Refuse Team Lead

About the role

The Refuse Team Lead role is based at Northumberland County Council’s Tyne Mills Depot in Hexham. The post involves leading a front‑line waste collection team to ensure household, industrial and commercial refuse and recycling services are delivered safely, on time and to quality standards.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and optimise the deployment of staff and vehicles to meet service standards.
• Direct, supervise and motivate front‑line refuse collection staff.
• Contribute to induction, risk assessments, training and development of the team.
• Schedule bulky waste, garden waste and recycling centre collections based on service requests.
• Maintain positive employee relations and promote a constructive workplace climate.

Required profile

• Predominantly driving duties with occasional walking, lifting and exposure to traffic and hazardous waste environments.
• Normal working week Monday‑Thursday with early mornings, occasional evenings, weekends, emergency call‑outs and Bank Holiday work.
• HGV driving licence minimum Category C (or commitment to train).
• Knowledge of legislation and regulations relating to HGV operation and health & safety in waste services.

Required skills

• HGV Driving Licence (Category C).
• Knowledge of HGV driving regulations.
• Understanding of health & safety legislation applicable to waste collection.

What we offer

• 26 days annual leave plus public holidays, rising to 31 days after five years.
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Up to two days flexible leave per month.