Driver Trainer - Auckland or Christchurch

The opportunity

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Driver Trainer to join our team in either Christchurch or Auckland and help shape the next generation of professional drivers. If you are passionate about coaching others, promoting road safety and developing people, we'd love to hear from you.

About us

Ritchies Transport is one of New Zealand’s largest privately owned transport operators, providing bus and coach services across the country. Founded in 1935, the company has grown from a small family-run business into a major player in public transport, school bus services, and charter travel.

Ritchies operates urban bus networks in several regions, including Auckland, Queenstown, and Dunedin, as well as offering long-distance coach services and tourism transport. Known for its focus on safety, reliability, and customer service, the company plays a key role in connecting communities and supporting both daily commuters and the tourism industry.

About the Role

As a Driver Trainer, you will play a vital role in developing our people and maintaining the high standards our customers expect. You'll deliver practical and classroom-based training to new and existing drivers, ensuring they have the skills, confidence and knowledge to operate safely and professionally.

You will support new recruits through their Class 2 and Class 4 licence training, deliver inductions, conduct competency assessments, and provide ongoing coaching to experienced drivers. Working closely with depot management and operations teams, you'll identify development opportunities and ensure our drivers continue to meet legislative requirements and company standards.

This role is about more than just driving—it's about mentoring, motivating and inspiring others to succeed while fostering a strong culture of safety, continuous improvement and customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver driver induction and onboarding programmes for new employees.
• Train and coach drivers to obtain their Class 2 and Class 4 licences.
• Conduct practical driving assessments, competency evaluations and refresher training.
• Mentor and support existing drivers to maintain high performance and safety standards.
• Deliver NZQA and NZTA qualification programmes and unit standards.
• Lead quarterly driver briefings and health and safety training sessions.
• Promote safe driving practices and ensure compliance with NZTA legislation and company policies.
• Maintain accurate training records, competency documentation and development plans.
• Work closely with Depot Managers and Operations teams to identify training needs and implement development plans.
• Assist with incident reviews, corrective coaching and targeted follow-up training.
• Promote a positive health, safety and wellbeing culture across the business.

What you offer

• Registration as a Driver Licence Trainer and Endorsement Trainer.
• NZTA/NZQA qualifications, including I Endorsements for Class 2 and Class 4.
• Previous experience delivering driver training, coaching or mentoring.
• Strong knowledge of New Zealand transport legislation and passenger transport safety standards.
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and administrative abilities.
• Confidence working independently and collaboratively across multiple depots.
• A positive, reliable and self-motivated attitude.
• A genuine commitment to safety, professionalism and outstanding customer service.

Experience delivering NZQA unit standards or other recognised training programmes will be highly regarded.

Why Join Ritchies?

At Ritchies, we invest in our people because we know they're the key to our success. When you join our team, you'll enjoy:

• A competitive salary package.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Career progression within one of New Zealand's leading transport companies.
• The opportunity to make a real difference by developing safe, confident and professional drivers.
• A workplace where safety, respect and continuous improvement are valued every day.

Ready to Drive the Next Step in Your Career?

If you're ready to help shape the next generation of professional drivers and contribute to a culture of safety and excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

As we are a health and safety conscious employer, our pre-employment checks include drug testing, Ministry of Justice checks and reference checking.

Apply now and help us keep New Zealand moving—safely, skilfully and with pride.

Please note: Applicants must be in New Zealand and legally entitled to work in New Zealand at the time of application.