General Operative

Heidelberg Materials UK; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Training & development

Health & wellbeing

Career progression

Job summary

Heidelberg Materials UK is seeking a hands-on General Operative to support the operation, inspection, maintenance and production activities at our asphalt plant. You will help deliver high-quality materials while working safely as part of a supportive team.

This role offers opportunities to develop skills across plant operations, maintenance and mobile equipment handling in a fast-paced industrial environment, with a strong emphasis on safety and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of health and safety requirements.
• Reliable with excellent timekeeping and attendance.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Practical approach to maintenance and operational tasks.
• EPIC certification for mobile plant operation.
• NVQ Level 2 in Mobile Plant Operations (or willingness to obtain where applicable).

Responsibilities

• Operate static and mobile plant machinery safely.
• Assist with asphalt production and daily operations.
• Carry out routine inspections and monitor plant equipment.
• Complete daily condition and safety inspection records.
• Report defects and maintenance needs to site management.
• Perform basic maintenance, cleaning, greasing and refuelling of equipment.
• Operate mobile plant equipment including Front-End Loaders (FEL) and dumpers.
• Support production planning and start‑up/shutdown procedures.
• Follow health, safety, environmental and company procedures.
• Complete near-miss and safety reporting as required.
• Operate machinery in an energy‑efficient and environmentally responsible manner.
• Maintain housekeeping standards across the site.

Skills

Health & safety

Timekeeping

Teamwork

Independent working

Maintenance tasks

Education

NVQ Level 2 Mobile Plant Operations

General education

Job description

Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 4,000 people and operating around 300 manufacturing sites in the UK.

We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is vital to our growth and advancement. We aim to promote a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement.

At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the front runner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation.

General Operative - Asphalt Plant Operations

Join a Team That Builds the Future

Are you a hands‑on individual who enjoys working in a fast‑paced industrial environment? Do you take pride in working safely, efficiently, and as part of a supportive team? If so, we want to hear from you.

We are looking for a General Operative to support the operation, inspection, maintenance, and production activities at our asphalt plant. This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading organisation where safety, quality, and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do.

About The Role

As a General Operative, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the asphalt plant. You'll be responsible for operating both static and mobile plant equipment, carrying out inspections and maintenance activities, and helping deliver high‑quality products that meet customer requirements.

This role offers a varied working environment with opportunities to develop your skills across plant operations, maintenance, and mobile equipment handling.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate static and mobile plant machinery.
• Assist with asphalt production and support daily operational activities.
• Carry out routine inspections and monitoring of plant equipment.
• Complete daily condition and safety inspection records.
• Report defects, faults, and maintenance requirements to site management.
• Perform basic maintenance, repairs, cleaning, greasing, and refuelling of equipment.
• Operate mobile plant equipment, including Front-End Loaders (FEL) and dumpers.
• Support production planning and efficient plant start‑up and shutdown procedures.
• Follow all health, safety, environmental, and company procedures.
• Complete near-miss and safety reporting as required.
• Operate machinery in an energy‑efficient and environmentally responsible manner.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping across the site.

What We're Looking For

• Good general standard of education.
• Strong understanding of health and safety requirements.
• Reliable with excellent timekeeping and attendance.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Practical approach to maintenance and operational tasks.
• EPIC certification for mobile plant operation.
• NVQ Level 2 in Mobile Plant Operations (or willingness to obtain where applicable).

Desirable

• Previous experience working within quarrying, aggregates, asphalt, construction, manufacturing, or heavy industrial environments.
• Experience operating loading shovels, dumpers, or other mobile plant equipment.
• Mechanical maintenance experience.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• A strong focus on health, safety, and employee wellbeing.
• Career progression opportunities within a leading industry organisation.
• Supportive team environment with varied and rewarding work.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be joining a business that values safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Every day you’ll contribute to producing essential materials that help build roads, infrastructure, and communities across the region.