General operative

Heidelberg Materials AG; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Job summary

Heidelberg Materials is seeking a hands-on General Operative to join the asphalt production team in Maidstone. You will help operate plant equipment, conduct inspections and daily maintenance, and contribute to safe, efficient production processes.

Working as part of a collaborative team, you will follow safety standards and participate in ongoing training. The role involves reporting defects, maintaining records and supporting startup/shutdown procedures across sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Good 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 activities.
• Support plant start-up and shutdown procedures.
• Complete operational records, inspections and safety documentation accurately.
• Operate mobile plant equipment, including Front-End Loaders (FEL) 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.
• Support operations across nearby Heidelberg Materials sites when required.

Skills

Safety-minded

Teamwork

Communication skills

Problem solving

Time management

Reliability

Job description

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.

• 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.