HGV driver and operator: responsibilities

Our HGV drivers are expected to work flexibly and responsively to meet the ever-evolving needs of our domestic and commercial clients, and could be asked to get involved in pre-planned maintenance projects and reactive emergency callouts at any time of day.

Vehicles will be dispatched to sites in the local area, whereupon drivers will co-operate with engineers to ensure that problems are analysed and diagnosed accurately, before executing a practical and efficient solution that keeps disruption to a minimum. This may involve the use of high-powered jetting technology to clear blockages, so it’s vital that drivers are aware of all the necessary health and safety considerations, and are able to work responsibly as part of a team.

Since the work of a HGV driver sometimes goes beyond simply operating a vehicle, it will be necessary for staff to commit diligently to the necessary training, and to hold themselves to a high customer service standard while out on the job.

Additionally, Lanes Group’s 24/7 operating model means that flexible working hours are a required part of the job - early mornings and late finishes should sometimes be expected, depending on location, as drivers could be involved in an on-call rota to make sure that customers are never left waiting for support in their hour of need.

Salary and working conditions

Becoming a Lanes Group driver comes with a broad range of rewards and opportunities. We strive to offer competitive salary rates to all of our workers, with pay grades scaling according to your level of experience; there are also ample overtime opportunities available, meaning there’s always a way to earn more.

However, the benefits don’t stop there. At Lanes, we provide a number of different shift models to suit varying needs, including a four-on-four-off working pattern, night work and weekend arrangements. Moreover, we provide access to an optional company-wide health scheme, a workplace pension and childcare vouchers, with full-time employees also eligible for up to 20 days of paid holiday a year. Other perks include free car parking available across 80% of our network of depots and offices.

We also strive to create a friendly, welcoming working environment to help all members of the team feel they’re part of a trusted, supportive organisation that’s dedicated to their development and wellbeing, and will always make sure they have the right tools and information to carry out their work effectively.

Skills, qualifications and experience

Taking on this role with Lanes Group requires applicants to have proven credentials in operating an HGV. Whether a Class 1 or Class 2 licence is needed will depend on the specific placement, but as a general rule this should be a full licence with no more than three penalty points. A completed Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and up-to-date digital tachograph card are also expected, and you will need to organise your own transport to and from your place of work.

However, candidates should not be put off by a lack of prior drainage industry expertise. While background experience in the operation of tankers and high-pressure jetting and vacuum units would certainly be welcomed, they are not preconditions of the role, as Lanes Group is prepared to offer the necessary training to talented candidates to bring them up to speed with everything they need to know.

This means this role could be ideal for professionals with transferable HGV operating skills who are seeking a fresh start in a new and exciting industry. As a forces-friendly employer, we also welcome veterans and reservists with relevant capabilities developed during their military careers. As long as you have a positive, learning-oriented attitude and a willingness to get involved in the manual side of the role, we’re prepared to offer all the support you’ll need to do a great job.

Future prospects

Joining Lanes Group can be the first step towards a long, successful and dynamic career, as we’re renowned as an employer that invests heavily in its workforce to make sure they have everything they need to thrive over an extended period.

We’re prepared to pay to help workers take part in a defined long-term training pathway, giving them the chance to learn new disciplines, develop additional specialisms and work their way into exciting roles.

What’s more, our network of 25 regional depots and utility hubs throughout England, Scotland and Wales allows staff to move around the UK without having to leave the Lanes family, creating a sense of continuity, stability and progression that many will find extremely valuable.

Lanes Group also prides itself on being an equal opportunities employer, so we welcome HGV driver applications from underrepresented areas of the community. Regardless of your personal and professional background, talented applicants will always be given the same chance to succeed.