Waste Airside Driver - Heathrow Airport

Optime Group; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Waste Operative Driver for a prestigious client at Heathrow Airport. Candidates must hold a Full D1 UK Driving License and have at least 3 years residency in the UK. Responsibilities include driving waste vehicles, conducting vehicle checks, and ensuring safe waste handling. The role offers 40 hours per week with an annual salary of £27,369.72. Flexible shifts are required for this fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Weekly Pay (every Friday)

Temp to Perm (performance related)

Qualifications

• Must have a D1 Full UK Driving License.
• Three years continuous residency in the UK necessary.
• Ability to work independently and follow instructions.

Responsibilities

• Safely drive waste vehicles in line with regulations.
• Complete vehicle checks and report defects.
• Conduct waste collections from Cabin Cleaning teams.
• Handle and segregate waste according to guidelines.

Skills

D1 Full UK Driving License

Reliability and initiative

Ability to adapt to a busy environment

Experience in cleaning or supervisory roles

Job description

Overview

Optime Group are proud to be recruiting Waste Operative Driver for a prestigious client at Heathrow Airport. This is a very enjoyable role with a great company offering excellent conditions and facilities.

PLEASE NOTE: This role requires a Full D1 UK Driving License and at least 3 years residency in the UK.

What's on offer

• Day Shift Hours: 8.5 hour shifts between 06:00am - 23:00pm
• Shift pattern: 5 on 3 off.
• Hours per week: 40 hours
• Salary for a Day Shift Worker: £27,369.72 per annum
• Weekly Pay (every Friday)
• Temp to Perm (performance related).

Start Date

• 16th December 2025

Key responsibilities

• Safely drive D1-category waste vehicles between aircraft stands and waste facilities in line with airside driving regulations.
• Complete pre- and post-vehicle checks, report any defects immediately, and ensure vehicles are fuelled, sanitised, and ready for service.
• Follow Manual Handling best practices when lifting and transferring waste bags to ensure personal and team safety.
• Conduct waste collections from Cabin Cleaning teams, ensuring all items are removed from lift and node areas within agreed turnaround times.
• Handle and segregate waste in accordance with APHA and airport environmental guidelines.
• Operate the Grundon Compactor, ensuring correct use when offloading waste and adhering to all safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate records of waste movement and disposal through the use of PDAs or digital reporting tools.
• Conduct clean-up of spillages promptly and safely using approved materials and methods.
• Handle cleaning materials and chemicals with care and consideration to avoid damage or contamination.
• Report any equipment or container damage immediately to the Cabin Quality Supervisor or First Line Manager.
• Ensure all customer equipment and containers are returned correctly at the end of each service cycle.
• Respond to call backs or operational changes promptly and with flexibility.
• Keep lift and node areas clear of any DHL-accountable waste, maintaining operational tidiness and compliance.

Shifts

The Airport is operational 7 days per week and candidates will be working on a 5 on 3 off and you will need to be fully flexible with the days and hours you can work. This could be subject to change!

The ideal candidate

• Holds a D1 Full UK Driving License.
• Has lived in the UK continuously for the past 3 years or more, as all successful applicants will be required to undergo a Counter Terrorist Check (CTC).
• Ability to work without constant supervision and follow instructions.
• Ability to adapt quickly to a very busy operational environment.
• Brings a strong work ethic, showing reliability, initiative, and a proactive attitude in a fast-paced environment.
• Ideally has previous experience in cleaning and/or in a supervisory capacity, though full training and support will be provided for the right candidate.

PLEASE NOTE: As this position is in the aviation industry, successful applicants must be able to provide 5-year checkable history.

For an opportunity to interview for this fantastic role, please submit your CV to apply!

Optime Group is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.