customer sites using the lorry loader cranes fitted to our fleet of 44t rigid & drawbar vehicles.

Candidates will enjoy a role where the majority of time is spent working outside – driving will represent only around 30% of working time. Although based from one of our depots, you will be working outside on sites throughout the UK, ranging from power transmission projects and major civil engineering works to sporting events and music festivals.

This unique role will require spending time away from home, often for several nights per week, where sharing a sleeper cab is the norm.

Key Responsibilities 

• Ensure the safe delivery and installation of portable roadways
• Check vehicles, trailers and other equipment and tools daily and before first use, reporting any defects, or symptoms of defects, that could prevent their safe operation
• Report any incidents, accidents, or instances of damage or loss
• Load, transport, unload, install and recover equipment as directed in a safe and secure manner
• Ensure that your vehicle and trailer is not overloaded
• Leave all vehicles clean & tidy after use
• Liaise with both the customer and management as necessary, ensuring they are aware of any issues that may arise and ensure the customer’s familiarisation of equipment where necessary at the point of delivery
• Instruct and communicate with any Portable Roadway Operative working with you
• Follow relevant stock control procedures
• Undertake sufficient periodic training to maintain Driver CPC qualification
• Assist in the training of any new employees
• Take care of your own and other people’s health and safety
• Inform the Major Projects Manager of any driving convictions, endorsements or disqualifications, and any health issues or medication that may affect driving
• Complete any necessary site inductions, undertake daily site-specific risk assessments and ensure you follow any site-specific rules
• Adhere to regulations on drivers’ hours, working time, and tachographs, and keep up to date records

You may be required to carry out any other duties considered within your skill and competence to assist the smooth running of the business when it is considered necessary or appropriate by management.

What We're Looking For

• Full UK Driving Licence with category C+E entitlement – Essential
• Current digital tachograph driver card & driver CPC card – Essential
• Flexible approach to working hours (early starts, late finishes, some weekend work) – Essential
• Must be comfortable with regular nights away from home, sharing the cab with another operative – Essential
• Good communication and interpersonal skills – Essential
• Good level of physical fitness due to the onsite work required – Essential
• Experience operating a lorry loader crane, chain or grab (ALLMI or CPCS preferred) – Essential
• Experience working within the Portable Roadway industry – Desirable
  
  

TPA work on many sensitive sites in the transmission, rail and utilities sectors and operate a rigorous drugs and alcohol testing policy.

What We Can Offer You 

• Starting Salary: £43,250
• £35 night out allowance
• Generous role related bonus on top
• Weekend overtime often available (excellent earning potential)
• Salary sacrifice pension
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays
• Additional holiday purchase scheme
• Free Tool Hire
• Life Assurance cover 3x salary 
• Share save scheme 
• Eye care vouchers
• Recommend a friend scheme 
• Learning & Development – commitment to upskilling and developing our people, structured in house training available alongside external training where required
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Long service recognition 
• My Vp discounts – a variety of discounts and rewards on thousands of well-known brands
• Discounts on HP products
• EE mobile contract discount offers
• Gym discounts
• Health Shield (discounted premiums on health care cash plan)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Virtual GP Service
• Will Writing & Funeral Concierge Service
• Regit Assist 24/7 accident helpline – free joining

A Little Bit About Us

TPA Portable Roadways is one of Europe’s leading and fastest growing providers of temporary access solutions. Our teams support the essential industries defining Britain’s future, including key Government infrastructure projects, transmission, power, renewable energy, water, rail, and construction. When you join us, you’re not just starting a job; you’re helping to build and maintain the infrastructure that shapes the nation’s future.

Our roles are hands on, varied and genuinely meaningful. You’ll help deliver adaptable access systems for major national projects, working with equipment designed for challenging environments. Safety, training, and support are built into everything we do, giving you the confidence to grow and succeed.

We’re trusted by industry leaders for our quality, innovation unrivalled service, and commitment to sustainability. Our products and services ensure site operations are safe, designed to protect natural environments and ensure our customers projects stay ‘on track’.  

If you want a career where your work matters, that provides you with a platform to develop new skills and contribute to projects that power and connect communities, TPA is the place to build your future.

Explore our opportunities and join a team proud to support Britain’s infrastructure.

TPA is proud member of the Vp group of companies, Vp plc is an equal opportunities employer. We believe a diverse workforce strengthens our business, and we recruit based on skills and experience.