Contractor experience and assurance lead

£30,000 to £34,000 per annum

Remote working with depot visits required.

Our reputation as the UK’s largest newspaper and magazine wholesaler speaks for itself & we are now preparing to Go National from July 2027. Going national is not simply about scale; we are securing the future of print media, investing in long-term partnerships, and creating opportunities for our people, customers and stakeholders for years to come. So when we say we’re excited for what the future holds for our customers and colleagues, you can trust we’re as good as our word.

As Contractor experience and assurance lead you will be responsible for our self-employed contractors across the network, turning direct 
feedback into practical improvements that strengthen culture, improve retention and support compliant working practices. The role builds trusted relationships with contractors and depot teams, supports new contractors and ensures worker-status expectations are understood and followed in day-to-day operations.

About the Role

• Maintain a regular presence in depots, building relationships with self-employed contractors and understanding their experience of providing services to Smiths News.
• Gather and interpret contractor feedback, identify recurring themes and propose practical engagement solutions.
•  Lead initiatives that strengthen contractor engagement culture across the depot network.
•  Engage with new self employed contractors, supporting a positive introduction and early contractor experience.
•  Test whether worker-status compliance practices are followed in day-to-day depot operations, escalating gaps and supporting corrective action.
•  Coach and educate depot management teams on compliant, appropriate behaviours when working with self-employed contractors.
•  Drive activity to reduce contractor churn, improve retention and track the impact of engagement actions.

What we can offer you

Not only do we offer free onsite parking and competitive salary but you’ll also have access to:

• Company funded Health Cash Plan – providing cash back for everyday healthcare costs such as dental, optical and physiotherapy
• 5% match pension
• 25 days holiday plus holiday buy scheme
• 24/7 E-Learning modules, Training and Development opportunities
• Sharesave Scheme, Cycle to work schemes, Health cash plan
• Colleague Assistance Programme & Colleague referral scheme

About you

• The role requires frontline credibility, sound judgement and the ability to translate contractor insight into practical action.
• Strong stakeholder relationship-building skills across operational and contractor groups.
•  Able to turn qualitative feedback into clear actions and measurable improvements.
•  Flexible and mobile, with willingness to work nights and early mornings to visit depots.
•  Practical knowledge of employment law and worker-status compliance, including IR35 and self-employment principles.
•  Experience in final-mile delivery, logistics or working directly withdelivery drivers.

Please note: you must have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.

A career with us is a career filled with people, pride, and passion. We rely on each other to get the job done, and we deliver what we say we will. Let’s see if we can rely on you, too. Apply now.