Driver – AR

Job Details

Driver Team Leader

Location: Pembroke Road
Service Area: Neighbourhoods
Reporting to: Operations Supervisor
Grade: 4 B6

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated and safety-focused Driver Team Leader to deliver efficient domestic and commercial waste collection services across the community.

As a Driver Team Leader, you will be responsible for operating a refuse collection vehicle while leading a team of Loaders to ensure waste is collected safely, efficiently and in line with operational requirements and legislative standards.

This is a highly visible frontline role where you will act as an ambassador for the Council, providing excellent customer service while maintaining high standards of health and safety, operational performance and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and be responsible for an allocated refuse collection vehicle.
• Carry out daily vehicle safety inspections and report defects promptly.
• Liaise with the onsite workshop to ensure vehicles are maintained and roadworthy.
• Lead, coordinate and support a team of Loaders to deliver efficient waste collection services.
• Ensure all crew members follow safe systems of work and wear the required uniform and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Collect, transport and dispose of domestic, commercial, recycling, food and clinical waste safely and in accordance with operational procedures and legislation.
• Make effective operational decisions while delivering services to ensure productivity and health and safety standards are maintained.
• Complete all required administrative reporting, including accidents, missed collections, contaminated recycling, side waste, fly-tipping and littered sites.
• Use in-cab technology, smartphones and paper-based systems to record operational information accurately.
• Communicate effectively with the Waste Operations Office to ensure relevant information is shared promptly.
• Report new properties, support assisted collections and identify where waste has not been presented for collection.
• Promote a positive team culture and identify training and development needs within the crew.
• Represent the Council professionally and positively when interacting with residents, businesses and stakeholders.
• Suggest improvements to working practices and identify opportunities to improve service delivery and efficiency.

About You

You will be an experienced HGV driver with strong leadership skills and a proactive approach to health and safety.

You will be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions and able to make sound decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.

Essential Requirements

• Full UK driving licence with a safe driving record.
• HGV Class C (Category C/Class 2) licence.
• Valid Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
• Ability to lead and motivate a small team.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and safe systems of work.
• Ability to carry out dynamic risk assessments.
• Reliable, punctual and able to work flexibly.
• Physically able to assist with loading duties when required.

Desirable Requirements

• Minimum of two years’ experience driving waste collection vehicles.
• Experience delivering domestic and commercial waste collection services.
• Experience leading waste collection crews.
• ADR licence for clinical waste collections.
• Experience using in-cab technology and handheld devices.

Working Conditions

• Working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Operating heavy vehicles and equipment.
• Significant health and safety responsibilities.
• Early starts and physically demanding work.

Our Values

We expect all employees to demonstrate the following values:

• Proud
• Ambitious
• Collaborative
• Trustworthy

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.