Driver

Job Description

Job title: Driver
Department: Chief Harbour Master
Reporting to: Marine Pilotage Manager
Grade: 11
Salary: £33,649 Per Annum (£ 26,919 Basic Pay + 10% Operational Allowance £2,692 + 15% Shift Allowance £4,038)
Contract Type: Permanent (35 Hours/ Week)
Base: London River House, Gravesend, DA12 2BG.
Closing date: 30th September 2024
Interview date: 11th October 2024

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Who we are:

The Port of London Authority (PLA) is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames, overseeing 95 miles of the river from the Estuary to Teddington Lock in West London. Our mission is to ensure the safety of river users, protect and enhance the environment, and promote the Thames as a vital artery for trade and travel. The Pilotage Department plays a critical role in this mission, ensuring the safe and efficient navigation of a wide range of commercial and leisure vessels through the river’s complex and busy waters. By providing expert pilotage services, we help to maintain the smooth flow of traffic and safeguard the river’s dynamic operations.

The role:

The Driver role involves the safe transport of PLA marine pilots from their base stations to designated pilot stations or independent berths within the Authority’s jurisdiction. This position ensures the timely and secure delivery of pilots, which is critical for the seamless operation of the PLA’s services. Occasionally, transportation to pilots’ home addresses may be required. The role is vital in supporting the overall efficiency and safety of pilot transfers, directly contributing to the operational success of the Pilotage Department. The role demands high attention to safety and coordination, supporting the uninterrupted 24/7, 365-day operation of the PLA’s extended estuarial commercial port.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• To deliver the PLA’s marine pilots to pilot stations and independent berths within the undertaking of the Authority in the most efficient and safest manner possible by road.
• To collect and return PLA marine pilots from pilot stations or independent berths to their home station or home address in a safe and efficient manner.
• To maintain their allocated vehicle in a clean and tidy manner carrying out necessary vehicle checks daily.
• To liaise with the PLA’s fleet manager directly when the vehicle needs servicing or repair.
• To report fault and repair requirements to the Pilot Management and the PLA’s fleet manager.
• To take instruction from Pilotage Co-ordinators regarding the delivery and collection of marine pilots.
• When available to undertake other driving duties and journeys, which may include the collection or delivery of goods.
• The car is only available to the driver when they are on PLA duty.

The above list of duties is not exhaustive and exclusive, and the post-holder will undertake any other duties as required commensurate with the role and responsibilities of the post.

What we are looking for:

• A full and clean UK driving licence, with no more than 3 penalty points. In addition, the job holder will not have had their licence revoked for any reason or been declined motor insurance within the last 5 years.
• Experience of undertaking professional driving duties carrying passengers
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Approachable manner with good customer service skills
• Punctual, reliable and have a flexible approach to their work.
• Conscientious approach, taking a pride in maintaining their allocated vehicle.

Benefits package:

• Equivalent of 28 days annual leave
• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Generous pension
• Onsite parking with electric charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to MyGymDiscounts

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Kevin Beacon, Deputy Marine Pilotage Manager on Kevin.Beacon@pla.co.uk or Dave Newbury, Marine Pilotage Manage on David.Newbury@pla.co.uk during the working hours of 08:00am to 16:00pm.

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.
UK.