Lead Driver

Who We Are

Did you know 85% of all textiles end up in a landfill despite 95% being fully recyclable? Currently, there are approximately 500 million pounds of textiles sitting in Canadian landfills. Textile puts tremendous strain on our environment. Recycling Rewards is an innovative collection service that serves as the important link between those wishing to part with unwanted, reusable goods and those in need of them. Recycling Rewards is a for-profit Canadian recycling company operating in the province of Ontario. Established in 2005, we have been setting the standard in the recycling industry for the collection and recycling of clothing, toys, books, small appliances, and other unwanted items. We are proud to promote a greener earth by providing quick and easy solutions to textile recycling while supporting charities. We believe "Recycle + Reuse = Rewards".

At Recycling Rewards, you'll be serving the community by helping them lead a more sustainable lifestyle. A place with unlimited opportunities to learn and grow while unleashing your highest potential each day. You'll be part of a "people and customer first" culture; a workplace that is fun, fast paced, collaborative, diverse and inclusive. We provide a productive work environment, where every perspective is valued. Recycling Rewards also takes a holistic approach for providing great benefits and rewarding employees.

Who You Are

You are a dependable, hands-on team player who thrives in dynamic environments. You take pride in delivering consistent, high-quality results and enjoy supporting others to succeed. A natural problem solver and informal leader, you are comfortable handling field-level issues independently and with professionalism. You are aligned with our mission of sustainability and are ready to make a real impact every day.

The Role

The Collections Driver Lead supports the daily execution of collection and delivery operations by performing scheduled pickups and acting as an informal leader and problem-solver on the ground. In the absence of the Dispatch Manager, you act as a point of contact, help resolve in-field escalations and ensure adherence to safety and service protocols.

Availability Requirement:

Candidates are required to have open availability to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays, including morning, evening, and night shifts on a full-time basis.

Work Location: 995 Moody Drive, Ottawa, ON K2R 1H4

Duties and Responsibilities

Departmental Duties

• Execute assigned collection and delivery routes efficiently and reliably.
• Monitor route progression and service completion during active shifts.
• Assist fellow drivers with field troubleshooting and on-the-ground support.
• Coordinate with Dispatch to adjust routes or address real-time issues.
• Conduct vehicle pre- and post-inspection checks; report mechanical concerns.
• Document route deviations, bin complaints, safety incidents, and escalate as needed.
• Maintain accurate route logs and complete mobile/digital entries post-delivery.
• Act as shift lead when Dispatch Manager is off-shift or unavailable.

Health and Safety

• Ensure all team members wear safety gear and follow protocols.
• Reinforce driver adherence to company driving and transportation safety standards.
• Identify and address in-field hazards; escalate immediately when required.
• Participate in regular safety audits and ensure audit pass compliance.
• Guide new team members on health & safety best practices.

Other Duties

• Provide informal coaching, mentoring, and onboarding for new drivers.
• Support route familiarization for new team members (bin types, route logic, customer expectations).
• Conduct bin audits (condition, placement, cleanliness, service levels).
• Help improve vehicle and bin utilization by identifying efficiency opportunities.
• Promote service excellence through customer etiquette and communication guidance.

Core Competencies

• Leadership – Model expectations, provide in-field support, act as informal shift lead.
• Conflict Resolution – Mediate field-level driver or customer issues.
• Delegation – Assign informal peer tasks (e.g., bin check-ins, log updates).
• Coaching and Mentoring – Train and support new hires through ride-alongs and coaching.

Education, Experience and Requirements

Must have:

• Minimum 3 years' experience driving 3–5-ton/18-24 feet trucks.
• Valid G-class driver's license with clean abstract.
• Minimum age requirement of 25 years as per insurance policy.
• Reliable internet connection on mobile device to be able to use different software related to the job.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to reliably commute to the work location on a day-to-day basis.
• Proven ability to train or mentor others.

Good to Have:

• Experience using dispatch/routing tools (e.g., Route4Me, GoFleet).
• Familiarity with basic vehicle mechanics and safety procedures.
• Strong communication and reporting skills.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Frequent lifting (up to 50 lbs), pushing/pulling carts (up to 500 lbs).
• Continuous walking, bending, twisting, reaching, standing during shift.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions, dust, noise, and waste materials.
• Required to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and in rotating shifts.
• Frequent public interaction in residential, commercial, or drop-box settings

Recycling Rewards is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment, where all Team Members and customers feel valued, respected, and supported. We thank you for your interest in employment opportunities at Recycling Rewards. Please note, only the candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted. Recycling Rewards welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.