HGV Driver – AR

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.