General Operative

Heidelberg Materials UK; Gunnislake; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Career development

Job summary

Heidelberg Materials UK operates a large network of sites, including Hingston Down, and seeks a General Operative to support daily production with a strong emphasis on safety and quality.

You will operate both mobile and static plant, carry out inspections and assist with material handling while maintaining a clean, safe work environment. The role offers development opportunities within a global, sustainability-focused company.

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating mobile or static plant equipment.
• NVQ/QCF qualifications in plant operations encouraged.
• Willingness to work towards NVQ/QCF.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate mobile plant and site equipment.
• Operate static plant machinery per procedures.
• Conduct pre-start and post-operational inspections.
• Perform routine maintenance checks.
• Support load and haul and materials handling.
• Maintain high housekeeping and safety standards.
• Report hazards and near misses.
• Welcome visitors and manage inductions.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure safe production.

Skills

Health & safety

Communication

Teamwork

Timekeeping

Problem solving

Proactive

Education

NVQ/QCF qualifications

Tools

Plant operation licences

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

Location: Hingston Down

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Join a Leading Construction Materials Business

At Heidelberg Materials, we are committed to building a sustainable future through innovation, safety, and operational excellence. We are looking for a motivated and safety-conscious General Operative to join our team and play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our site. This is an excellent opportunity to build a rewarding career within a global business that values teamwork, development, and continuous improvement.

About The Role

As a General Operative, you will be responsible for supporting daily production activities while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental compliance. You will operate and maintain both static and mobile plant equipment, carry out inspections, and contribute to the efficient running of site operations. Working as part of a collaborative team, you will help ensure production targets are met whilst maintaining a safe and tidy working environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate mobile plant and site equipment.
• Operate static plant machinery efficiently and in accordance with site procedures.
• Complete pre-start, operational, and post-operational inspections, accurately recording observations and reporting defects.
• Carry out routine maintenance checks in line with manufacturer and Heidelberg Materials recommendations.
• Support load and haul, processing, and materials handling activities.
• Maintain high housekeeping standards across the site.
• Ensure compliance with all Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality standards.
• Report hazards, unsafe acts, and near misses as required.
• Welcome visitors to site, ensuring sign-in procedures are followed and contractor inductions are completed where necessary.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support safe and efficient production processes.

What We're Looking For

• A strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.
• Reliable with excellent timekeeping and attendance.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work in an operational environment and follow site procedures.
• A good general level of education, with the ability to understand and follow health and safety regulations.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience operating mobile or static plant equipment.
• Relevant plant operation qualifications or licences.
• Willingness to work towards and achieve NVQ/QCF qualifications in static and mobile plant operations where required.

Why Heidelberg Materials

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Career development and training opportunities.
• Support to gain industry-recognised qualifications.
• Be part of a global organisation committed to sustainability and innovation.
• Work within a supportive and safety-focused team environment.

If you're a hardworking and enthusiastic individual looking for your next challenge in a fast-paced operational environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Heidelberg Materials and help us build a stronger future together.