Waste Airside Driver - Heathrow Airport

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:

• 9th March 2026

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!

An example of the DAY shift hours for 40 hours per week (5 on 3 off pattern):

• Day 1: 06:00am to 14:30pm

• Day 2: 06:00am to 14:30pm
• Day 3: 06:00am to 14:30pm
• Day 4: 14:30pm to 23:00pm
• Day 5: 14:30pm to 23:00pm
• OFF
• OFF
• OFF

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.