Trucking Competence Specialist

Position OverviewThe Trucking Competence Specialist reports to the Senior Safety Manager and is tasked to improve, maintain and monitor the professional driving standards of ERF heavy vehicle drivers through structured assessment, coaching and development. The role focuses on:Raising operational driving standardsEnsuring compliance with transport legislation and ERF proceduresIdentifying unsafe behaviours and technical driving weaknessesDeveloping and delivering corrective improvement plansSupporting a professional, disciplined and safety-focused driving cultureThis is a practical, field-based role centered on driver competence, development and behavioural safety.2. Key Responsibilities2.1 Driver AssessmentConduct structured on-road and yard-based driver assessments.Observe vehicle handling, reversing, loading practices and hazard perception.Assess compliance with:UAE transport legislationDrivers’ hours and fatigue rulesDangerous Goods transport requirements (where applicable)ERF operational proceduresIdentify behavioural, technical and compliance gaps.Document findings clearly and objectively.2.2 Coaching & DevelopmentDeliver one-to-one coaching sessions following assessments.Provide practical, vehicle-based training and demonstration.Reinforce:Defensive drivingFuel-efficient drivingSafe manoeuvring techniquesSafe loading and defect reportingDevelop structured Driver Improvement Plans (DIPs) for drivers below standard.Conduct follow-up reviews to confirm improvement.2.3 Technical Vehicle AwarenessProvide drivers with practical understanding of vehicle systems (e.g., braking, safety systems, vehicle technology).Reinforce correct use of safety features and reporting of defects.Support improved driver engagement with fleet technology.2.4 Dangerous Goods & Compliance SupportSupport compliance in ADR / Dangerous Goods transport operations.Reinforce safe handling and awareness of DG responsibilities.Support incident reviews involving driver performance.2.5 Incident & Performance ReviewConduct post-incident driver assessments where required.Provide objective feedback contributing to investigations.Identify recurring behavioural or skill-based trends.Support corrective actions and retraining recommendations.2.6 Reporting & DocumentationMaintain accurate driver assessment records.Provide summary reports to the Senior Safety Manager.Track driver development progress.Identify systemic improvement opportunities.3. AuthorityThe role has authority to:Recommend temporary removal from driving duties pending retraining.Recommend formal development or disciplinary processes.Recommend refresher training and coaching interventions.4. Success MeasuresMeasurable improvement in driver assessment scores.Reduction in driving-related incidents.Reduction in compliance breaches.Positive driver feedback on coaching effectiveness.Improved audit readiness of driver competence records.5. Key InterfacesSenior Safety ManagerTrucking Safety OfficersTrucking Operations ManagerFleet Maintenance TeamTraining DepartmentTerminal Operations6. Qualifications & ExperienceEssentialValid Heavy Vehicle Driving Licence (all classes preferred).Minimum 10 years heavy vehicle operational experience.Proven experience in driver training or driver assessment.Strong knowledge of transport legislation and drivers’ hours compliance.Experience delivering practical vehicle-based training.Strong communication and coaching skills.Highly DesirableADR Licence (Tanks and Packages).Experience in UAE and international Heavy Vehicle operations.Experience training a multicultural workforce.7. Personal AttributesProfessional, disciplined and safety-focused.Strong practical driving credibility.Calm, fair and objective assessor.Approachable coaching style.High personal integrity.Strong written documentation skills.#J-18808-Ljbffr