Cargo Airside Driver - Heathrow Airport

Optime Group are excited to be recruiting for Cargo Airside Drivers to join a well-respected and successful client in Heathrow.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to additional security checks required for this role, successful applicants MUST have lived in the UK for the last 5 years, with 3 years full UK history.

MUST have valid/experience:

• HGV2 / Cat C / Class 2 licence – Experience in driving vehicles larger than 18 tonnes.
• Category D licence or above. Bus / Coach Drivers (Double Deck experience) – minimum 2 years.
• 7.5-tonne truck – minimum 2 years driving experience.
• Airside driving experience on vehicles larger than 18 tonnes is beneficial.

What’s on offer:

• Rate of pay: £15.31 per hour, plus overtime for any hours worked over 37.5 hours per week.
• Shifts: 4 on 2 off (8-hour days).
• Shift timings: A mixture of early and late, between 05:00 am and 23:00 pm. You must be flexible with the hours you work.
• Weekly pay (every Friday).
• Full training provided.
• Temp to perm (performance-based).

Key Duties:

• Operate a range of large airside vehicles, including HGV Class 2 / Cat C and specialist cargo handling equipment exceeding 18 tonnes, in a safe and controlled manner.
• Transport air freight, ULDs, pallets and loose cargo between cargo terminals, aircraft stands and airside storage areas.
• Conduct airside driving in full compliance with airport regulations, CAA requirements and local airside safety procedures.
• Carry out pre-use and post-use vehicle checks, reporting defects promptly in line with company and airside compliance standards.
• Manoeuvre large vehicles safely in restricted airside environments, including congested aprons, taxiways and stand areas.
• Follow strict airside safety rules, including speed limits, stand markings, headset/marshalling instructions and aircraft proximity controls.
• Communicate effectively with airside operations teams, load controllers, ramp agents and flight crews where required.
• Maintain accurate cargo movement documentation, logs and handover records.
• Support on-time aircraft departures by working efficiently within tight operational timeframes.
• Adhere to all security, health & safety and compliance requirements, including PPE and safeguarding of high-value cargo.

Requirements:

• HGV2 / Cat C / Class 2 licence – Experience in driving vehicles larger than 18 tonnes.
• Bus / Coach Drivers (Double Deck experience) – minimum 2 years.
• 7.5-tonne truck – minimum 2 years driving experience.
• Airside driving experience on vehicles larger than 18 tonnes is beneficial.
• Good level of fitness – essential.
• Must be flexible with the hours you work.
• Must hold a valid passport or driving licence / birth certificate or national ID card.
• This role requires you to stand for long periods of time (8 hours).
• UK Settled Status (if applicable).
• Proof of National Insurance.
• Proof of current address.
• 5-year address history.
• 5-year work reference history.

Successful candidates will be required to complete a basic criminal record check following the interview in line with CAA requirements. Please note: As this is an airport role, successful candidates must pass security checks in-line with CAA regulations. These checks include 5-year work and address history, DBS (must have no disqualifying criminal convictions), valid right to work.

For an opportunity to join this fantastic business, please submit your CV to apply today!