Driver – Team Leader in Stoke-on-Trent

Directorate: Housing, Regeneration and Operations

Section: Waste Service

Location: Weighbridge Site Lodge

Grade: Level 7

Hours: 37 hours per week

The Role

We require a waste driver/team leader to support our existing staff. The contract is subject to completing a full induction course, including health & safety in refuse collections. The successful candidate will drive waste collection vehicles on a daily basis to ensure all waste is collected on the day. They will undertake a daily vehicle inspection prior to leaving the depot to ensure the vehicle is safe, clean and refuel at the end of the day, supervise their crew and deal with missed bins and general complaints. They must hold an LGV driving licence and have a minimum of 6 months experience driving large goods vehicles. Good motivational, customer‑focused, team‑playing skills and the ability to organise teams, plan routes are required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily waste collection operations, ensuring rounds are completed safely, efficiently and to required service standards.
• Supervise, support and motivate collection crews, providing guidance, resolving issues on route and maintaining high performance and conduct.
• Monitor vehicle checks, equipment use and health & safety compliance, addressing hazards promptly and promoting a safe working culture.
• Act as the first point of contact for service issues, responding to missed collections, customer concerns and on‑the‑day operational challenges.
• Ensure accurate reporting and documentation, including route completion, incidents, crew attendance and service performance data.
• Work collaboratively with managers and other teams, contributing to service improvements, route optimisation and problem‑solving.

About You

• Proven experience in waste collection, street services or similar operational work with a solid understanding of routes, vehicles and service standards.
• Strong people‑management and leadership skills, including motivation, performance management and maintaining a positive team culture.
• Excellent knowledge of health & safety practices, manual handling, vehicle safety checks and risk awareness in frontline environments.
• Confident decision‑making and problem‑solving abilities, especially when dealing with on‑the‑day service disruptions, customer issues or staffing challenges.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, able to liaise professionally with staff, supervisors, residents and other council teams.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and use basic digital systems such as route tracking, incident reporting or attendance management.

What we offer

• A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent.
• Hybrid and flexible working options.
• An excellent local authority benefits pension scheme.
• Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes.

Pre‑Employment Checks

• Right to work in the UK.
• Proof of address.
• Satisfactory references.
• Occupational Health clearance.
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations.
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable for the role).

Driver Assessment Requirement

Appointment is subject to successfully completing a practical, road‑based driver assessment to ensure the candidate can operate Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs) safely and competently in line with all legal and safety standards.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included and can succeed together.