At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive HGV vehicles for waste collection and ensure efficient route planning.
- Company: Panda Waste, a leader in sustainable waste management based in Manchester.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, paid breaks, performance bonuses, and full PPE provided.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and ongoing training in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a positive impact on the environment.
- Qualifications: Valid UK Class 2 licence, customer service skills, and HGV experience preferred.
Panda Waste is a leading waste management solutions provider based in Manchester (M17 1DW). We specialise in sustainable resource recovery and circular economy practices. We’re currently seeking an experienced HGV Trade Waste Driver to join our Manchester team and play a vital role in our environmental services operations.
The Role
- Operating from our Manchester depot with a typical start time between 3am–6am, you’ll be responsible for the safe and efficient collection and transportation of commercial and industrial waste using our modern fleet of HGV vehicles.
- This position offers consistent Monday–Friday working hours, with occasional weekend shifts, ensuring excellent work-life balance while contributing to essential environmental services.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely operate HGV vehicles (including tippers and box vans) for waste collection and transportation services.
- Execute efficient route planning to maximise productivity and minimise environmental impact.
- Deliver exceptional customer service at collection points, ensuring sites are left tidy and bins properly positioned.
- Conduct daily vehicle checks and report defects in line with DVSA requirements.
- Maintain accurate digital records via tablet technology for waste transfer documentation.
- Ensure full compliance with waste duty of care regulations and environmental legislation.
- Adhere to Working Time Directive and drivers’ hours regulations.
Essential Requirements
- Valid UK Class 2 (Category C) licence with current Driver CPC.
- Digital tachograph card.
- Proven experience in HGV operations within the waste sector preferred.
- Excellent customer-facing skills.
- Ability to work independently whilst maintaining communication with transport planning.
- Physical fitness to handle manual handling aspects of the role.
What We Offer
- Hourly rate: £14.47/hour (overtime after 40 hours: £18.09/hour).
- 1h paid break per shift.
- Performance Bonuses: 8p per bin + daily service success bonus (up to £90 per week).
- Regular, predictable hours with opportunity for weekend overtime.
- Full PPE and uniform provided.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Career progression within a growing environmental services group.
- Modern, well-maintained fleet with latest safety features.
The Ideal Candidate
You’ll be a safety-conscious professional driver who takes pride in vehicle presentation and customer service. With strong route knowledge of the Manchester area and a commitment to environmental best practice, you’ll thrive in a role that combines independence with team support.
About The Company
We are Panda. We value waste. We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste. Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values.
While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve. At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together.
We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward. We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make. And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results – knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing.
Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact. Take the first step and join us on the journey. Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.
HGV Class 2 Trade Waste Driver in Trafford Park employer: Panda
Panda Waste is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With consistent working hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for career progression within the growing environmental services sector, our Manchester team plays a crucial role in sustainable waste management. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment and communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HGV Class 2 Trade Waste Driver in Trafford Park
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the waste management industry or join relevant groups on social media. You never know who might have a lead on an HGV Class 2 Trade Waste Driver position.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of environmental regulations and customer service skills. Panda values safety and excellence, so be ready to showcase how you embody these traits.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values. Panda is all about sustainability and community impact, so make sure to highlight your passion for these areas when you chat with them.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest job openings and updates directly from us at Panda.
We think you need these skills to ace HGV Class 2 Trade Waste Driver in Trafford Park
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience with HGV operations, especially in the waste sector. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively with our team and customers.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to reflect our values and the specifics of the job description. Mention your commitment to environmental best practices and customer service, as these are key to what we do at Panda.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Panda
✨Know Your Vehicle
Make sure you’re familiar with the HGV vehicles you'll be operating. Brush up on the specifics of tippers and box vans, as well as the daily checks required by DVSA. This knowledge will show your commitment to safety and professionalism.
✨Route Planning Skills
Demonstrate your understanding of efficient route planning during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you would maximise productivity while minimising environmental impact. This shows that you’re not just a driver, but someone who thinks about the bigger picture.
✨Customer Service Focus
Panda values exceptional customer service, so prepare examples of how you've provided great service in previous roles. Think about times when you’ve gone the extra mile to ensure a tidy collection point or addressed customer concerns effectively.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Independence
While the role requires independence, it’s also important to work well within a team. Be ready to share experiences where you’ve balanced working alone with maintaining communication with transport planning. This will highlight your ability to thrive in Panda's collaborative environment.
