General operative

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

Job summary

Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) invites applications for a hands-on General Operative role, focusing on safe, efficient production operations and teamwork. You will support day-to-day site activities, operate mobile and static plant, and help maintain safety and quality across the site.

We value reliability, keen attention to detail, and a proactive approach. Training and NVQ/QCF progression opportunities may be available to develop your skills within a supportive, safety-focused

Qualifications

• Good general level of education.
• Ability to understand and apply health and safety requirements and quarry regulations.
• Proactive and reliable approach to work.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow procedures.
• Good timekeeping and a positive work ethic.
• Willingness to learn new skills and undertake training.
• Commitment to work towards NVQ/QCF qualifications in static and mobile plant operations where required.

Responsibilities

• Operate mobile plant safely and efficiently.
• Operate static plant equipment to support production processes.
• Carry out Safety, Health, Environmental, and Quality inspections.
• Complete inspection checklists before, during, and after operations.
• Identify, report, and help address defects or issues.
• Assist with inspection, maintenance, and upkeep of plant equipment.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping across the site.
• Complete near miss reports and support a proactive safety culture.
• Follow company procedures and site rules at all times.
• Welcome visitors, ensure sign-in procedures are followed, and complete contractor inductions where required.
• Work closely with colleagues to ensure smooth site operations.

Skills

Safety mindset

Teamwork

Communication

Attention to detail

Timekeeping

Willingness to learn

Education

General education level

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

Build Your Future with Heidelberg Materials

Are you looking for a hands-on role where safety, teamwork, and operational excellence are at the heart of everything you do? Heidelberg Materials is seeking a motivated General Operative to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills, work with industry-leading equipment, and play a key role in supporting safe and efficient production operations.

The Role

As a General Operative, you will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day operation of the site, ensuring production activities are carried out safely, efficiently, and in line with company standards.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operating mobile plant safely and efficiently.
• Operating static plant equipment to support production processes.
• Carrying out Safety, Health, Environmental, and Quality inspections.
• Completing inspection checklists before, during, and after operations.
• Identifying, reporting, and helping address any defects or issues.
• Assisting with the inspection, maintenance, and upkeep of plant equipment.
• Maintaining high standards of housekeeping across the site.
• Completing near miss reports and supporting a proactive safety culture.
• Ensuring company procedures and site rules are followed at all times.
• Welcoming visitors, ensuring sign-in procedures are followed, and completing contractor inductions where required.
• Working closely with colleagues to ensure smooth and efficient site operations.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who takes pride in their work, has a strong safety mindset, and enjoys being part of a team.

You will ideally have:

• A good general level of education.
• The ability to understand and apply health and safety requirements and quarry regulations.
• A proactive and reliable approach to work.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow procedures.
• Good timekeeping and a positive work ethic.
• A willingness to learn new skills and undertake training.
• The commitment to work towards and achieve NVQ/QCF qualifications in static and mobile plant operations where required.

Why Join Heidelberg Materials?

At Heidelberg Materials, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive working environment where our people can thrive. You’ll be joining a global business that invests in its employees, values teamwork, and provides opportunities for training and career development.

Whether you are looking to build on existing operational experience or start a long-term career within the construction materials industry, this role offers the opportunity to develop your skills while contributing to essential infrastructure and construction projects across the UK.

If you’re safety-focused, hardworking, and ready to be part of a team that keeps Britain building, we’d love to hear from you.