General operative

Heidelberg Materials UK; Leeds; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Heidelberg Materials UK is seeking a General Operative - Asphalt to join our busy site near Leeds. You will operate and maintain asphalt plant equipment, work outdoors, and contribute to safe, high-quality production.

This role requires hands-onPlant experience, a strong safety mindset, and practical fault-finding skills. You will support production planning, keep accurate records, and help maintain site standards while working as part of a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Experience operating plant or heavy machinery in an industrial, quarrying, construction, or manufacturing environment.
• Strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Good practical maintenance and fault-finding skills.
• Reliable with excellent timekeeping and attendance.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible approach to work and willingness to support wider site operations when required.

Responsibilities

• Operate both static and mobile plant safely and efficiently.
• Assist in the production and manufacture of asphalt materials to quality specifications.
• Carry out plant start-up and shut-down procedures.
• Complete routine inspections and monitoring of plant equipment.
• Perform basic maintenance and repair work within your level of competence.
• Maintain accurate operational and maintenance records.
• Refuel, grease, clean, and maintain mobile plant in line with manufacturer and company standards.
• Operate mobile plant equipment, including Front-End Loaders (FELs) and dumpers.
• Complete daily inspection reports for static and mobile plant.
• Report defects, faults, and maintenance requirements to the Site Supervisor.
• Submit near-miss reports and actively support a strong safety culture.
• Operate machinery in an energy-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.
• Support activities at other Heidelberg Materials sites within a reasonable travelling distance when required.

Skills

Plant operation experience

Safety-conscious

Maintenance and fault-finding

Teamwork and independence

Attendance and punctuality

Flexibility

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Mobile Plant Operations (or willingness to obtain following EPIC completion)

EPIC certification to operate mobile plant

Good 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

Join Heidelberg Materials and Help Build the UK's Infrastructure

Are you a hands-on individual who enjoys working outdoors, operating machinery, and being part of a team that keeps essential materials moving? Heidelberg Materials is looking for a General Operative - Asphalt to join our operation and play a key role in the safe, efficient, and high-quality production of asphalt materials.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with plant operating experience, a strong safety mindset, and a practical approach to maintenance and problem-solving.

The Role

As a General Operative - Asphalt, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operation, inspection, and maintenance of the asphalt plant, ensuring products consistently meet our high-quality standards. You will contribute to production planning, plant performance, equipment reliability, and site safety while supporting the efficient operation of both static and mobile plant.

Working closely with site management, you will help maximise production, maintain operational excellence, and support continuous improvement across the site.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate both static and mobile plant safely and efficiently.
• Assist in the production and manufacture of asphalt materials to quality specifications.
• Carry out plant start-up and shut-down procedures.
• Complete routine inspections and monitoring of plant equipment.
• Perform basic maintenance and repair work within your level of competence.
• Maintain accurate operational and maintenance records.
• Refuel, grease, clean, and maintain mobile plant in line with manufacturer and company standards.
• Operate mobile plant equipment, including Front-End Loaders (FELs) and dumpers.
• Complete daily inspection reports for static and mobile plant.
• Report defects, faults, and maintenance requirements to the Site Supervisor.
• Submit near-miss reports and actively support a strong safety culture.
• Operate machinery in an energy-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.
• Support activities at other Heidelberg Materials sites within a reasonable travelling distance when required.

What We're Looking For

• Experience operating plant or heavy machinery in an industrial, quarrying, construction, or manufacturing environment.
• Strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Good practical maintenance and fault-finding skills.
• Reliable with excellent timekeeping and attendance.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible approach to work and willingness to support wider site operations when required.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Good general education.
• Understanding of health and safety regulations and quarry operations.
• EPIC certification to operate mobile plant.
• NVQ Level 2 in Mobile Plant Operations (or willingness to obtain following EPIC completion).
• Full commitment to safe working practices and company procedures.

Why Join Heidelberg Materials?

At Heidelberg Materials, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive workplace where our people can develop their skills and build long-term careers. You'll be joining a business that plays a vital role in delivering the materials needed to build and maintain the nation's infrastructure.

If you're motivated, safety-focused, and ready to take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you.