General operative

Hanson Contracting; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Ongoing training and development

Career progression within a global org

Employee wellbeing focus

Job summary

Heidelberg Materials UK is seeking a General Operative in Maidstone to join our asphalt production team. You will help operate plant equipment, conduct inspections and support maintenance, contributing to high‑quality materials for UK infrastructure.

The role emphasizes safety, teamwork and continuous improvement, with training opportunities and a path to career progression within a global group.

Qualifications

• Good standard of general education.
• Strong commitment to health, safety and environmental standards.
• Good communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent timekeeping and reliability.
• Willingness to undertake training and development.

Responsibilities

• Operate static and mobile plant equipment safely and efficiently.
• Assist with asphalt production activities to meet customer demand and quality standards.
• Carry out daily inspections of plant and equipment.
• Report defects, faults and maintenance requirements promptly.
• Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, greasing and refuelling.
• Support plant start‑up and shutdown procedures.
• Complete operational records, inspections and safety documentation accurately.
• Operate FELs and dumpers where authorised.
• Maintain high housekeeping standards across the site.
• Identify and report safety concerns and near misses.
• Work in an energy‑efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

Skills

Health & safety

Communication

Problem solving

Teamwork

Time management

Willingness to learn

Basic mechanical knowledge

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Mobile Plant Operations

EPIC certification for mobile plant operation

Tools

Mobile plant operation equipment

Maintenance basics

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: Maidstone Salary: Competitive + Benefits Build Your Future with Heidelberg Materials

Are you looking for a hands‑on role where safety, teamwork and quality are at the heart of everything you do? We are seeking a motivated General Operative to join our asphalt production team. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where you'll play a key role in producing high‑quality materials that help build and maintain the UK's infrastructure. Whether operating plant equipment, carrying out inspections, supporting maintenance activities, or ensuring smooth production processes, you'll be an integral part of a team committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement.

What You'll Be Doing

• Operating static and mobile plant equipment safely and efficiently.
• Assisting with asphalt production activities to meet customer demand and quality standards.
• Carrying out daily inspections of plant and equipment.
• Reporting defects, faults and maintenance requirements promptly.
• Performing routine maintenance, cleaning, greasing and refuelling activities.
• Supporting plant start‑up and shutdown procedures.
• Completing operational records, inspections and safety documentation accurately.
• Operating mobile plant equipment, including Front‑End Loaders (FEL) and dumpers where authorised.
• Maintaining high housekeeping standards across the site.
• Identifying and reporting safety concerns and near misses.
• Working in an energy‑efficient and environmentally responsible manner.
• Supporting operations across nearby Heidelberg Materials sites when required.

What We're Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is safety‑focused, reliable and enjoys working as part of a team.

Essential Requirements

• Good standard of general education.
• Strong commitment to health, safety and environmental standards.
• Good communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent timekeeping and reliability.
• Willingness to undertake training and development.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• EPIC certification for mobile plant operation.
• NVQ Level 2 in Mobile Plant Operations.
• Experience operating mobile plant equipment in a quarry, asphalt, construction, manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Basic mechanical maintenance experience.

Why Join Heidelberg Materials?

At Heidelberg Materials, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive workplace where our people can thrive.

We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Career progression within a global organisation.
• A strong focus on health, safety and employee wellbeing.
• The opportunity to contribute to essential infrastructure projects across the UK.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.

About Heidelberg Materials

Heidelberg Materials is one of the world's leading producers of building materials. We are committed to sustainability, innovation and delivering high‑quality construction solutions while creating a workplace where everyone can succeed.

At Heidelberg Materials UK (previously known as Hanson UK) we strive to create an inclusive and respectful workplace where every individual can bring their unique skills and background to contribute to the success of our business.

At Heidelberg Materials UK (previously known as Hanson UK), we understand that a diverse workforce is key to our growth and development, and we aim to foster a culture that values openness, transparency, and individual achievement. As part of our commitment to promoting diversity, we are actively working to encourage more individuals to consider careers within the construction industry. We believe in building a workplace that is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and diversity.

Heidelberg Materials is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

We understand that women may face unique challenges in their careers, and we are committed to providing a supportive environment to help you thrive.

Our family‑friendly policies, such as enhanced maternity and parental leave, neonatal care, and adoption support, will provide you with the flexibility and support you need to balance your personal and professional commitments.

We also offer a range of benefits, such as access to our Employee Assistance Program, trained mental health first aiders, discounted private medical benefits and much more, to ensure your wellbeing is prioritized.