Talent Acquisition and Retention Lead

Build an exceptional driver community in Virginia. 

We’re looking for a self-lead, organised and people-oriented Driver Recruitment & Retention Lead to  shape the future of our HGV driver community. This is more than a recruitment role. You’ll take ownership of the full driver journey — from attracting and onboarding new drivers to building strong relationships, improving engagement and creating an environment where our drivers feel valued, supported and motivated to stay. Working closely with the Driver Management Team and other key stakeholders in Virginia, you’ll develop and deliver innovative recruitment and retention initiatives and identify new ways to strengthen our driver value proposition. You’ll be at the heart of developing a best-in-class driver community, helping us attract and retain the very best professional HGV drivers and positioning our company as an employer of choice within the industry. 

Key Responsibilities 

Driver Recruitment & Talent Acquisition  

• 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.  

• Continuously develop alternative driver sourcing channels.  

• 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.  

Driver Selection & Onboarding  

• 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.  

• Ensure a positive candidate experience.  

• 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.  

Driver Engagement, Retention, Relationship management & Community Development  

Build and maintain a driver relationship and engagement program:  

• 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.  

• Encourage drivers to act as company ambassadors and advocates by engaging with company social media content.  

• Monitor and analyse driver turnover trends and identify root causes by conducting stay interviews and exit interviews.  

• Promote the company's total employment proposition including remuneration, benefits, and career development opportunities.   

Qualifications & Experience 

Essential Skills & Experience 

• 5+ years’ recruitment experience, including direct recruitment and agency management, with proven experience delivering multi-channel recruitment campaigns across job boards, websites and social media. 

• HR qualification with significant people-management experience, including managing a workforce of 100+ employees in areas of employee relations, retention, welfare, and workforce planning. 

• Experience recruiting international staff and 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. 

 Desirable  

• Awareness of driver hours, tachograph and transport compliance legislation.  

• Degree or professional qualification in Recruitment, Business, Human Resources, Logistics, or related discipline.  

• Experience in employer branding and social media recruitment.  

 If you’re passionate about people, thrive in a fast-paced environment and want to make a real difference to the driver experience, we’d love to hear from you. 

Apply today and become part of the Virginia International team.