HGV Driver – AR

Job Details

Job Description

Chargehand Driver – Waste (HGV)

Location: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Department: Community Services – Street Services
Grade: Scale 4
Pay Rate: £21.46 PAYE per hour
Shift Pattern: AM schedule

Role Overview

We are currently recruiting for a Chargehand Driver – Waste (HGV) to join the Street Services team at the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

The successful candidate will be responsible for driving a waste collection vehicle while leading a small team of Waste Operatives undertaking household and commercial waste collections across the borough.

You will normally supervise a team of 2 Waste Operatives/loaders, ensuring daily collection rounds are completed safely, efficiently, and in line with council procedures, health and safety requirements, and customer service standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and supervise a team of Waste Operatives carrying out daily waste collection rounds.
  • Drive and operate an HGV waste collection vehicle safely across residential and commercial areas.
  • Ensure collections are completed according to daily schedules, including assisted collections and return visits for missed collections where required.
  • Oversee the collection of various waste streams including:
    • General waste
    • Recycling
    • Organic waste
    • Bulky/special waste items
    • Commercial waste
  • Ensure all team members follow correct health and safety procedures, including the use of PPE and safe manual handling practices.
  • Carry out daily vehicle checks and report any defects or maintenance issues.
  • Ensure waste is correctly sorted, loaded, transported, and delivered to the appropriate disposal or processing site.
  • Maintain awareness of waste regulations, including hazardous waste requirements and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) procedures.
  • Record issues such as missed collections, damaged bins, contaminated waste, and incorrect waste presentation.
  • Provide information and guidance to residents and businesses regarding recycling and waste collection services.
  • Deal professionally with customer queries and complaints, escalating issues where required.
  • Complete daily paperwork, collection records, and operational reports.
  • Maintain communication with Operational Supervisors regarding progress, issues, and service updates.
  • Support winter maintenance activities such as pavement gritting and snow clearance when required.

Candidate Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

  • A valid HGV/LGV driving licence.
  • Held their driving licence for a minimum of 1 year.
  • A clean driving record.
  • Previous experience working within waste collection, refuse services, recycling, or environmental services.
  • Experience supervising or leading a small operational team.
  • Experience driving large vehicles in residential areas and dealing with access challenges.
  • Knowledge of health and safety procedures within a waste or street services environment.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to deal with members of the public.

Desirable Experience

Candidates with experience as a:

  • Chargehand Driver
  • HGV Refuse Driver
  • Refuse Collection Driver
  • Waste Collection Team Leader
  • Refuse Crew Leader
  • Waste Supervisor
  • Environmental Services Team Leader

would be highly desirable.

Additional Requirements

  • Candidates must be immediately available.
  • Must be willing to comply with the Driver’s Handbook requirements.
  • Must maintain required Driver CPC training and qualifications.