HGV Driver

Civic Recruitment Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking a Chargehand Driver for a 3-month temporary contract in Thamesmead to lead a team of Waste Operatives and manage daily waste collection operations.

You will supervise, ensure safety, drive waste collection vehicles, and coordinate with residents and sites across local authority properties. Previous waste collection supervision and CPC/HGV qualifications are essential.

Qualifications

• Valid HGV licence required.
• Driver CPC qualification required.
• Tachograph card required.
• Experience supervising operational teams.
• Strong understanding of health & safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of Waste Operatives.
• Ensure timely completion of daily collection schedules.
• Provide operational guidance to team members.
• Manage assisted collections for eligible residents.
• Arrange return visits for missed collections as needed.
• Oversee collection of general, recycling, organic and bulky waste.

Skills

HGV Licence

Driver CPC

Tachograph Card

Supervisory Experience

Health & Safety

Job description

Thamesmead, United Kingdom | Posted on 17/07/2026

Job Description

Location: Thamesmead

Contract: Temporary (3 Months)

Hours: Full-Time

Summary

This temporary 3-month contract role is crucial for leading a team of Waste Operatives in delivering comprehensive waste collection services, including household, commercial, recycling, organic, and bulky waste. The Chargehand Driver will supervise daily operations, ensure adherence to health and safety protocols, and operate HGV waste collection vehicles. The role demands a high level of service delivery across various locations, such as residential areas, schools, businesses, and Council properties.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of Waste Operatives.
  
• Ensure efficient completion of daily collection schedules.
  
• Provide operational support and guidance to team members.
  
• Manage assisted collections for eligible residents.
  
• Arrange return visits for missed collections as needed.
  
• Oversee the collection of general, recycling, organic, and bulky waste.
  
• Ensure safe and efficient waste collection and transportation.
  
• Support loading activities when necessary.
  
• Health & Safety
  • Ensure all staff wear appropriate PPE.
    
  • Promote and ensure compliance with safe working practices and health and safety legislation.
    
  • Report accidents, incidents, and near misses promptly.
    
• Bulky Waste & Specialist Collections
  • Safely manage the movement and loading of bulky items.
    
  • Handle electrical and electronic waste per WEEE regulations.
    
  • Identify and report hazardous waste issues.
    
• Customer Service
  • Professionally respond to resident and business inquiries.
    
  • Handle complaints and service issues effectively.
    
  • Promote recycling and responsible waste disposal.
    
• Vehicle Operations
  • Conduct daily vehicle inspections and defect checks.
    
  • Report vehicle defects and ensure compliance with safety requirements.
    
  • Safely drive and operate waste collection vehicles.
    
• Record Keeping & Communication
  • Maintain accurate daily paperwork and operational records.
    
  • Report bin damage, access issues, and operational concerns.
    
  • Communicate effectively with Operational Supervisors.
    
• Training & Compliance
  • Participate in vehicle and equipment training.
    
  • Maintain Driver CPC requirements through ongoing training.
    
• Winter Maintenance Support
  • Assist with pavement gritting and snow clearance during adverse weather.
    

Requirements

Requirements:

• Valid HGV Licence (Category C/Class 2 or equivalent).
  
• Driver CPC Qualification Card.
  
• Digital Tachograph Card.
  
• Experience driving waste collection or refuse vehicles.
  
• Experience supervising or leading operational teams.
  
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety procedures.
  
• Ability to work in a physically demanding outdoor environment.
  
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
  
• Previous Local Authority waste collection experience.
  
• Experience supervising refuse collection crews.
  
• Knowledge of recycling, waste management, and environmental services.
  
• Experience operating specialist waste collection vehicles and equipment.
  

Additional Information

• This is a 3-month temporary contract
  
• Location: Thamesmead
  
• Pay is provided on a bi-weekly basis
  
• Valid HGV Licence, CPC, and Tachograph Card are essential
  
• Previous waste collection or refuse vehicle driving experience is highly desirable
  
• Previous Local Authority experience is advantageous
  
• Experience leading or supervising operational teams is preferred