HGV Driver

Tower Hamlets Homes Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave

Flexible working

Staff money-saving schemes

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

London Borough of Tower Hamlets is seeking an experienced HGV Driver for the Commercial Waste & Recycling Operations. You will support delivery of waste and recycling services to local businesses, driving refuse collection vehicles and ensuring safe, legal collections across the borough.

The role combines hands-on driving with operational duties and close engagement with local businesses, contributing to environmental performance and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Experience as a trained HGV driver in commercial waste collection.
• Safety-conscious attitude with focus on regulatory compliance.
• Ability to operate refuse collection vehicles safely and efficiently.
• Capable of working with a frontline team to serve local businesses.

Responsibilities

• Safely drive and operate HGV waste collection vehicles across the borough.
• Deliver scheduled commercial waste and recycling collections to businesses and other non‑domestic customers.
• Complete daily vehicle safety inspections and report defects promptly.
• Ensure waste and recyclable materials are collected, transported and disposed of safely and legally.
• Assist with loading activities and collection duties when required.
• Identify and report contamination, access issues, missed collections and customer concerns.
• Maintain accurate vehicle logs, route information and operational records.
• Work closely with supervisors and managers to provide a high‑quality service to Tower Hamlets businesses.
• Adhere to all health and safety, environmental and road traffic legislation.

Skills

HGV driving

Safety-conscious

Customer service

Teamwork

Job description

About The Role

HGV Driver – Commercial Waste & Recycling Operations

London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Are you an experienced HGV Driver looking for a rewarding role where you can make a visible difference to local businesses and the environment. Join the Commercial Waste team at the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and play a key role in delivering vital waste and recycling collection services to businesses across the borough.

We are seeking a reliable, professional and safety-conscious HGV Driver to support the delivery of our Commercial Waste and Recycling Service, providing collections to a diverse range of businesses throughout the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe operation of refuse collection vehicles, ensuring the efficient collection and transportation of commercial waste, mixed recycling, food waste and other recyclable materials from shops, restaurants, offices, schools and other commercial premises. Working as part of a dedicated frontline team, you will help maintain high standards of environmental performance, customer satisfaction and operational safety.

This is a hands‑on role that combines professional HGV driving with operational duties and direct engagement with local businesses, ensuring collections are completed safely, efficiently and in accordance with service standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely drive and operate HGV waste collection vehicles across the borough.
• Deliver scheduled commercial waste and recycling collections to businesses and other non‑domestic customers.
• Complete daily vehicle safety inspections and report defects promptly.
• Ensure waste and recyclable materials are collected, transported and disposed of safely and legally.
• Assist with loading activities and collection duties when required.
• Identify and report contamination, access issues, missed collections and customer concerns.
• Maintain accurate vehicle logs, route information and operational records.
• Work closely with supervisors and managers to provide a high‑quality service to Tower Hamlets businesses.
• Adhere to all health and safety, environmental and road traffic legislation.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary £36,963 - £38637 plus allowances (if applicable).
• Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
• Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.
• Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance.
• Staff money‑saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).
• Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.

Why Join Us?

As part of Tower Hamlets' Commercial Waste Service, you will contribute to keeping the borough's business districts clean, supporting local economic growth and helping businesses increase recycling while reducing their environmental impact.

Whether servicing busy high streets, markets, office developments or hospitality venues, you'll be at the forefront of delivering a professional, reliable and environmentally responsible waste and recycling service.

About Tower Hamlets

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award‑winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.